Eureka!
The feeling of accomplishment we get after solving a difficult problem (also known as the "Eureka Effect") may not be unique to our species. As research into dogs' cognitive abilities continues to unfold, we're learning more about the emotional life they lead. Recent studies have shown that dogs have the emotional range of a 2 to 3 year old child.
The latest development comes out of Sweden, where researchers found that dogs had a much more positive response when they received a treat for successfully completing a task than they did when they received a treat at random. Solving a problem in order to achieve a reward seemed to make the dog feel better than solely the reward itself. Check out the full story below to read bestselling author and professor of psychology Stanley Coren's analysis of this groundbreaking research.