does human intelegence rub on dogs?

Question

When i say "intelegence" i mean language. Obviously langauge allows oneself to be more conscious and express ones thoughts more co-herently.

Animals such as dog' have been with man for thousands of years and have shown the ability to understand words thus understanding language albeit to a limited extent.

What im wondering is does this make dogs more smarter in the right situations then say wolves?

can they "think" there way out of problem with the aid of language and plan ahead while a wolf is just "reacting with instict" for instance?

Answer 1

I don't think you could ever really answer that. A dogs response to language is merely conditioning, though. A dog hears a certain word and when it gives the proper response, it is usually is rewarded. That doesn't imply an understanding of human language. I do think though that dogs have a sort of language of their own.

Answer 2

Dogs were once wolves. What makes dogs and people get along is that dogs and wolves are pack animals. (family even?) So it is an easy step for them.
I dont beleive that dogs can think, at least not with words. They can learn from previous experience. What seperates animals from people is not necessarly the ability to think, but to imagine and plan.
I also believe that dogs can feel on the more basic level. Fear, for example or joy as can be seen by the dogs tail.

Answer 3

When you say "intelegence", you mean "intelligence". Dogs are not exhibiting any additional skills beyond those of wolves when they respond to human language commands. Wolves use vocal communication, and dogs have quite a lot in common with them.

Answer 4

The dogs instinctive ability may be damaged by being fed regularly and not having to hunt or forrage.
Dogs may have learned to live with man but that may not mean they are smarter.

Answer 5

There are times at which I think that the more apt question would be "Does canine intelligence rub off on humans?"

Answer 6

Is not that the other way around?