CAPS: Can your dog tell when you are lying?

Dear reader, I recently read a study about dogs and their ability to discern whether their owner (handler) was truthful. Everyone who has ever had a dog knows that their BFF understands them and is able to relate to different moods and circumstances. However, without testing and data, there isn’t hard scientific proof that dogs really understand.

Enter researchers who wanted to see how sensitive dogs are to the psychological states of humans. Dogs are considered a perfect species for comparing mental abilities because they have shared their social environment with humans for at least 14,000 years.

The study involved tricking dogs. It is common knowledge that if you point at an object dogs will go to it. Using that information, researchers filled a container with food and pointed at it. The dogs ran to it. Then they pointed at an empty container and the dogs ran to find no food. The next time they pointed to a container filled with food and the dogs ignored them. It was apparent that the dogs knew the person pointing wasn’t reliable based on previous experience.

The experiment shows that if you lie to your dog he forms the opinion that your are unreliable and your word isn’t good after which trust becomes an issue. In fact, one of the researchers surmised that dogs have a more sophisticated social intelligence than previously thought.

This suggests that dogs have mentalizing (also called the theory of mind) which is the ability to explain, predict and interpret behavior by attributing mental states such as desires, beliefs, intention and emotions to oneself and other people. Children usually develop this ability at age 4. Perhaps dogs developed this by observing interactions between their human companions.

Another key finding of this study is, dogs prefer predictability and become stressed when gestures are inconsistent. However, dogs are motivated to do what benefits them the most and try to manipulate situations to their benefit.

A little white lie may not be a big deal to you but your BFF can spot a fib!

ATTENTION

Paint Your Pet Night is back on Aug. 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Old Post Office. Supplies, beverages, and appetizers are provided. The cost is $40. To reserve your spot: Text Genevieve at 801-694-0059. All money goes to CAPS.

IN NEED OF

• Funds to go toward veterinarian bills.

• Folks to foster puppies and kittens. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Leashes, harnesses for big dogs, Big Kongs, and treats for our guests.

• Dog walkers, we need volunteers to walk our dogs and foster animals. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

Mavis and Pauline for your dedication to CAPS. Pooch smooches to you!

All the folks who have been donating cans. You really have a can do attitude.

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

• July Holiday: National Dog Photography Day is July 26. Take a selfie with your BFF.

• You can donate directly to CAPS on Facebook by just hitting the donate button. You are our guardian angels, and we thank you for your support!

• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, is at jkwmil@outlook.com.