Akiko Takoaka, a researcher in the Department of Psychology at Rissho University in Tokyo and a specialist in animal cognition, has led various studies on dogs that have yielded interesting results. They are all the same: dogs know when someone has cheated on them, and they remember it.
In one of the experiments, one person pointed the dogs to a container containing food, while another pointed their finger at a container that, upon inspection, they discovered was empty. Then, when the experiment was repeated, the dogs remembered who had tricked them by pointing to the empty container and ignored them. Some even showed anger. On the contrary, the person who “tells them the truth” is affectionate.
Dogs have proven to be very perceptive when it comes to knowing when someone is cheating on them. In addition, they can understand when a person is not good for their human family. This was shown in a study conducted by the Department of Psychology at Kyoto University.
Many dogs, accompanied by their owners, participated in the experiment, as well as many strangers. Some of these volunteers were asked to behave in a friendly way towards the owner of the dogs in front of the animal, while others were asked to behave in a bad way towards the owner, shouting at him and even making aggressive moves.
Afterwards, volunteers offer food to the dogs. Those who are kind to their owners see how the animals accept their reward with pleasure and even love them. On the contrary, those who hate dogs become enemies.
In short, the emotional side of dogs plays an important role in their lives. Thanks to their sense of smell and good memory, they will never forget when you have been kind to them, no matter how much time has passed. As with us humans, we want to be close to those we consider generous.
