How many times have you looked into your dog’s eyes and thought, “If only you could talk”? Well, it turns out the canines have been speaking to us all along, and not just through barking or whining.
A new study published in the science journal Animal Cognition on April 30 reports that researchers from the University of Salford in Manchester, U.K., have been working on the translation of dog gestures and behaviors for a while now — and they finally have some interesting and educational (and adorable!) findings to share.
The animal scientists were able to identify at least 47 different potential gestures (roll over, hind leg stand, paw up, etc.) that they believe canines use when trying to communicate with humans. Amazingly, they’ve also discovered the meanings behind or “translated” 19 of these specific behaviors.
Tim Greenway/Portland Press Herald via Getty
According to the study, most of the gestures mean “pet me” (or “scratch me”) as opposed to “feed me”, but obviously food-related motions are high on the list too. Other popular gestures mean your pup wants to go outside or play.
And now, a quickie run down (or dictionary, if you will) of dog gestures and their translated meanings,courtesy of News.com.au:
“I want to be pet”
Auscape/UIG via Getty
“I want to be fed”
Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty
“I want you to play with me”
The Washington Post via Getty
“I want you to open the door for me”
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Now, print this article and put it up on your fridge or save it in your phone like a translation app. You’re welcome!
source: people.com
