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04/05/2025
Dogs Can Learn Hundreds of Words.
Maybe “Balanced” Trainers Should Learn Just One: Respect.
Your dog might be smarter than a toddler, and the latest science is finally catching up to what good trainers have always known: Dogs have much more intellectual depth than we’ve traditionally given them credit for.
After an extensive worldwide search, researchers in a 2023 study led by Dr. Claudia Fugazza at Eötvös Loránd University identified 41 “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) dogs from around the globe - these dogs showed they are capable of rapidly learning multiple object names.
The dogs underwent rigorous testing under controlled conditions that confirmed they truly grasped specific toy names, without relying on subtle cues or signals from their guardians. The study’s findings revealed remarkable cognitive abilities: these dogs mastered new toy/object names after only a handful of exposures.
On average, these dogs knew about 29 toy names during initial testing, but many quickly expanded their vocabulary. Several surpassed 100 object names, and one dog even learned 125 different names.
Interestingly, these dogs generally learned words spontaneously through playful interactions, not structured training sessions. This implies a natural aptitude rather than simply exceptional training.
Although Border Collies comprised over half the group, the researchers also found this talent in breeds like Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Corgis, Toy Poodles, and several mixed breeds.
While no single upbringing defined these dogs, shared traits included intense curiosity, a deep love for play, and active engagement with their human guardians.
Notably, professional dog training backgrounds among the guardians weren’t necessary, highlighting that everyday people can cultivate extraordinary abilities in their dogs.
Research like this continues to reshape our view of canine cognition, suggesting we’ve significantly underestimated dogs’ intellectual and communicative potential. (Of course, those who follow this page will not be too surprised by these findings!)
More importantly, these insights have practical implications for training and interacting with our pets:
If dogs naturally flourish in positive, playful environments, it questions outdated practices relying on aversive techniques like punishment or intimidation. Harsh methods could undermine their potential rather than enhance it.
Ultimately, this study encourages all dog guardians to rethink how we engage with our pets. Rather than limiting them to basic skills, we should foster their innate curiosity and intelligence through enjoyable, enriching interactions.
Although the authors of this study suggest this remarkable ability might only exist within a small subset of uniquely gifted dogs, I think it’s much more likely that most dogs have this untapped cognitive potential. Given the right environment, motivation, and communication style, many more dogs might demonstrate similarly impressive word-learning skills. Future research will hopefully explore how widespread this talent truly is.
But it seems, no matter how many studies, or real world examples demonstrate the profound depth, intelligence, and emotional capacity dogs possess, there will always be trainers clinging desperately to outdated methods, still claiming that we need to shock, yank, or intimidate our dogs into compliance or scoff at the idea of dogs granting consent while being taught.
It’s baffling how some in the professional dog training world continue to deny the clear and repeated evidence: dogs thrive, learn faster, and become better partners when we communicate with respect and understanding rather than pain and fear.
At some point, those committed to aversive methods must ask themselves: if dogs are capable of extraordinary cognitive feats, why deliberately undermine their potential with methods rooted in intimidation and punishment and control for control’s sake?
The future of dog-human communication is here, and it starts by acknowledging and embracing the extraordinary minds of dogs everywhere.
Reference: Dror, S., Miklósi, Á., Sommese, A., & Fugazza, C. (2023). “A citizen science model turns anecdotes into evidence by revealing similar characteristics among Gifted Word Learner dogs.” Scientific Reports, 13:21747. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47864-5
