Dogs can understand the meaning of nouns, new research finds

Study confirms our canine companions can grasp more than simple commands - or at least for items they care about

Dogs understand what certain words stand for, according to researchers who monitored the brain activity of willing pooches while they were shown balls, slippers, leashes and other highlights of the domestic canine world.

The finding suggests that the dog brain can reach beyond commands such as sit" and fetch", and the frenzy-inducing walkies", to grasp the essence of nouns, or at least those that refer to items the animals care about.