Any of us know how we feel when we come across something new or strange we have never seen before. A sense of excitement for some, fear for others. Even though the question posed above is focused primarily on dogs, it goes towards the entire animal kingdom; just how do all of these “other” animals we share this taxonomic kingdom with think of us? Is there sense of fear or happiness really the same as ours?
According to research by Dr. Gregory Bern's , using an MRI machine, his research team has concluded that when … dogs that are presented with certain smells in scanners can clearly tell the difference between dogs and humans, and also discern and recognize familiar and strange odors.
A familiar smell from humans, at times, did evoke a reward response from the dog being observed. Overall the study claimed that … dogs love their humans — and not just for food
, he says. They love the company of humans simply for its own sake.
From a visual perspective variations can be found as well, adding yet another layer of contrast that separates humans from the other animals. This difference comes to life, with the link provided above, with several interactive slides that show how some animals perceive color opposed to us.
I am quite certain that most would agree that dogs have become such an intricate part of our collective culture that accepting the possibility that they are able to pick up and respond to certain social cues from us is not a very far leap to make. That being said, the evidence is clear that dogs as well as other animals do see and smell things in their environment quite different than we do. How they perceive themselves as individuals in our environment is still an area that is still largely not understood. I believe most pet owners have a firm belief that whether it's Fido or Tabitha, they are members of their family, with all the positives and negatives that go with it, and that will simply have to be enough, as honestly, what else is needed?
Recent Articles
-
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice!
Safe & Toxic Foods for Your Dog The holidays are coming, and soon your house will be filled with the sound of family, friends, and trick-or-treaters at your door – as well as the smell of delicious food wafting from the kitchen. With all the excitement and distractions, it’s easy for your dog to get into things that aren’t safe for them. It is really important for you, and your guests, to know what is safe and not safe for your pet to eat (especially when they’re sneaking them table scraps). Fine Foods for Fido These foods are safe to...
-
Pro Tips for Using the Dog Silencer
With these tips, you can use the Dog Silencer® like a Good Life Bark Control Expert. -
The Original and Real Pit Bull
The pit bull has to be one of the most, if not the most, controversial dog breeds there are. Putting aside feelings and politics, let's look at the history of this misunderstood animal. -
Working Like a Dog – Service Dogs
This Labor Day we wanted to focus the spotlight on service dogs, as well as to offer a better understanding of the law and how we as a community can protect the rights of these dogs and their handlers. Service dogs not only provide companionship to those who have disabilities, they also give them a better quality of life, allowing more independence and control over their own lives. These highly-trained dogs start their training in puppy hood. They then work tirelessly everyday to make sure that their person is safe, taken care of, and is provided with immediate attention in...
-
The Science of Sound Waves
Customers understandably get concerned as to the effect our devices have on their dog. Will it hurt them? The answer is a big “no”. Read on to learn about sound waves and why this is the case.
