Which brings to mind the question..besides human beings, which animals are also truly self-aware? Please, informed, serious answers only. Thanks everyone.
2006-12-08 17:35:51 · 16 answers · asked by Scott 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He never barks at the mirror.
2006-12-08 17:42:15 · update #1
dont be worried about it, dogs are really intelligent!
Lucy
2006-12-08 17:38:15 · answer #1 · answered by Lucy B 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Many dogs, and cats, will do this. Some may be self aware, others seem to be wondering who is that dog in the mirror. And many others will ignore the mirror. Some animals will also watch TV while others will ignore it. I think it may be an expression of intelligence, or it could be just that some see differently than others. Have never seen a scientific paper on the subject tho.
2006-12-09 01:47:28 · answer #2 · answered by kldt7 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the dog. Without a doubt, I know my aussie knows that he is the dog in the mirror. He will also deliberately "bark talk" to my reflection in the mirror, and then turn around and expects whatever he was signalling for (open the bathroom door,mom) to be in progress...lol!
Apes, monkeys,whales, dolphins are all aware that it is them in the mirror. I see no reason why a dog would not... If a 5 y child can figure it out, why not a dog?
2006-12-09 05:23:30 · answer #3 · answered by dedum 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You never know; your dog might be enlightened.
Do what the researchers do: put a Post-it or something on his face or body where he can't see, except in the mirror. Then, if he goes to the mirror, notices it, and rubs it off, you'll know he recognizes his reflection is himself.
Chimpanzees and some dolphins have been proven to be self-aware by this mirror test. Very young human children are not.
2006-12-09 15:26:12 · answer #4 · answered by Rachel R 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He thinks there is another dog in the mirror. The other dog has become his friend. Dogs are not aware that the reflection is of them.
2006-12-09 01:43:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, your dog does not have self-awareness. Only humans and the great apes have it. Your dog thinks it's another dog.
2006-12-09 01:47:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
a lot of animals will look at themselves in the mirror... some of them actually think it is another dog or animal and not themselves... they will try playing with them and barking at them as well it is really cute... my parents dogs do this all the time...
2006-12-09 01:38:55 · answer #7 · answered by glow_worm_4u 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is no self-aware but i think this ritual is benefit for him because (some kind of quiet and meditate)
2006-12-09 02:04:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Awe! That has to be so sweet..... he must be self aware, or he sees another dog in front of him that has always been there but doesn't bother him......
2006-12-09 01:59:23 · answer #9 · answered by XXXDirtyDirtyGirlXXX 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have no doubt about it. I'm sure that they are more self aware then lot of people are!
2006-12-09 04:25:24 · answer #10 · answered by dreamreacher1 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
that's amazing, my dog, cat, ferrets could care less about the mirror. Monkeys are the other animal right?
2006-12-09 01:39:04 · answer #11 · answered by underwaterangel 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋