Still Waters Posted September 16, 2014 #1 Share Posted September 16, 2014 ...numerous research studies show that virtually every species, from bower birds to bees, is susceptible to illusions. But do animals feel wonderment, awe, or sense that they are experiencing the impossible? http://blogs.scienti...9/11/dog-magic/ 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilly Posted September 16, 2014 #2 Share Posted September 16, 2014 IMO dogs are not likely to grasp magic tricks in the same manner humans do. I think the article explains why with this quote: Most magicians agree that 5 years of age is the threshold at which standard magic will begin to appeal to kids. Dogs are like 3 to 4 year old kids, they just don't have the insight to understand that the laws of nature were 'magically' violated and they should be amazed or amused. Instead, dogs will probably just end up being annoyed or confused. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eight bits Posted September 17, 2014 #3 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Here's another blogger's take on the issue (working from the same Scientific American blog post as the OP). http://uncertaintist.wordpress.com/2014/09/16/can-dogs-appreciate-a-magic-trick/ The dog in question, Clea, comes up in several posts on the blog (click on her tag below the post to see). She was an alpha, which among dogs and wolves often translates as "skilled at getting her point across, even to a different species." The bottom line seems to be that if the dog pays attention, and the means of holding her attention isn't teasing her with food, then the reaction (at least in the specific case reported) is not confusion or anger, but engaged appreciation, or so it seemed to the blogger. Anecdotal, to be sure, but consistent with other experiences. All things considered, dogs don't seem to miss much, IMO, although they are often too polite to say anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilly Posted September 17, 2014 #4 Share Posted September 17, 2014 The bottom line seems to be that if the dog pays attention, and the means of holding her attention isn't teasing her with food, then the reaction (at least in the specific case reported) is not confusion or anger, but engaged appreciation, or so it seemed to the blogger. Now that's interesting...very interesting. Dogs may indeed be more savy in this than I thought. Anecdotal, to be sure, but consistent with other experiences. All things considered, dogs don't seem to miss much, IMO, although they are often too polite to say anything. Indeed, dogs don't miss much that's for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taniwha Posted September 17, 2014 #5 Share Posted September 17, 2014 My dog is the one who performs the vanishing acts around here. I gotta say im hardly amused either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whatsinausername Posted September 17, 2014 #6 Share Posted September 17, 2014 I think it's possible. When I was young, my little brother and I used to pretend to throw a ball to each other and my dog would run around desperately trying to catch it..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now