Since the dog study test subjects also linked barks to despair, happiness and playfulness, the researchers suspect dogs and humans share a unique ability to communicate with one another that goes beyond the proposed universal mammal “language.”
The scientists believe years of domestication have improved the way that dogs, versus their wolf ancestors, can communicate with us. They point out that such communication isn’t limited to vocalizations. It also includes visual signals, such as changes in looks.
Common house cats also appear to have evolved improved means of communicating with humans, according to a study conducted by Cornell University researcher Nicholas Nicastro. Cats, however, seem more intent on manipulating us.
"Though they lack language, cats have become very skilled at managing humans to get what they want — basically food, shelter and a little human affection," said Nicastro.
Alan Beck, professor and director of the Center for Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University, told Discovery News that we have to be careful not to interpret behavior according to "our projection of intent." But he admitted dogs might be able to communicate with us through their barks.
Beck said, "As dogs and humans share some basic non-verbal communications, it is very possible that verbal ones also exist."
