Looking for dogs that can understand 20 objects by name

11 Jul. () –

The Canine Cognition Centre at the University of Portsmouth has been trying to find the smartest dog in the UK.

As part of their ongoing research, they are beginning a new study exploring how dogs learn sound symbolism and begin to associate words with objects.

Dr. Juliane Kaminski, director of the Center, which is located within the University’s Department of Psychology, said it’s a statement: “To participate in the study, A dog must recognize more than 20 objects by nameideally toys.

“Although we are looking for a rare group of dogs, they can be of any breed or age. They just need the specific talent of being able to differentiate an object by its name.

“This project will help us with our research into what drives this unique talent. But to get effective results we need a large sample of pets, “So we need the public’s help!”

Kaminski’s pioneering research into canine cognition began with an exceptionally gifted border collie named Rico. More than 20 years ago, Kaminski devised a test that showed that he could label 200 items and remember words for weeks after being taught them. The study, published in Science in 2004, was the first of its kind.

This ability is broadly comparable to that of language-trained apes, dolphins, sea lions, and parrots.

Rico inspired a citizen science project, Finding Rico, which launched in 2021 with the goal of locating and studying other intelligent dogs.

The latest study will be led by Dr Leanne Proops, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Portsmouth. She said: “We are very interested in hearing from anyone in the UK who thinks their dog meets the criteria. These special dogs will help us with an exciting new project that will help us understand how human language evolved.“.

Almost a decade ago, the first centre dedicated exclusively to studying dogs’ ability to understand humans and the world around them was officially opened on the Langstone campus of the University of Great Britain.

Since then, hundreds of dogs have been played and given tasks to solve in order to better understand how they interact with their environment, other dogs or people.

The research carried out at the centre is strictly observational and no invasive methods of any kind are used. In addition, the dogs They are always rewarded with food or games for completing their tasks and games.

In one study, the team found that dogs have developed new muscles around their eyes to better communicate with humans. Dr. Kaminski’s research showed that dogs moved their eyebrows significantly more when humans looked at them. The hypothesis is that these “puppy dog ​​eyes” trigger a loving response in humans.

The team also mapped the dogs’ facial movements, and dubbed the movement responsible for raising the inner eyebrow Action Unit (AU) 101.

“We are always looking for dogs and their owners to join our dog registry.“, Dr. Kaminski added.

“All you have to do is answer a couple of questions with their name, age, sex, whether they are motivated by toys or food etc. Although we are primarily looking for people who are local and can travel to our centre in Portsmouth, we are also open to owners who are further afield, since we also have online surveys.”