Scientists Identify the Most Effective Way to Get Your Dog’s Attention

New research shows that combining pointing and staring significantly improves dogs’ focus and responsiveness.

A study using eye-tracking technology on 20 dogs found that pointing and staring simultaneously is the most effective way to direct a dog’s attention.
The experiment tested five methods, including pointing, staring, fake throwing, and combinations of these cues, to evaluate their effectiveness.
Dogs responded best to the combination of pointing and staring, with a 72% success rate in directing their focus to the intended object or location.
Researchers suggest that this dual cue method leverages both visual and directional communication, enhancing dogs’ ability to understand human gestures.
The findings contribute to the broader understanding of how dogs interpret human communication and may inform future research on canine learning and behavior.