Dog's life for women

WOMEN are better than men at understanding what a dog means when it growls, a study shows.

Their greater emotional insight may give them the edge in identifying what a dog is feeling, experts say.

Researchers found women were correct at identifying the animal’s intentions 65 per cent of the time, compared to 45 per cent for men. Dog owners of both sexes were also more accurate than non-dog owners. Scientists in Hungary recorded sounds made by 18 dogs during activities including guarding food, facing a threatening stranger or playing tug-of-war.

About 63 per cent of the 40 participants identified the dog’s emotions. They identified 81 per cent of the “play” growls but fewer recognised the more serious growls.