Genius dogs can learn new words by eavesdropping, study finds

A peer-reviewed study reports a rare group of 'Gifted Word Learner' dogs can pick up the names of new toys simply by listening to owners talk; researchers tested 10 dogs and found seven learned new toy names in one experiment.

Researchers report that a rare subset of dogs can learn new object names by eavesdropping on owner conversations. The lead researcher, Shany Dror, described these animals as "Gifted Word Learner" (GWL) dogs. The work builds on the Genius Dog Challenge Research Project at ELTE University and involved 10 dogs tested in two experiments. Scientists say the pattern of learning resembles that seen in 1.5-year-old toddlers. Key findings: - Researchers tested 10 dogs in two experiments to measure how well they learned new labels for toys. - In the first experiment, owners directly introduced two new toys, then talked about them with another person without involving the dogs; seven dogs learned the new toy names in about eight minutes. - In the second experiment, dogs had to recognize a toy name when the toy was out of sight, and most of the gifted dogs succeeded. - Dror and colleagues say GWL dogs can learn many object names and reported that this ability may match the word-learning level of 1.5-year-old toddlers. - The researchers reported that the trait likely reflects a mix of individual predispositions and unique life experiences, but which factors are most important remains unclear. Summary: The study indicates a small number of pet dogs show an advanced ability to learn object names from overheard conversation. The researchers describe these dogs as an exceptional model for exploring cognitive abilities related to language development. The team is seeking more dogs that can identify 10 or more toys by name to expand the research.