What makes dogs gifted word-learners?
Dear Readers: When my wife and I would talk in front of our dog Kota, we had to spell out certain words – such as “out,” “down,” “stay,” “treat” and “bedtime” – to keep her from responding. Kota is a 9-year-old rescued Australian red heeler mix, and her attentiveness to our conversations was quite remarkable.
I would like to hear from readers with similar experiences with their dogs, who may be in the category of so-called gifted word-learners. Such dogs have been the subject of canine behavioral research by scientists in Hungary, reviewed by a former graduate student of mine, Dr. Marc Bekoff, in a recent Psychology Today article. Read it here: psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/animal-emotions/202312/gifted-wordlearningdogs-share-common-traits.
(Full study: “A citizen science model turns anecdotes into evidence by revealing similar characteristics among Gifted Word Learner dogs” by Shany Drar, et al, Scientific Reports, December 2023)
My first cat, when I was living alone as a bachelor, was a Siamese named Igor. He was a wonderful companion with a great sense of humor. He would stalk me at night, leap on my back when I crouched down or threaten me in mock aggression. He also really enjoyed retrieving various toys that I would throw for him.
Now, behavioral scientists are looking more closely at retrieving behavior in cats. A survey of more than 900 people who own fetch-playing cats suggests that the animals prefer fetching only specific items, or playing in certain places, with certain people. Cats who play fetch usually start when they are younger than 1 year old, and they tend to initiate and end fetching sessions more than their owners do, researchers reported.
“We had an overwhelming number of people say their cat was not trained to do this,” says psychologist and study co-author Jemma Forman.
Cats are more inclined to fetch items that resemble prey, while dogs appear to play fetch as a social game with other dogs or with people. Although retrieving behavior in dogs is thought to be the result of selective breeding, researchers said it’s unclear why cats would play fetch.
With Igor, I interpreted his retrieving as him giving me prey he had caught.
(Full study: “Fetching felines: a survey of cat owners on the diversity of cat (Felis catus) fetching behaviour” by Jemma Forman, et al, Scientific Reports, December 2023)
Dear Dr. Fox: This is just to express my love for the children’s book you wrote, “Vixie: The Story of a Little Fox.” It was my favorite book as a child, and I breathe the lovely air of Vixie’s and Whitepaws’s world every time someone spots a fox in my neighborhood. Thanks for Vixie.
– J.P., Independence, Missouri
Dear J.P.: What a pleasant surprise to receive your note of appreciation for my book “Vixie: The Story of a Little Fox.” I have written several children’s books, including “The Wolf,” which won the Christopher Award for children’s literature; “Sundance Coyote,” which was a nominated finalist for the Mark Twain award; “Lost Dogs Three,” which was widely promoted by Scholastic Books (along with “The Wolf ”); and “Ramu and Chennai,” which received a National Teachers Association award for best science book.
However, all are regrettably now out of print! If there are any publishers out there who might wish to reprint any of these and other children’s books that I have written, I would be happy to receive their consideration! Profits from my writings go to support animal rescue and environmental protection organizations.
Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns. Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.