Barking News: Your Dog is Smarter Than You Think

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Researchers in Hungary have discovered that your dog’s barking isn’t all just canine commotion: they use different barks to communicate with their fellow pooches.

A team of scientists from Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest wanted to see just what was behind all our furry friends’ noisemaking, so they put some suburban dogs to the test using a hidden sound system placed near a gate outside each dog’s home.

The sound system played pre-recorded barks by two separate dogs — one dog familiar to the pooch in question and one unfamiliar dog. Researchers also played two types of barks from each pre-recorded pup: one where the dog was barking at a stranger through the fence and one where the dog was left alone.

The suburban dogs all acted differently depending on how familiar they were with the pre-recorded barking dog. The dogs stuck by the gate (where the sound was loudest) when they heard a dog they didn’t know barking at a stranger. When they heard an unfamiliar dog doing a “lonely” bark, they stayed closest to the house. They also opted to stay near the house when they heard a familiar dog barking, regardless of the type of bark.

Turns out our noble companions can not only distinguish who is barking (friend, foe or stranger) but they can also decode the messages hidden in those barks. Who’s the smarty pants now, kitty?

So, which type of bark caused the biggest stir? As you can probably imagine, the “stranger” barks got the greatest rise out of the pooches in this study, whether the bark came from a familiar dog or not.

The bottom line is this: Man’s Best Friend is always on guard and ready to protect his or her humans, and won’t hesitate to confront a stranger who encroaches on their domain. But you probably already knew that, didn’t you?

[Source: IFLScience]

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Corgidor

The Corgidor is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and Corgi. Corgidors make great family pets because they are loving and happy companions.

Huntaway

Also known as the New Zealand Sheepdog, the Huntaway is a talented herding breed. This breed is friendly and gentle with strangers.

Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Review

Oscar hates baths and he hates being wet - what a diva. That''s why I was happy to take the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy out for a ""dry"" run to see if it worked.

Best Heated Beds for Dogs

Whether it''s cold weather or senior years, a warm bed comes in handy. These are top 15 best heated beds for dogs that will keep any fur baby warm and comfy!

Gen Y Dogma: 4 Ways Getting A Dog Changes Your Friendships

When you get a dog, you may notice how other relationships in your life change. Christina Peden talks about how her friendships changed when she brought her…

English Toy Spaniel

A true lapdog, the English Toy Spaniel is dedicated to becoming the world''s best couch potato. They love being spoiled and living in the lap of luxury.

This Dyson Cordless Vacuum Will Put an End to Pet Hair Woes

This Dyson cordless vacuum just went on sale for 49% off. Designed specifically for pet owners, it''s just what you need to kiss pet hair goodbye.

Koolie

The Koolie played a role in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog. An intelligent and hard-working breed that generally responds well to training.

Pinto Horse

The Pinto Horse is bred for its color pattern. This is multi-talented horse and it can be used in a variety of settings and for a variety of tasks.

Best Slow-Feeder Bowls

Do you have a dog or cat that eats so quickly that they sometimes make themselves sick? If so, you’re not alone! This is a problem faced by many pet owners, including both dogs and cats. For some, it happens because your pet loves their food so much that they gobble down their meal out of excitement. For others, it’s a response to challenges in their past, eating their food as quickly as they can out of fear of it being taken away or stolen by another animal. Regardless of the reason, slowing your pet down is important. Not only can eating too fast make your pet feel ill, but it can lead to so

How To Teach Your Dog The Recall Command

Recall is an essential command your dog needs to learn to keep him safe – here’s how to teach it When it comes to training your puppy or dog, tea…

What You Should Know About Feline Pancreatitis

A serious condition that needs immediate attention from a veterinarian, know what to look for in case your cat suffers from pancreatitis.

Alaskan Klee Klai

The Alaskan Klee Klai has the looks and temperament of an Alaskan Husky but is smaller. The breed comes in 3 different sizes - toy, miniature and standard.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Dillard

Meet Dillard, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. He is an adult Labrador Retriever mix from Norman, OK and is already neutered. Dillard’…

Pugalier

The friendly Pugalier brings together the bold little Pug and the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for a affectionate, playful companion dog.