Interesting idea, that the mirror test for dogs is unfair because their vision sucks compared to their nose, but this reasoning seems to take quite a leap. From the article:
“This study confirmed the previous evidence proposed with the STSR by Dr. Cazzolla Gatti showing that "dogs distinguish between the olfactory 'image' of themselves when modified: investigating their own odour for longer when it had an additional odour accompanying it than when it did not. Such behaviour implies a recognition of the odour as being of or from 'themselves'."”
Maybe the dogs just recognize their own modified scent as very familliar? Not as a representation of themseles, but just a smelll they smell often. I love dogs, and don’t doubt for a moment they have some level of self-awareness similar to our own, but to me, this test stinks.
“This study confirmed the previous evidence proposed with the STSR by Dr. Cazzolla Gatti showing that "dogs distinguish between the olfactory 'image' of themselves when modified: investigating their own odour for longer when it had an additional odour accompanying it than when it did not. Such behaviour implies a recognition of the odour as being of or from 'themselves'."”
Maybe the dogs just recognize their own modified scent as very familliar? Not as a representation of themseles, but just a smelll they smell often. I love dogs, and don’t doubt for a moment they have some level of self-awareness similar to our own, but to me, this test stinks.