In his intriguing book, If "Dogs Could Talk" Hungarian ethologist Csányi approaches the question of canine sentience using more science and less wishful thinking than one usually finds in the pet section of the bookstore. So how smart are dogs, really? "The average dog living in a human environment understands at least forty to fifty expressions... and is able to act appropriately even in complicated situations." Csányi draws parallels between human and canine evolution in terms of reasoning ability, visual observations and other brain functions. Just as in early humans, individual bonding and group dynamics are the emotional and intellectual drivers for dogs, Csányi notes—a fact that will come as no surprise to pet owners. He demonstrates that dogs can imitate us, feel emotions, cooperate and obey commands, but he follows Darwin in recommending that we not assign morals to animal behaviors. Dogs will develop morals when they develop speech, he says, and he's actually quite enthusiastic about the prospect, going so far as to recommend a breeding program to produce talking dogs. Publishers Weekly. See also New Scientist, 12 March 2005, p. 51.
Highly attuned to human moods and behaviour, she watches us closely and can easily predict our plans, she listens intently to conversation waiting for familiar words and probably learning new ones; she signals by glancing to communicate with us and can follow the direction where we point - something no ape can do, she solves problems and teaches the younger ones how to behave.
Update 2010 - RIP old girl
No comments:
Post a Comment