Eavesdropping Dogs Learn Human Words, Study Suggests

Some dogs can learn the names of new toys simply by listening to their owners talk, new research indicates. The study focused on a select group of "gifted" dogs. These animals already knew many toy names. Researchers found they learned new ones without formal training. Instead, the dogs picked up the words during casual play. They heard owners say the new name while the dog was fetching or playing with the toy. Scientists call this "eavesdropping" learning. It means the dogs learned from overhearing everyday speech, not direct instruction. This skill appears rare. It is most common in certain breeds, like Border Collies, that are highly motivated to play with toys. The discovery shows some dogs understand human language in a more complex way than previously known.