Dogs may be using a secret language that’s been hiding in plain sight—scientists reveal how it works

While it's well known that dogs use calming signals with their owners, new research suggests our beloved canines may also communicate with each other through a secret language. Evolutionary biologists at the University of Parma in Italy believe pet dogs might be even smarter than previously thought. These furry companions may convey messages simply by blinking, setting them apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. Yes, you read that right! For pet owners, this discovery could offer valuable insight into understanding their canine friends better.

Before this study, experts had already found that dogs blink in response to stress or fear, per Silent Conversations. Canine body language researchers identified blinking as a crucial appeasement gesture used to promote peaceful interactions. Now, new findings published in the “Royal Society Open Science” journal suggest that dogs may also use this gesture to communicate with each other. Researchers reached this conclusion after observing 47 dogs—26 females and 21 males—watching videos of other canines engaging in behaviors like licking their noses, staring attentively and blinking.

Researchers at the University of Parma further revealed that blinking is not just a reflex but a key part of canine communication and social behavior. Their study found that dogs blinked more frequently while watching a video of another dog blinking compared to one showing a nose lick, suggesting a mimicry effect and a potential role for blinking in dog-to-dog interaction. To validate their findings, experts analyzed the dogs' heart rate variability during the video sessions, noting an increase regardless of the facial signal displayed, reinforcing the idea that blinking carries communicative significance.

The latest research suggests that dog blinking, once seen solely as a gesture of appeasement, may also serve as a form of synchronization within canine groups, signaling mutual understanding and communication. The study aimed to explore blinking’s role in social behavior, building on previous findings. Researchers discovered that reciprocal blinking might help dogs strengthen social bonds, manage frustration and convey non-aggressive intentions. Notably, the researchers were of the opinion that, in order to solidify some of their findings, investigations should continue. They advocated for future research to explore the effects of these signals in modulating various social interactions, such as those in agonistic and affiliative contexts.

Experts also highlighted that "reciprocal blink synchronization" has been observed between humans and their dogs, as noted in previous research. While many pet owners believe their dogs attempt to communicate with them through blinking, further studies are needed to confirm this. The study’s authors emphasized that their findings provide the first evidence of reciprocal blinking between domestic dogs, suggesting its role in canine communication. They noted that facial expressions play a crucial role in dogs’ social interactions, and eye blinking may even be linked to social contagion, further reinforcing its significance in their behavior.