Dogs’ brains are sensitive to the familiar high-pitched “cute” voice tone that adult humans, especially women, use to talk to babies, according to a new study.
The research, published recently in the journal Communications Biology, found “exciting similarities” between infant and dog brains during the processing of speech with such a high-pitched tone feature.
Humans tend to speak with a specific speech style characterised by exaggerated prosody, or patterns of stress and intonation in a language, when communicating with individuals having limited language competence.
Such speech has previously been found to be very important for the healthy cognitive, social and language development of children, who are also tuned to such a high-pitched voice.
But researchers, including those from the Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, hoped to assess whether dog brains are also sensitive to this way of communication.
In the study, conscious family dogs were made to listen to dog, infant and adult-directed speech recorded from 12 women and men in real-life interactions.
As the dogs listened, their brain activities were measured using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan.
The study found the sound-processing regions of the dogs’ brains responded more to dog- and infant-directed than adult-directed speech.
This marked the first neurological evidence that dog brains are tuned to speech directed specifically at them.
“Studying how dog brains process dog-directed speech is exciting, because it can help us understand how exaggerated prosody contributes to efficient speech processing in a nonhuman species skilled at relying on different speech cues,” explained Anna Gergely, co-first author of the study.
Scientists also found dog- and infant-directed speech sensitivity of dog brains was more pronounced when the speakers were women, and was affected by voice pitch and its variation.
These findings suggest the way we speak to dogs matters, and that their brain is specifically sensitive to the higher-pitched voice tone typical to the female voice.
“Remarkably, the voice tone patterns characterizing women’s dog-directed speech are not typically used in dog-dog communication – our results may thus serve evidence for a neural preference that dogs developed during their domestication,” said Anna Gábor, co-first author of the study.
“Dog brains’ increased sensitivity to dog-directed speech spoken by women specifically may be due to the fact that women more often speak to dogs with exaggerated prosody than men,” Dr Gabor said.
p records Incredible journey of kindness: Boy travels hundreds of kilometers to protect homeless dog from sun and rain
In a world often characterized by its fast pace and relentless challenges, there are stories that shine a light on the enduring power of love, determination, and compassion. The tale of a young boy’s incredible journey, carrying his loyal canine companion for hundreds of kilometers, is one such story that has touched hearts around the globe.
This boy, whose identity remains a mystery, found himself in the harsh and unforgiving reality of homelessness. Without a stable shelter or the support of a loving family, he roamed the streets as a wanderer, navigating the challenges of life as best he could. However, amidst the hardships and uncertainties that defined his existence, he discovered an unbreakable bond with a stray dog who became his steadfast friend and confidant.
Witnessing the vulnerability of his four-legged companion and the dangers that lurked on the streets, the boy made a profound and selfless decision. He resolved to embark on a seemingly insurmountable journey, carrying his beloved dog with him every step of the way, in search of a safer and more secure place they could call home.
Under the scorching sun, with sweat on his brow and dust on his shoes, the boy pressed on along dusty roads, carrying the weight of his loyal friend on his tired shoulders. The physical strain was immense, but it paled in comparison to the emotional connection that bound them together. He knew that he was the dog’s only hope, the source of comfort and protection in a world that offered little solace.
When the skies opened up, and the rain poured relentlessly, turning the paths into treacherous, muddy trails, the boy’s resolve remained unshaken. He shielded his furry companion from the elements as best as he could, providing a haven of love amidst the downpour of nature’s tears.
Their arduous journey was a testament to the strength of their bond and the indomitable spirit of the human heart. The boy’s unwavering love for his canine companion fueled his determination, propelling him forward despite the countless obstacles that lay in their path.
News of their remarkable odyssey began to spread, touching the hearts of many who heard their story. Local communities rallied together, recognizing the extraordinary love and determination exhibited by the boy. Shelters and organizations dedicated to animal welfare stepped in, offering them temporary refuge, essential medical care, and the promise of a brighter future.
The boy’s act of carrying his dog for hundreds of kilometers resonated deeply with people across the globe. It shed light on the immense challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and the unyielding loyalty and love that animals can bring into their lives.
This incredible tale serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion, not only for our fellow humans but also for the animals that share our world. It prompts us to reflect on the countless individuals who find themselves without a home, as well as the many strays that wander the streets, yearning for love and care.
The boy’s extraordinary journey will forever stand as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. It is a story that will inspire generations to come, reminding us of the resilience and compassion that reside within us all, regardless of our circumstances.
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