In cases where the actors cooperated, the dogs and monkeys showed no preference about accepting the treat from either one. In cases where the second actor did not help the first, they showed a marked preference for accepting a treat from the first actor.
Dogs judged and preferred people who showed cooperative social behavior in much the same way a year-old human does. We know how carefully our dogs observe us, the way they can predict it's walk time while we're forming the thought and don't believe we've even made a move.
And now we know for sure that they know whether we've been bad or good. Who needs Santa when the dog is watching to make sure we're sharing our toys and food?
Our Wyatt is an excellent judge of character. We let him choose our friends!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating study. Dogs really do have a moral compass, and this certainly bears that out. We've definitely had cats that are good judges of character.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! We just love those hats☺
ReplyDeleteHi hi hi! Ojo here! Our person thinks it's very cool that scientists are finally spending lots of time studying Dogs and learning about us! But I have to say, that's not news to me; of course I prefer people who are nicer and fairer and more helpful!
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