Dogs Have Evolved To Understand Human Gestures

DOGS understand people and look to us for help in a way that related canines such as wolves do not due to 14,000 years of domestication, a study claims.

- William Janes

Man’s best friend evolved to recognize human gestures and so perform well as trained service animals including guide dogs.

The US study compared wolf pups raised by humans with dogs having little contact with people and saw dogs win in tests of co-operation with humans.

Dr Brian Hare, a professor of evolutionary anthropology, said: “This study really solidifies the evidence that the social genius of dogs is a product of domestication. It’s this ability that makes dogs such great service animals.