Kicker: A dog’s discernment

MARY REICHARD, HOST: Myrna, we know dogs are smart. And new research proves it even further!

MYRNA BROWN, HOST: Wait, what?

REICHARD: Animal scientists in Hungary hooked some of their pets up to a machine that monitors brain activity. Their question? Sound from Current Biology:

AUDIO: Do animals activate a mental representation when they hear the name of an object?

REICHARD: A mind picture, in other words. Well, the answer is yes!

When scientists said the name of one toy but held up a different toy, dog brain activity went up, just like in humans when we’re confused that what’s being said isn’t the same as what’s shown.

BROWN: Sounds like dogs know misinformation when they see it.

REICHARD: It’s a valuable skill!

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