The Dogs’ Sense Of Direction
Currently, we still don’t have a clear idea about the dogs’ sense of orientation. Throughout our history, numerous legends have been created about the ability of dogs to find their way back home.
Perhaps because of this lack of logical explanation, this theme has always been very present in the curiosity of many specialists in canine behavior.
While we cannot point to a proven theory, advances in technology and science have allowed us to improve our understanding of dogs’ sense of orientation.
Therefore, we might be able to explain the main hypotheses about this incredible ability of our best friends.
The sense of orientation in other species
To better understand the direction of dogs’ orientation, we can look at other species that benefit greatly from this ability.
A good example is the in-flight guidance of birds, which allows them to make long migratory journeys and always return to their original destination.
Numerous scientific studies have been carried out, in different parts of the planet, to understand the orientation of birds.
Many experiments consisted of releasing selected birds thousands of kilometers from their “home” to observe their behavior.
The result of these tests with the birds was that, after days or weeks of travel, they always returned to the place of departure. With these data, the conclusions are clear.
Furthermore, some tests have also shown that birds are able to reorient themselves after suffering some temporary disorientation.
Even when they are lost at a given moment, your sense of direction is able to bring them back on course.
How do you explain this incredible sense of orientation in birds?
Currently, the scientific community works with two theories that would probably be complementary.
The first asserts that birds use their senses to locate themselves in time and space.
With their eyes, birds can recognize mountains, cliffs or jungles that indicate the right path.
They also use their hearing to recognize stimuli that make up the landscapes of their long migratory journey.
That is, they collect ‘signs’ that keep them well oriented and help them know when they have arrived at their destination.
According to many experts, birds have a kind of inertial navigation. In this way, they are able to know which direction to take to return to their destination, even when they need to make changes in direction.
This would also explain why temporary distractions or disorientations do not affect your ability to orient.
Scientists have also noted that migratory birds have a system very similar to the magnetic compasses inside their eyes.
Their retinas are capable of capturing light in a polarized way, and this allows them to have a unique navigation system.
As an effective method of navigation, from the movement of the sun, the position of the stars and the moon, birds “know” how to travel to reach their destination.
And the dogs’ sense of direction, how does it work?
Regarding the dogs’ sense of orientation, there are also two main hypotheses, which slightly resemble those mentioned above.
At first, your powerful senses can help you easily identify your environment and notice changes in it.
Their great hearing and highly developed sense of smell allow them to recognize “marks” to be located, as well as trails to follow to return home.
In addition, the molecule ‘cryptochrome 1’ has been identified in the retina of dog eyes, which is also present in the eyes of migratory birds.
This molecule is associated with magnetoreception. Its presence in the eyes allows animals to orient themselves in time and space through nature’s own magnetic field.
The importance of the affective bond in dog guidance
Along with the above, scientists also highlight the dog’s excellent adaptation to positive reinforcement.
That is, your ability to learn and memorize countless tasks through a system of recognitions and rewards.
Logically, it should be noted that positive reinforcement in canine training is not just about offering prizes or rewards to dogs, but there is so much more.
The pillars of this methodology are the link between those who teach and those who learn, that is, between owner and dog.
Also in the exchange of experiences that allows both parties to enrich themselves during the educational process.
