Austrian researchers train dogs to use computers
By Darren Murph 
posted Dec 1st 2007 12:40PM
posted Dec 1st 2007 12:40PM
Yeah, teaching a canine how to operate a computer may sound pretty complex, but considering that one such animal was actually trained to sniff out and snag cellphones for its dubious owner, we guess it's not too difficult to conceive after all. In a recent study published in Animal Cognition, researchers from the University of Vienna in Austria taught four dogs to use computer automated touch-screens in order to carry out classification tests, theoretically eliminating any "potential human influence." In experiments that sought to see if dogs could indeed visually categorize pictures and transfer learning to new scenarios, the four subjects "were shown landscape and dog photographs and expected to make a selection on a computer touchscreen." Eventually, the authors concluded that using computers in animal testing could open up new windows of opportunity in testing cognitive abilities, but c'mon, you know those pups were just clicking around to see if their testing station would in fact play Doom.[Via TheInquirer, image courtesy of Itchmo]
Because there is absolutely nothing out there that is more worth research money than testing Fido's cognitive abilities.
But can they play Nintendogs?
It's always about DOOM , isn't it ? ....:)
Not for me. Duke Nukem FTW!!!
Blob: Crysis is the new Doom.
Negative.
Fine, the puppy can play doom. But will he blend? More importantly, will a puppy and kitten blend together?
Have these people not thought if this falls into the wrongs hands??!?!!?!¿¿!?¿!?¿?!!
for example:
http://www.phrozenflame.com/images/gallery/137.jpg
http://media.funny.co.uk/files/2709.jpg
Will someone please think of the children? (or Fluffy)
Ya dog using computer will just make more powerpoint about funny cat picture ...
Lather, Rinse, Repeat...
moo
I for one welcome our new dog overlords...
i hate you :P
wow, every comment on this page has sucked (including this one.)
I think the title of this article is wrong. It should probably read more like: "Austrian researchers learn to use computers to train dogs."
I am waiting to see the picture of "Dogs playing online poker"
The dogs were really looking for doggie style pron...
Why?
They trained those dogs to use Leopard OS since it was more user friendly than Vista. They were up and surfing for doggy porn in about five minutes.
Ahh, but can they play Doom?
(And no they won't blend.)
Yeah, because teaching a dog to use a TOUCHSCREEN computer is a breakthrough.
bah this ain't new, I taught my ex-gf years ago
Wow... so ur into Bestiality ?
Can they lick their own trackballs?
I taught my dog once, and the son of a bitch wanted to downgrade to XP!
My new web site will cater to this emerging market. Dog seeks bitches for intimate sniffing etc.
Search for a video called Internet Dogs Day on Youtube. It'll make your day for sure.
Welcome our new, slobbering, canine overlords.
Now if they can just train my dog to shit in the yard instead of in front of my TV I'll be happy.
I bet they had a bitch of a time training them.