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Study Reveals Dogs Learn Toy Names by Eavesdropping

1/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary shows some dogs, including Border Collies, can learn new toy names by overhearing owners discuss them.
Seven of ten gifted dogs identified new toys after eavesdropping.
The results imply dogs have cognitive skills enabling them to understand human communication.
Yet the study notes this learning is rare among dogs, while highlighting their social abilities.

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Story summary

A study from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary shows some dogs, including Border Collies, can learn new toy names by overhearing owners discuss them.
Seven of ten gifted dogs identified new toys after eavesdropping.
The results imply dogs have cognitive skills enabling them to understand human communication.
Yet the study notes this learning is rare among dogs, while highlighting their social abilities.