Have you ever wondered how dogs recognize objects?
A new study from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest reveals that when dogs identify objects, they rely more on texture than shape.
This fascinating discovery sheds light on how dogs use their senses to interact with the world.
The research was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
The researchers worked with 35 dogs trained to fetch a specific target object from a group of distractors.
During the tests, each dog was given two options: one object that matched the target’s shape and another that matched its texture.
The experiment included eight trials. In four “target trials,” the dogs chose between the original object they were trained to recognize and one that either looked or felt similar.
In the four “generalization trials,” the dogs were presented with two new objects: one that had a similar shape to the target but a different texture, and another with the same texture as the target but a different shape.
The results showed that while the dogs initially approached objects that looked like the target, they ultimately selected the ones that felt similar. This means that dogs likely use their sense of touch to make final decisions about objects, prioritizing texture over appearance.
This study highlights how dogs use their senses differently from humans.
While people typically rely heavily on sight to recognize objects, dogs seem to combine sight with touch. First, they might visually identify something that looks familiar, but their final choice depends on how it feels.
Understanding how dogs perceive the world can help us improve how we communicate with them and design toys, training tools, and activities that align with their natural preferences.
Dogs’ unique sensory abilities are well-documented. They have an incredible sense of smell and hearing, but studies like this one show their sense of touch also plays a crucial role in their interactions with objects.
The findings are especially important for dog trainers, owners, and researchers studying animal behavior.
“This research gives us a better understanding of how dogs think and interact with their environment,” say the authors of the study.
“It shows that while dogs might rely on sight to locate an object, texture is what ultimately guides their decisions.”
Next time you’re playing fetch, remember: your dog might care more about how the ball feels than how it looks!
