The role of visual cues in the comprehension of the human pointing signals in dogs.

摘要: In this study we examined the effect of visually emphasized pointing arm in case “Cross-forward pointing” gesture dogs which proved to be difficult for them an earlier (Lakatos, Soproni, Doka, & Miklosi, 2008). Our hypothesis was that if emphasize directionality visual cue using different, more contrasting coloured clothes during tests, will able enhance their performance two-way choice tasks. results showed conspicuousness signal can affect how perceive it. contrast our initial a long white sleeve on black background did not increase dogs’ performance, while sleeves with nude (“white”) hands had enhancing effect. This suggests need see salient body part what overhangs median silhouette and when whole is covered by colour then (pointing) hand appears as conspicuous asymmetrical feature one side body. Making less makes invariably disappear. Thus summary assume key aspect but asymmetric provided human informant.