Dogs Are Able To Identify Mean People, According To Science

Jul 11, 2018

Dogs and humans, despite living so closely for thousands of years, have developed different advantages when it comes to senses. Humans have a much better eye sight than dogs; dogs have much better smelling and hearing than humans. In fact, dogs are used to sniff out dangerous items to help us. Dogs sniff out drugs, bombs, and they can even be trained for more difficult tasks.

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Studies from Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews claim that dogs have another ability too. They are able to tell when a human is being mean to another human. They use these senses to determine how they behave and react to a person.

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One of the tests used to determine if dogs react different depending on how someone interacts with their owners consisted of a pet owner struggling to open a jar. The owner asked for help and some of the helpers passively helped open the jar. Some of the helpers refused to open the jar.

The dogs still accepted treats from the people who refused to assist their owners, but the dogs were more hesitant.

Specifically, the study proved that dogs are less likely to trust someone that is a jerk. Dogs like nice people. This means a lot, especially when considering that treats were involved.

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Next time your dog is looking at you funny, remember that they are probably judging you. This isn't necessarily bad. When you have friends, or strangers, over, watch your dog and see how the dog reacts. It could tell you a lot about the people that you have invited into your house.

Everyone knows that dogs are smart animals. Now you know that dogs are able to accurately judge whether someone is a jerk. Make sure to tell your friends about this newly found ability in dogs and allow them to witness it for themselves.