If you're trying to get your dog to pay attention, pointing and staring at an object may be the most effective way, according to a new study, AFP reported.
Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna discovered that dogs are more likely to follow instructions when their owners combine pointing with eye contact.
The study, led by Christoph Voelter, involved strapping eye-tracking helmets to 20 dogs to observe their reactions to different scenarios.
The test subjects, which included mongrels, Staffordshire terriers, Australian shepherds, and poodles, were presented with two bowls, one containing a hidden treat.
The scientists tested several methods, such as pointing at the bowl, staring at the dog, or doing both simultaneously.
Results showed that the dogs performed best when scientists both pointed and looked directly at the treat-filled bowl. The least effective approach was pretending to throw a ball in the direction of the bowl.
The researchers suggest that dogs may not just respond to directional cues but understand the meaning behind the gestures, such as knowing the treat is in a particular bowl.
However, Voelter cautioned that more research is needed to determine the extent to which dogs understand these communications, and whether they see them as directives or as a form of communication.
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