09/07/2025
Your dog may know more about you than you think, especially if she’s a girl. A recent study from Kyoto University has revealed that dogs can assess human competence, showing a clear preference for people who demonstrate skill and effectiveness. And here’s the twist: female dogs appear to be the sharpest judges.
In the study, dogs were shown two people attempting to open a container filled with treats. One person succeeded, while the other failed. The dogs consistently paid more attention to the competent individual, especially when food was involved. This suggests that dogs can not only observe but evaluate human behaviour in real time, making social and practical judgments based on outcomes.
According to Professor Lynette A. Hart, an expert in anthrozoology, these findings align with what we already know about dogs’ natural attentiveness to humans. They are incredibly observant creatures, constantly reading our gestures, tone, and actions. Female dogs in particular may have a neurological edge in this regard. They often outperform males in tasks requiring focus, responsiveness, and trainability, traits that could help explain their stronger judgment of competence.
Breed also plays a role. Working breeds like German Shepherds are known for their advanced problem-solving abilities and heightened sensitivity to human cues. These dogs were bred for tasks that involve close cooperation with people, such as herding, protection, and search-and-rescue. It’s no surprise that they excel in recognising patterns of success and failure in humans.
What this research highlights is just how intelligent and socially attuned dogs truly are. They don’t simply love us blindly, they observe, learn, and form nuanced opinions about our capabilities. For dog owners and trainers, this could have major implications. Competence matters, and dogs are watching. The more consistent and effective you are in your interactions, the more your dog may trust and follow your lead.
So next time your pup seems to favour one person over another, there might be science behind that choice.
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