Dogs are no more special than other animals

Dogs are no more special than other animals

Every animal is created with advantages and disadvantages, as well as cats and dogs. The research team revealed the results of a study of the quality of intelligence of dogs which was no more special than other carnivorous animals.
The research, published by the journal Learning & Behavior, began with the question of "how smart is that dog really?"
The study compares dog cognition with other carnivorous animals, hunting animals, and pets.Researchers used information already available about the behavior of a number of animals, including wolves, cats, dolphins, chimpanzees, pigs and pigeons.The aim is to see if the dog has special abilities that have not been documented before.The result is the ability of dogs into the category of no development from which has become common knowledge."We examined sensor, physical, spatial, social, and self-awareness cognition," the study report wrote. These various cognitive aspects are based on three perspectives: as a carnoviral mammal, specifically canidae; ecologically, as a hunting animal; and anthropological, especially as pets.
The study wrote that although the comparison was incomplete, the researchers concluded, dog cognition was influenced by the three components mentioned above.Researchers note, dog cognition is not brilliant and not extraordinary.
However, the results of the study also added that dog intelligence is fairly good at taking orders and instructions from humans who maintain it.Based on the results of the study, when comparing animals of the same type, there were no cases showing dogs having extraordinary intelligence compared to other animals.Although they feel that their research material needs to be enriched, the researchers believe there is no indication of special features in the carnivorous and omnivorous mammals of the Carnivorous order, which is a dog family.
The ability of dog cognition, undeniable, is indeed unique. But the same uniqueness belongs to other species. The uniqueness of dog intelligence, can not be separated from the fact that that ability is expected from dogs that have become pets.

"We need to understand the cognition of some species well, then use that knowledge as a framework for further research about the cognition of other species," concludes the research report.

The uniqueness of other petsIn a previous study initiated by Saho Takagi - a Kyoto University psychologist - also concluded that the quality of intelligence and ingenuity of dogs is not exactly extraordinary.Cats, for example, also have abilities that have been believed to be owned only by dogs, such as the memory of instructions and information.Takagi said, dogs are always claimed to be one animal that is able to recall events indirectly. This ability is called episodic memory.
However, Takagi's research shows that cats also have better skills.Takagi and the research team studied 49 domestic cats. They see that cats are able to remember their food bowls and bowls that have not been touched after being paused for 15 minutes.
He said, such behavior and memory are actually the same as human capabilities.
Humans can unconsciously recall a series of events in the past in their lives, especially those related to momentum, for example, the first day of work, memories of marriage, and death.Memory, according to Takagi, is related to personal memory so this makes humans a unique creature.
Therefore, Takagi was amazed by the research conducted on cats.
The research process led to the conclusion that cats are able to respond to human movements, recognize emotions, and remember facial expressions.

"It's different from the general view that dogs are smarter than cats. "Our results show that cats are just as smart," Takagi said.

He added, the results of this study could be interesting speculation. Because, it is proven that cats have memories of experiences that have occurred, similar to humans.Episodic memory, Takagi said, was seen as related to the introspective function of the mind.In addition, the results of the study also wrote that cats can remember for a longer period.

"Studying and analyzing cats helps strengthen better relationship behaviors between humans and cats," he concluded.

===> 16 pluses to get a dog

1. LESS DISEASE!

                    Modern propaganda of purity is aimed at the struggle of mankind with microbes, which will not end until all harmful microorganisms are destroyed. In fact, creating such a huge amount of disinfectants, we kill ourselves. From the moment our body is attacked by smaller microbes, it becomes more difficult for the body to develop immunity to them. Dogs are just studded with germs! The presence of such a pet in the house means that microbes are present throughout the house and, moreover, affect all its inhabitants. However, it is believed that dog owners are less likely to get sick and often the disease does not produce severe manifestations, in contrast to owners of cats or people without pets.

2. NO ALLERGIES!

               
                Despite the fact that dogs are considered one of the worst triggers (pathogens of allergies), children growing up in a house with shaggy pets are less likely to develop allergies throughout their lives. Even if your mother, while still pregnant, lived with a dog, the problem of an allergy to hair (animals) or eczema is unlikely to bother you.

3. ONLY A POSITIVE ATTITUDE!

                           Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression. People suffering from clinical depression, having pets with their help, get rid of the disease, and in some cases it is more effective than medicine. Since caring for a dog requires enough effort and time, and forces you to lead an active lifestyle, you practically have no time for any internal worries. Pets, their love and affection help people to be in a good mood. Even a simple look at your pet increases the amount of oxytocin, a hormone in the brain that is responsible for the feeling of deepest affection, tenderness and love.

4. HEALTHY HEART!

                           The dog has a positive effect on the health of the cardiovascular system of its owner. When you pet a dog, your heart rate and blood pressure decrease. Researchers from China have proven that dog owners sleep better at night and are less likely to get sick. Other scientists have also shown that pet owners have lower cholesterol.

5. MORE SPORT!

                           All pets have a positive effect on their owners, however, dogs have an advantage because with them you need to walk, play and more than once a day. This means that most dog owners receive the recommended minimum 30 minutes of exercise per day, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and helps keep the body toned.

6. MORE COMMUNICATION!

                             Surveys show that the owners of shaggy pets do not just walk along the street, but communicate with other owners. Even if you live alone, the dog will be able to replace you with a friend, and you will not feel alone.

7. PREVENTION OF CANCER!

                              One day a dog can save your life. It is believed that dogs can smell cancer in humans. There have been cases when dogs sniffed and licked their master’s moles and indicated a malignant tumor. These cases were not immediately verified, but later, scientists confirmed this information with studies. Some dogs are even trained to detect cancer.

8. THE SECOND "I"

                                 Your pet’s breed can tell people a lot about your personality. Researchers from England have identified a clear relationship between owners and breeds of dogs with whom they lived; for example, the choice of which fell on miniature dogs, as a rule, very smart, and owners of larger dogs, such as a Dalmatian or a bulldog, were the most conscientious. Other studies have shown that dog owners are generally more sociable and friendly than cat owners. But be careful, dogs also adopt the personal qualities of their master, if you are very quick-tempered, do not be surprised at the aggressive behavior of your pet.

9. LESS STRESS AT WORK.

                                Studies show that in people who are in some way in contact with their pet at work, the stress level is much lower, while in other hosts, the stress level increases over time. Also, dogs in the office make people take breaks more often to play or take a walk, which makes their owners more energetic by the time they get back to work. And this, in turn, leads to a better result in the work.    

10. ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL LOADS IMPROVE THE GENERAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

                                    Walking with a dog is a great way to stay fit and maintain a healthy level of physical activity. After all, you will walk longer on average 30 minutes a week. Staying in the fresh air positively affects the psychological state and allows you to stay in good shape! So take the dog and go for a walk: the opportunity to run and play will give her pleasure and help strengthen your health.

11.RISK REDUCTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

                                       The presence of a dog in your life normalizes blood pressure and cholesterol. Survival rates in the first year after myocardial infarction among dog owners are 22% higher compared to people who do not have dogs. So take the time to hug and stroke your “savior” friend and take care of him!

12. THE PRESENCE OF THE DOG HELPS TO CONTROL THE STRESS

                                       Physical contact with the dog reduces stress and normalizes blood pressure. In addition, communication with the dog brings pleasure and satisfaction - personal anti-stress therapy has never been so affordable!

13. IMPROVEMENT OF SELF-ASSESSMENT

                                      Whoever you are and in whatever situation you are in, caring for your faithful friend brings warmth and comfort, as well as enhances self-confidence. It’s so wonderful to feel fit!

14. MORE SOCIAL LINKS

                                      You will definitely notice a positive change in your social life after you have a dog. You will become more likely to smile, and it will be much easier for you to get acquainted and start a conversation with strangers. If you are single, your outgoing four-legged friend will undoubtedly help make new friends in the face of other dog owners.

15. DOGS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE

                                   The presence of a dog helps older people deal better with depression, especially if they lack communication with friends or family, or if relatives live far away.

16. THE RAPEUTIC INFLUENCE OF DOGS

                            More and more often, dogs become loyal helpers when working with people suffering from mental illness, for example, autism or Alzheimer's disease. Also, do not forget about the invaluable help that companion dogs provide to their owners with disabilities. So, yes, your dog has many wonderful qualities, each of which is better than the previous one.

How do you like these benefits? The dog really improves the quality of life of the whole family. The only condition for this is the happiness and well-being of your dog! A healthy diet, assistance in socializing with other animals and people, exercises, developmental games and caring for your pet will strengthen your unique relationship and help both of you enjoy life. Therefore, there is practically no reason not to have a dog. But before deciding, be sure to weigh the pros and cons.