Brain Scans Reveal What Dogs Really Think of Us

[steve2470]

http://mic.com/articles/104474/brain-scans-reveal-what-dogs-really-think-of-us#.1SIiqM7Sy



In the 30,000 years humans and dogs have lived together, man's best friend has only become a more popular and beloved pet. Today, dogs are a fixture in almost 50% of American households.

From the way dogs thump their tails, invade our laps and steal our pillows, it certainly seems like they love us back. But since dogs can't tell us what's going on inside their furry heads, can we ever be sure?

Actually, yes. Thanks to recent developments in brain imaging technology, we're starting to get a better picture of the happenings inside the canine cranium.

That's right — scientists are actually studying the dog brains. And what the studies show is welcome news for all dog owners: Not only do dogs seem to love us back, they actually see us as their family. It turns out that dogs rely on humans more than they do their own kind for affection, protection and everything in between.

more at link

[tabasco]

1. Dogs save human lives every day and add immeasurable joy as companions.

They have earned a special status as partners with humans and should be treated that way.

[Duppers]

21. "Should be treated that way" Exactly.

Why do Asian cultures, for the most part, not understand this?

[Warren DeMontague]

2. I have become a dog person in middle age.

My experience is in line with these studies.

[Chemisse]

3. Interesting studies!

It'd be funny to see how cats fare in the brain scans. Is there are neural pathway for indifference?

[Laffy Kat]

63. They'd have to use CAT scans for that.

[Chemisse]

73. Haha! n/t

[Sanity Claws]

4. Brain scans of cats to follow?

Argument about what those brain scans would show in The Lounge? Who'll start?

[Yavin4]

7. Don't need a brain scan

[Paper Roses]

12. Best laugh of the day! n/t

[vkkv]

17. Too funny!

Thanks! !

[passiveporcupine]

18. Thanks for that

[randys1]

29. Oh jeez

[cali]

37. Kitty giving the finger. Too funny.

[malaise]

40. You win the thread

[Warpy]

41. Tortietude! I know it well

Studies of cats are ongoing. Factoid, cats only meow to humans. In the wild, they have a large vocabulary of purrs, growls, hisses, chirrups, and squeaks, but no meows. They really do seem to be trying to talk to us. No hyoid bone, though, so they're SOL.

[Depaysement]

49. This is so funny! nt

[SammyWinstonJack]

59. LOL!

[smirkymonkey]

60. LOL!

Here's a little video that explains it perfectly...

[flying rabbit]

69. Heh!

[kairos12]

8. Catscans.

[FailureToCommunicate]

11. Cat: "Scan this..."

[Paper Roses]

15. Love this thread. Love dogs & cats too! n/t

[zazen]

23. it'd be a mirror? n/t

[hunter]

24. First you've got to get the cat into the scanner...

...probably about as much fun as giving a cat a bath.

And once you do, they will be hating you.

[nadinbrzezinski]

25. I actually propose parrrots

you think a cat would have hard... wait.

[drm604]

5. Anyone who's owned a dog won't be surprised by this.

They demonstrate obvious affection and crave attention from humans.

[Sissyk]

6. This is not a surprise to dog owners.

It's always good to use Science to prove us right, too! lol!

I can tell when my Sweet Lady is smiling and when it's gas.

[Cassiopeia]

9. I could have saved them some money. nt

[Rebkeh]

10. They had to do a study?

They could have saved a lot of money and just gotten a dog.

[etherealtruth]

13. I LOVE my dog

It comes as no surprise that she loves me!!!!!

[chervilant]

14. Durn!!!

Could just kiss dem all!!!!

[vkkv]

16. Thank you! ______________ n/t

[passiveporcupine]

19. I would reword this

Not only do humans seem to love dogs back, they actually see them as their family. It turns out that humans rely on dogs more than they do their own kind for affection, protection and everything in between.

For many of us, this is true!

[tazkcmo]

36. And who can blame us?

Dogs are, after all, a higher life form!

[edhopper]

20. This

[IMG][/IMG]

[NobodyHere]

30. Or this

[Punkingal]

22. Look at that pic!!!! Love on 4 feet times 10!

Just want to hug them all!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

26. ...

[cali]

35. Lol. And that's why I'm a dog person

[Arugula Latte]

85. And that's why I'm a cat person.

Well that plus purrs > barks.

And kitties are sooooft.

[Raster]

50. Dogs vs. Cats.

DOG DIARY

8:00 AM - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 AM - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity!
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. The sick bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies'. I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He obviously has issues. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/21/joke-cat-vs-dog----war-of_n_1534447.html

[csziggy]

27. Putting in all those Golden Retrievers and Shelties stacked the deck!

Those breeds are so loving and lovable of course they would get those results.

[tazkcmo]

34. That's what I thought!

My first reaction was, "Well, they've gone and got two of the smartest and loyal breeds out there!". Can't say that I blame them, though. Getting a Jack Russell to lay still long enough for an MRI would be a task to challenge the patience of Mother Teresa.

[csziggy]

42. Of course, the photo is probably staged

And those were dogs they could borrow to pose on the equipment.

I've been almost tempted to adopt a dog - it would force me to get out and move around. But all that show up in the shelters in this are are pit bull crosses, itty bitty breeds such as chihuahuas, or hyper active ones such as Jack Russell terriers. While they may be perfectly good dogs, the breeds tend to have personalities that I have never liked.

Oh well - they are probably saving me from myself. When I had to put my last dog to sleep in 1999 at the age of 17 I thought about it long and hard and decided I would have no more dogs. I think it was a good decision though I miss having a dog. My cat will have to substitute!

[tazkcmo]

43. If you decide you really want one

Look for specific rescue operations for the breed you like. I've been lucky to find two great Labradors from a local Lab rescue operation in KC.

I understand your reluctance. It's so painful to say goodbye to a loved one, dog or human, and the damned dog just doesn't live long enough! I'm currently still getting over the death of my last best friend but will be getting a new best friend in the spring/summer. I'm happy for you and the cat, though!

[Fuddnik]

54. Thats what I did.

I'm partial to Retrievers. So, when our last two, that we had for 13 years passed, I found the Florida All Retriever Rescue, that rescued different retrievers from around the Southeast.

We found a 12 week old female Lab-Springer mix that we brought home, and a year later found a male, 10 week old Lab-Golden mix.

That was 6 and 5 years ago. Most lovable, affectionate dogs you can find. When they're not extorting Frosty Paws from us every night. They know when it's time.

[csziggy]

58. If I am meant to own a dog it will find me

That has been true all my life. My first dog was one my Dad found lost in the woods. Out of the four of us girls he claimed me as his person.

My last dog, I found on the side of a highway living off road kill. He was about three to four months old and from the very first day he knew he had it made. He appreciated the good life for all the years he lived with us. He was probably part Catahoula - he loved to herd the horses and taught himself to be a header since the heels were the dangerous end.

My best dogs have been medium size, about the size of those shelties (or are they border collies?). While we were running the farm a herding bred dog was perfect. These days one of those would go stir crazy since it wouldn't have a job.

These days a cat fits my life style. My current cat is fourteen. We will probably travel a few years once he's gone then get two cats that get along when we give up traveling. I won't mind older cats - so long as they are already used to each other. I figure I'll be in my seventies before I adopt any new kitties so older will be better!

[exboyfil]

77. Those where the subjects (Goldies and Border Collies)

Both breeds are easy to train but are very different (both are great dog breeds in their own way). They were trained to stay in the scanner.

It is too bad you can't find a small dog which you like. My mom was so fortunate to find her "Baby Doll". A chihuahua mix but without the chihuahua aggression. It is simply a perfect dog for her. She got it soon after my dad (her husband) passed away.

Our family is a herding dog family (a BC and a Sheltie/Aussie mix). Simply love Goldies as well, but have not been around them much. My BC acts a lot like a Goldie.

Here is a different article about the scan.
http://www.wired.com/2014/02/dog-brains-vocal-processing/

[csziggy]

79. Too many of the small breeds are hyper

At least the individuals I've met. My sister had a Chihuahua when we were kids that was not as hyper and sensitive as the others of the breed I've seen since. Of course that was over fifty years ago and the purebreds often are bred to the point of uselessness.

Mom had a long haired Daschund for a few years. She found it at a rest stop on the interstate. He was a sweetheart but he was not a good fit for my Dad so she gave it to a kid who loved him for many years.

Around here the small breeds tend to be Jack Russell terriers - far too hyper and overactive for my personality. The small shelter dog I'd be tempted by is a Dachshund / Italian Greyhound cross - she looks like a Daschund on stilts. But the Italian Greyhound is a site hunter and if she inherited that trait she'd drive me nuts going after squirrels. Of course, I would no longer have to worry about squirrels eating all my birdseed.

Here is her page: http://www.lchs.info/dogs/#action_0=pet&animalID_0=9499855&petIndex_0=1

Part of her appeal is her color. My old Catahoula mutt was a blue merle, about the same color as Bella.

Right now is not a good time to adopt a new pet. My MIL went in the hospital Friday and we still don't know if she will come out alive. She's essentially on life support - intubated with a feeding tube. Otherwise I'd be really tempted to go meet Bella.

[exboyfil]

81. Sorry to hear about your family troubles

Wish you the best.

[csziggy]

82. Thank you

MIL is 87. While her body is going her mind is good. My Mom is 94. Her body is great but her mind is slipping. I'm not sure which way I want to go when it's my time.

[smirkymonkey]

62. Actually I think they are Border Collies, probably the most intelligent

breed there is. I love them all, but I am definitely more of a Retriever person.

[steve2470]

65. from my cursory google images search, you appear to be correct! nt

[csziggy]

66. Yeah - I realized in one of my other messages they were probably border collies

I like retrievers but when I was running the farm the herding dogs won my heart. My last dog was probably Catahoula leopard dog mixed with Lab and he taught himself to herd the horses.

My next to last dog was a Golden Retriever that one of my clients gave me. While the Golden was a sweetheart he was one of the dumbest dogs I've ever met. He lived to play fetch and wasn't happy unless he got at least a half hour of fetch playing a day.

The other dog fetched a stick once. My husband threw the stick, the Catahoula brought it back, my husband threw it again and the dog was disgusted. You could see him thinking "I brought the stick back for. WTF! Go get it yourself." He'd sit and watch the Golden fetch and just be aghast. On the other hand, the Golden was afraid of the horses and would cower behind us as the Catahoula worked them, moving them from the pastures into the barn and back at feeding time.

[smirkymonkey]

72. LOL! That's true! The retrievers aren't always that bright but they

are so sweet and affectionate. My family has always had Labs and Goldens and they are relentless with the fetch thing. They could do it 24/7. The thing that drives me crazy is when they want to keep playing fetch, but they don't want to give you the stick or ball back, they want you to play a game of getting it back out of their mouth. They are pretty funny though.

However the herding dogs are so much brighter it seems.

[tularetom]

28. Hooray for dogs

[bvf]

39. This reminds me

of a Twilight Zone episode. Oldsters will know.

And if Will Rogers truly said that, that's just another reason to like him.

[etherealtruth]

48. "The Hunt" .... my favorite episode ever

[Delphinus]

56. That one has

escaped me - will have to look it up!

[tazkcmo]

44. Wish I could rec this

I feel the same way.

[tazkcmo]

31. Human emotions

I'm no scientist but I have a theory about dog's picking up on our moods. Besides the audio cues and body language, I suspect that dogs can actually smell the chemical reactions that comprise our emotions and there fore are able to "understand" how we feel.
I have always had a dog in my life, from childhood to now, although I currently do not have a dog but will be getting another this spring/summer. Anyway, all my dogs have been able to tell when I'm sad (not angry) or depressed even in the absence of tears or sobbing. They've all reacted appropriately by quietly snuggling or "kissing". No excitement, bringing of toys or other such behavior, just a seeming desire to comfort me. By the way, it always helped. Love to see a study exploring this.

[cali]

32. Of course they do. I love, love love dogs.

I just adopted a pit bull who was horribly abused and yet he is the loveliest guy and he has no aggressive history. He is very needy however. He's swiftly become my shadow.

[tazkcmo]

45. Adoptions

I've adopted my last 2 Labs and they also shadowed me which I was fine with. I think they're paranoid and rightfully so.

[dorkzilla]

76. So happy to hear that, cali

About 3 years ago on adopted a pit, frightened little girl some assholes were using as bait. She is the sweetest, smartest (seriously right up there with Border Collies), funniest dogs I've ever had, and she's such an ambassador for the breed that friends have likewise adopted pits because they love her so much. Every one of my friend's pits is as good as gold. Shame they have such an awful reputation.

[Uncle Joe]

33. That's because dogs respect humans, they're just looking for "good times" with other dogs and then

they come to regret it.

Thanks for the thread, steve.

[bvf]

38. Probably unfair, but...

?w=652

And I post this as a lifelong and devoted dog-lover, who has always understood what the research cited by the OP purports to demonstrate.

[Motown_Johnny]

46. I can tell you what they are thinking.

They are thinking

GET ME THE HE'LL OUT OF THIS DAMN BRAIN SCANNING MACHINE!!!!!

[liberal N proud]

47. Didn't need a scientist to know that

But it is nice to have the verification.

[trof]

51. S'cuse me? We've known this for a long time.

Dogs (like wolves, their ancestors) are PACK animals. It's genetically ingrained in the animal. When a dog joins you or your family, you become their pack.

Rule 1 - The pack sleeps together.
At the very least in the same room. In the same bed is better.

Rue 2 - There WILL be an Alpha. It had better be you, not the dog.

Rule 3 - To discipline a puppy, roll him on his back, belly up, feet in the air, hand on his chest, and yell at him. BAD DOG! NO! BAD DOG!
He is defenseless.
That's how his mom disciplines him.
Without the verbals. Just growls.
You could try the growls.

Rule 4 - Get a copy of "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" by the monks of New Skete.
Look it up.

[Skittles]

70. I read a quote once

"Dogs are the only animals on earth born with a love of humans in their DNA"

[proverbialwisdom]

80. Check out Brandon's training techniques on LUCKY DOG. He's a genius.

http://www.hulu.com/lucky-dog
http://cbsdreamteam.com/schedule/

http://cbsdreamteam.com/lucky-dog/emmy/
http://www.thewrap.com/daytime-emmy-awards-2015-complete-winners-list/

[sinkingfeeling]

52. Knew it!

[RKP5637]

53. Our dogs have always given us endless love, and we have reciprocated. They were

always one of the family, just like a child, parent, relative and friends. Our kitties have done the same too!

[Fuddnik]

55. They're smart and understand politics too.

No Blue Dogs here!

http://www.cafepress.com/+bernie-sanders+pet-apparel

?height=750&width=750

[Feeling the Bern]

57. I've always said I don't trust anyone who doesn't like four legged barking fur people

[Orrex]

61. Pet scan.

[IDemo]

64. My boy and girl have made that clear already

"Chief"


"Molly"

[SoLeftIAmRight]

67. They must not be testing huskies

I am sure about my other dogs - not the husky

[Gloria]

68. Dogs are really like 2 year olds...

and my 2 old guys know how to manipulate me like crazy...

[a la izquierda]

71. One of my dogs is in the hospital right now

And may not make it.
I miss him. He is the best.

[shanti]

74. oh no!

hoping your pup gets better!

[a la izquierda]

75. Got him home this afternoon.

He is not the same and I'm not sure how much time I'll have left with him. But at least he's home, where he belongs.

[proverbialwisdom]

78. Same photo in tweet by Dr. Martha Herbert in 2014 with link to Wired Magazine article.

https://mobile.twitter.com/marthaherbertmd/status/443112563270639616

Martha Herbert @marthaherbertmd 10 Mar 14

Dogs in the #MRI scanner! dog brain vocal processing http://www.wired.com/2014/02/dog-brains-vocal-processing/ cool pic. http://pic.twitter.com/C9wODYtExf

[lindysalsagal]

83. Think? 1… Eat. 2… Play. 3.Sleep. 4. Scratch. Repeat.

"Dogs think they're people. Cats think they're god."

[Gods Slayer]

84. There's a sentence in the article which I doubt

Dogs are also the only non-primate animal to look people in the eyes.

Well, one of my cats frequently looks at me in the eye.

This article is doggy-centric