Clever canines that have a talent for learning vocabulary can pick up new words by simply overhearing their handlers’ conversations, say scientists.
Parents and dog owners know that some words should not be spoken, but only spelled, to prevent small ears from eavesdropping on the conversation, and previous research has shown that, at the age of 18 months, toddlers can already learn new words by overhearing other people.
At least they don't drop, um, doppling all the time.
“Our findings show that the socio-cognitive processes enabling word learning from overheard speech are not uniquely human,” said lead author on the study, Dr. Shany Dror. “Under the right conditions, some dogs present behaviors strikingly similar to those of young children.”
Amazing. Dogs are just the best.
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