“Man’s best friend”. Dogs are so called because of their companionship and their ability to empathize. However, they are not the only pets able to develop close and deep bonds with the people who take care of it.
In that sense, a study revealed that there is a domestic animal – even if it is not a pet – that has the same characteristics as dogs.
This animal is as loving and intelligent as a dog, according to science
Goats may not be the most cuddly animals. However, the research has it shown that they are as intelligent as dogs. In addition, they are just as capable of establishing emotional relationships with humans as any other pet.
So explored a study published in Animal Cognition in 2018 problem solving ability of goats. Contrary to popular belief, the results showed that goats can learn complex tasks. But also applies this knowledge in new situations.
This finding suggests that goats have a more advanced level of logical thinking than previously attributed to them.
The goat, the farm animal that can act like a dog
This particular characteristic has previously only been observed in dogs and horses. For the study, researchers trained 34 adult goats, 17 castrated females and 17 males to remove a plastic cover placed over a box containing a reward.
The research team had the animal perform this experiment several times. Then, in the final step, they changed the technique to make it impossible to open the box.
When the animals found that they could not perform this task, they then turned their gaze in the direction of the experimenter. Then the goats changed their behavior depending on where the man’s gaze was, whether he is in front of them or with his back turned.
The goats are calling for help
“Goats look at people the same way dogs do when they ask for a treat that is just out of reach,” said one of the researchers, Christian Nawroth.
“Our results provide strong evidence of complex communication man reigns in a species which he has domesticated mainly for agricultural production. Thus, there are similarities with animals bred to become pets or working animals. And like dogs and horses,” he added.
Goats love you too
We believe that only pets can bond strong emotional relationships with their owners. Yet so do goats.
Various studies have shown that these animals have the ability to form social bonds. Which proves that goats can develop strong emotional bonds with humans.
Goats also distinguish between tones of voice that reflect positive or negative emotions. In addition, they react differently depending on the emotions reflected in people’s faces. And of course, like all animals, they prefer positive facial expressions.
This emotional bond is not limited to interaction with people. Yes, goats show empathy towards each other. They actually recognize the emotions of their peers and respond to them. This is how they adopt a comforting and supportive behavior stressful situations.
Smart as a goat
Previous research has also shown thisThe intelligence of these animals rivals that of dogs. They are able to tell if there is a treat in a cup. As well as distinguishing from this information whether there will be a treat in another cup.
“We know from our research that goats are smarter than their reputation suggests,” says Alan McElligott. “These Results show that they can communicate and interact with those who care about them. And this, even though they were not domesticated as pets or working animals.
That’s what all this research suggests Goats have the potential to be wonderful and loving companions, just like dogs.
Also, they reveal something we were not aware of. In fact, living alongside humans for tens of thousands of years, whether pets or not, may have a greater impact on animal species than we might expect.
