Dogs Know What They Don't Know
Dogs Appear to Have Metacognitive Abilities Source: Max Planck Institute Research from the Max Planck Institute Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History have performed some innovative research on dogs. The scientists findings: dogs know what they know and know what they don't know. Dogs problem solve by actively seeking information. Canine Cunning Brains This new research strongly suggests that dogs have metacognitive abilities. They're aware when they don't have enough information to solve a problem and actively search for what they need to know to get the desired results. This is similar to how primates behave but it's the first time it has been documented in dogs. DogStudies Lab At the Institute's DogStudies Lab the scientists created a test in which the dogs had to find a reward - a toy or treat - behind one of two fences. The scientists found that the dogs looked for significantly more informati...