Intention reading in dogs

Intention reading and sensitivity to communicative signals play a critical role in how humans interact with one another and how we learn and teach. However, we still have a surprisingly limited understanding of the evolution, prevalence and complexity of these abilities among non-human animals. Dogs (Canis familiaris) are a unique model system to address the issue due to their shared evolutionary history with humans. While we know that dogs pay a lot of attention to us, much remains unknown to date with respect to their information processing. Are they merely reacting to our actions - or do they genuinely understand our intentions? This research project seeks to unravel the intricacies of how dogs perceive and interpret human intentions and communication cues. The project focuses on five key aspects of canine cognition: Ostensive Signals: Do dogs remember information better when humans provide them with communicative signals like eye contact or verbal addressing? Understanding Goals: Can dogs recognize when we have a specific goal in mind and process our actions accordingly? Attributing Intentions: How flexible are dogs in understanding human intentions, also by considering contextual information? Shared Experiences: Can dogs draw on their shared experiences with humans to better comprehend what we are communicating? Iconic Gestures: Can dogs understand the communicative intention behind iconic gestures, like mimicking actions? The project employs state-of-the-art technology to investigate dogs` cognitive abilities. Using eye- tracking technology and high-definition video demonstrations, we will monitor where dogs focus their attention. This helps us understand how they process visual information. Machine-learning- based 3D body tracking will record dogs` movements and reactions in various scenarios. This includes situations where dogs must understand human actions, communicative signals and iconic gestures. Understanding how dogs interpret human intentions and communication signals not only enriches our knowledge but also enhances our ability to communicate with them effectively. This research could help transform the way we perceive and interact with our furry companions, deepening our understanding of the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs.