Scientists have discovered a method to help get your dog’s attention more effectively. According to recent research, pointing at an object while simultaneously staring at it is the most efficient way to communicate with your dog.
The Experiment
Researchers from the University of Vienna used eye-tracking goggles on 20 dogs to observe their reactions when a human tried to draw their attention to a specific object. They tested five different ways to see which method worked best:
- Just staring at the object
- Just pointing at the object
- Pointing and staring at the same time
- Fake throwing toward the object
- Not doing anything at all
The Results
The combination of pointing and gazing was the most successful method in grabbing the dog’s attention. Dogs focused more on the object when both pointing and gazing were used simultaneously, compared to just pointing. In fact, when pointing and gazing were combined, dogs approached the correct object 72% of the time, compared to 64% with just pointing.
The other methods, such as gazing without pointing or fake throwing, were far less effective. Gazing alone had little to no impact, while fake throwing barely caught the dogs’ attention.
Why This Works
The researchers found that pointing and gazing at the object helped guide the dog’s focus more effectively, thus improving the likelihood of the dog choosing the right object. This study provides insight into how dogs respond to human communication and highlights the importance of using both gestures and eye contact to engage their attention.
Takeaway
To get your dog to pay attention to what you want, make sure to point at the object while maintaining eye contact. This combination significantly boosts your chances of getting the desired reaction from your pet.
This research offers valuable insights into how humans can communicate more clearly with dogs, tapping into the natural ways they process visual cues.
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