Dogs Read Our Intent

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131639.htm

The findings might help to explain why so many people treat their furry friends like their children; dogs' receptivity to human communication is surprisingly similar to the receptivity of very young children, the researchers say. The data show that the dogs were more likely to follow along and look at the pot when the person first expressed an intention to communicate. As is often the case in research, the results will undoubtedly confirm what many dog owners and trainers already know, the researchers say. Notably, however, it is the first study to use eye-tracking techniques to study dogs' social skills.