Cross-species referential signalling events in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris).

ABSTRACT: Referential gestures are used by a signaller to draw a recipient's attention to a specific object, individual or event in the environment. These gestures have received much research attention in relation to human and non-human primates with great apes being shown to possess impressive gestural repertoires. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) meanwhile provide an ideal non-primate candidate for investigating referential signalling due to their unique relationship with humans that centres on non-verbal communication with frequent interaction. Here we observed 37 pet dogs in their own homes. Owners recorded 242 videos containing 47 potential referential gesture events. We analysed those recordings to reveal evidence of 19 referential gestures performed by domestic dogs during everyday communicat

SUBMITTER: Worsley HK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6004278 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature