Comments on: Computer Software Decodes Dog Barking

By: Inu

Inu — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:51:44 +0000

But I think you don’t see the bigger picture. It is common language that unifies, in our case it set humans on a mutual path to shape the world instead of just being cavemen. If we can create on a smaller scale a common language between us and our dogs it will make for a much deeper connection and richer interaction with them.if they could tell us they don’t like the chicken flavor as much as the beef, or scratch between my shoulders mommy. “I have to go right now!” that one would have helped us out when they were puppies huh.

By: furmom

furmom — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:31:08 +0000

How come humans can’t seem to learn to understand Dogspeak, but dogs understand what we are saying, and can even read our minds? What does a computer program do with dogs of different language backgrounds? Our German Shepherds barked in German, and understood English and German. Our dogs even understand when I am swearing over something and come to help (humans are so helpless in the face of technology you know). On the other hand they know when we are swearing at them, and clear the decks!

By: G in INdiana

G in INdiana — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:30:32 +0000

We’ve always had quiet dogs until we got our Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. He has so many facial, body, and verbal expressions it is hard to keep track of them all. He isn’t the brightest dog we’ve ever had, but he is definitely the most vocal in both quality and quantity.
Translating a dog’s language is not just the sounds, it is also the body language and eyes. One bark can mean different things depending on what position the tail is at or the opening of the eyes. For our Loki, if his tail is straight up and his eyes slanted the bark means something BAD is going on. Open the eyes and wag the tail and it is time for a ride in the car.
NO computer can translate tail and eyes.

By: straybaby

straybaby — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:29:11 +0000

ok, i’ll admit it. i’m partial to that Dal pic. why? because i have a Dal and most of the time i can understand what she’s trying to say. the only time i can’t, is when she looks like that while i’m on a conference call for work. but i don’t think a translator would help. methinks she’s just participating in her own silly way. and it has been reinforced by much laughter from all parties involved. i really should tape the vocalizing though. she has quite a variety and range . . lol!~

i do find it interesting that folks feel the need to develop translators. just get to know your pet, it’s generally obvious if you pay attention ;)

By: shibadiva

shibadiva — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:52:31 +0000

Dennis, LOL! Gadgets for communication-impaired humans with more money than sense.

I’m with Linda’s Cats on the subject. When will the scientists “get” what we sentimental, anthropomorphizing pet parents knew ages ago?

By: Dennis

Dennis — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:01:18 +0000

Bow Wow…

The last time I recall hearing about a “dog translator”, it was a Japanese invention back in 2001 called Bow-Lingual by Takara Corp. They translate based upon breed and handled about 200 words. It was a small unit for sale and they had intent to make it work with a cell phone. For such a device to work, it would necessarily be computerized and do software decoding. This expands on that concept. And there was one for cats - Meow-Lingual.

By: kaefamily

kaefamily — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:57:27 +0000

In our household we recognize the following barks from our mutts:
1- I am bored. Let’s go to the park!
2- I am hungry. Is dinner ready?
3- It’s the neighbor’s annoying dog/cat!
4- There is a weirdo in our yard!
5- You want me to do what?
6- You’ve gotta be kiddin’!

:-)

By: Linda's Cats

Linda's Cats — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:08:23 +0000

As a linguist, I’m highly dubious a computer will ever get to a point it can tell what a dog is “saying”. Animals DO have complex patterns in their proto-language; they do have a strong variety of needs to communicate; and they have variety from animal to animal and day to day. The same way you or I could say the name of our daughter 15 differnt ways, and make it mean 15 different things depending on tone, non-verbal cues, interaction, situation, etc.

Can the computer pick up on levels of anxiety and importance in a bark? Sure, so can we. But can it tell that “Fido says get out of bed cause I’m bored” vs., “Fido says get out of bed cause I’m sorta hungry” vs., “Fido says get out of bored cause I saw a squirrel”, not likely.

But if the research proves that dogs use similar codes of bark to warn other dogs (and their ‘other dog people’) of danger, of course. But any doggy parent already knows that, cause we know immediately when our baby is having a good time, vs when they are telling us to get the hell out of the house.

By: shibadiva

shibadiva — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:34:43 +0000

Interesting. Reading Temple Grandin and Jeffrey Masson about the complexities of animal language (including the distinctive use of nouns, verbs and adjectives), as well as Matthew Scully’s revelations about those folks who deem animals inferior because they don’t have human language.

And now some clever folks (maybe borderline Asperger’s) have figured out how to program a computer so it can recognize patterns of animal language, while many of the rest of us just look at Fido and don’t get what he’s telling us.

Perhaps it’s our big forebrains that give us our communications problems…