Humans have shared the daily life of dogs since Antiquity, and have learned to know them over time. Even today, our doggies amaze us with their ability to navigate the world with their own codes and language. Endowed with super powers, they have very complex cognitive and sensory skills which fascinate scientists just as much. Here are 7 facts to remember that are often hidden behind daily habits perceived as very banal.
1. A sense of smell that detects traces of the past
Smelling is one of a dog's favorite activities, and it is important to let him explore as he pleases on a regular basis. Indeed, when he sniffs, he becomes aware of the places and what happened there. This activity plays a big role in cognitive stimulation.
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2. Hearing that allows precise localization
It's no secret that dogs have much more developed hearing than ours. More sensitive to high frequencies, they have more receptors than us, and detect distant sounds without difficulty. Helped by their ears, they know perfectly how to locate the origin of the sounds they hear.
3. One dominant paw
Just like humans, dogs are lateralized and tend to use one leg over the other, explains I Heart Dogs. Whether in daily life, or during educational games, owners can observe that the dog will spontaneously use the paw with which it feels most comfortable.
4. Tail flapping, a complex signal
Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail does not always mean that the dog is happy. The interpretations are multiple. When meeting a fellow dog, the dog may indeed wag its tail to show its excitement, but also to express its curiosity or questions. Likewise in other circumstances, when faced with a person or a situation, the tail movement can be interpreted in different ways. To analyze as closely as possible, it is important to take note of all of the dog's body signals.
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5. A set of body signals to communicate
Just like humans, dogs have several ways of communicating. Their ears, their gaze, their nose, their tail, their posture can shed light on their inner state. To understand your animal, it is necessary to go through a phase of observing these bodily dynamics which can differ from one dog to another.
6. Infinite learning capacity
Dogs learn by association and repetition, making the possibilities endless. Initially, the dog associates the leash, for example, with its daily walk, then the associations can become more complex, and the dog can understand that the sound of a certain engine announces the arrival of its owner.
Providing regular stimulation to the dog is absolutely essential.
7. Unique personality traits
While genetics, upbringing and environment are taken into account, dogs all have unique personalities, and it is difficult to predict their character traits. Throughout its life, the dog shapes itself through its habits, its relationships with others and the places it encounters.
Dog owners consider themselves particularly lucky to be able to witness the evolution and development of their ball of fur.