Dogs Most Favorite Things, According to Science

In this video, we will look at 15 things dogs love the most, according to science. Beef over chicken, cooked over raw Studies have found that most dogs prefer beef and pork over chicken and lamb. The hierarchy of meat preferences for most dogs appears to be beef, followed by pork, lamb, chicken, and horsemeat. They also prefer cooked meat to raw meat and ground meat to cubed meat. Another study published in Canadian Veterinary Journal has found that dogs like warm, moist food over cold or dry foods. Being productive Just like people, dogs have a sense of purpose. They enjoy accomplishing tasks and feeling useful. A recent study published in Animal Cognition has found that dogs experience positive states in response to their own achievements. Our canines have a natural inclination to work, otherwise, they will feel bored and restless. Tasks such finding the newspaper, retrieving your slippers, shepherding a flock of sheep. Your four-legged friend loves anything that makes them feel recognized and rewarded. Novelty Studies have shown that dogs suffer from something called neophilia — an intense preference for novelty. That means that dogs are just hardwired to prefer new things and, by extension, to lose interest once something is no longer shiny and new. A praising voice Dogs love praise, especially when you talk in an upbeat and higher pitched tone of voice. A new study suggests our dogs care just as much about receiving praise from their owners as they do about getting a yummy treat. Some dogs may actually value their human’s approval more than any goodies they can gobble down. Cool, fresh water A recent experiment conducted by University of New England tested dogs’ preference for water temperature. Believe it or not, the researchers found that like humans, dogs have a preference for drinking water that is cool. Always being by your side In a study from 2003, scientists learned that when people pet, cuddle or interact with their dogs, the levels of oxytocin surge in both the dogs and the owners. All recent studies suggest that all what our dogs want from us is to be with us and to be by our side. They don t seem to care about food as much as they care about us. For you to be happy Believe it or not, your happiness is the most important thing for your dog. Swedish researchers examined concentrations of a stress hormone called cortisol in 58 dogs and their owners and found that the patterns of cortisol levels in dog owners closely matched that found in their dogs, indicating their stress levels were in sync. This means when we are stressed, our dogs feel distressed too. Pet them where they enjoy it the most A study found that dogs show more signs of stress—like yawning, freezing, lip licking, or elevated heart rates—when they are pet on the head, muzzle, shoulders or paws. Petting on the chest however, is associated with a decrease of heart rate, and is more calming to a dog. Mental Stimulation Some people think that dogs just need physical exercise for a healthy body. But dogs also have brains which need to be stimulated through games, toys and other means. Any activity which will help them think, focus, and solve problems will make them smarter and happier pets. When you’re considering what toys to get your dog, include a puzzle toy that involves a challenge followed by a reward. Going for walks over food A study conducted in the UK aimed to identify the words and phrases that canines love to hear the most. The researchers monitored the dogs’ heart rate when their favorite phrases were mentioned. Believe it or not, walkies scooped the top spot, with a dog s heart rate increasing by a whopping 36% every time they hear the word. Dogs love walks because they fulfill that old, inbuilt survival instinct to go out and search for food. Eating in Private For most dogs, the act of eating is a personal moment, and they prefer to be on their own. When your dog is eating, respect their bliss and let them be. Dogs don’t like eating in high traffic areas and they need their privacy while eating. Traveling Instead of leaving your dog at a pet sitter’s home, plan a dog-friendly vacation. After all, dogs are our family members, and they certainly deserve a trip to a new place. Seeing the world through the windows Open some of your shades and blinds, so your dog can see what’s going on outdoors. Dogs can spend countless hours staring out a window and watching the world go by. A nice, peaceful nap in a quiet spot You may think your dog can sleep anywhere, anytime, but just because they can sleep through a seven-year-old’s birthday party doesn’t mean they like it. Make sure to keep your furry friend’s bed in a quiet and safe place. A delicious meal Dogs own a remarkable appetite, and something homemade will be an extra-special treat for them. Prepare a special meal for your furry friend every now and then, and let them enjoy their favorite dish.