STUDY FINDS THAT FEMALE DOGS JUDGE THEIR OWNERS FAR MORE THAN MALE DOGS
- BooBoo Pet Grooming Etobicoke
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 11
She’s not just watching you. She’s judging how good you are at the job.
A new study suggests female dogs size up our skills more than males do. Give two people the same task and many girl dogs will pick the one who looks competent.
Researchers showed pet dogs two people opening clear containers. One person opened them with ease. The other fumbled and failed.
When the third container came out, some had food and some were empty. In the food trials, dogs spent more time looking at the person who could open things. Female dogs, in particular, were more likely to approach the competent person.
In the empty trials, dogs did not show a strong preference. No snacks, no judgment. That detail matters. It suggests the dogs are using what they saw to make a smart choice, not just following a favorite.
The results line up with other work showing sex differences in dog behavior. Female dogs often show a bit more social attention. Here, that may mean being choosier about who can help.
What does this mean for you at home? Be clear, be consistent, and follow through. Your dog is paying attention. If she thinks you can do it, she’ll look to you first.
It’s funny, but it’s also sweet. Our dogs are partners. They watch us, learn from us, and pick the person who gets things done.
References
Female dogs evaluate levels of competence in humans - Behavioural Processes
Why Your Dog Might Think You’re a Bonehead - Scientific American
Your female dog may be judging you when you make mistakes, new study says - Yahoo News
Behavioral and Perceptual Differences between Sexes in Dogs: An Overview - Frontiers in Psychology
Disclaimer: Images are generated using Al for illustration purposes only.
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