Children understand dog mentality through barking dogs

Recent scientific research shows that children can understand the different barks of dogs whether they have ever been in contact with dogs before.

6-month-old children can recognize cranky growl or cheerful barking that corresponds to a picture of a fierce or gentle dog.

This new discovery was discovered by Brigham Young University laboratory in the process of studying the ability to distinguish rhythm in Beethoven's music in newborns.

It is silly to study the relationship between children and dogs. However, this experiment helps us understand how children can learn so quickly.Before children can talk, they recognize and react to the sounds that are happening around them.

"Emotion is one of the first things children perceive in life," said Ross Flom, a professor of psychology at Brigham Young University .
Flom and two Brigham Young University students posted the latest research on 'children's surprising ability' in the journal Developmental Psychology.

Flom adds, 'We choose dogs to study because dogs are creatures that have a great interaction in terms of communication, not only in action but also in their natural barks.'

In this experiment, children were shown two pictures of the same dog. A picture shows a cranky or aggressive dog and the other is a cute and friendly image. After that, the researchers turned on clips of cruel or gentle barking dogs.

6-month-old children can match pictures of happy or irritable dogs corresponding to their barks. (Photo: Brigham Young University)

Flom said that every child only heard once because the researchers did not want them to remember the sounds mechanically.

While the recording is turned on, 6-month-olds often stare at the corresponding photo. Older children often notice the correlation immediately.

The two co-authors of this experiment were Dan Hyde and Heather Whipple Stephenson, who said no child was confused in this experiment.

Hyde said, 'A lot of kids show interest. Other children simply look. '

Stephenson added that 'Infants are a very active partner.'

This research experience helps Hyde and Stephenson gain more prestige. Hyde is currently studying and studying at Harvard and working on a doctoral thesis in developmental psychology. Heather Whipple Stephenson completed an educational psychology certificate at the University of Minnesota.

Stephenson said that 'With this research, the most interesting thing is to see my ideas turn into a real research project.'