A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney reveals that dogs, like humans, see their water dish either half-empty or half-full.

The unusual insight into dog personalities emerged from a study that sought to categorize dogs according to work roles they're most suited for depending on their tendency to be optimistic or pessimistic about a task.

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Dogs selected for the study were trained to associate two distinct tones with milk or water rewards. After learning which targets to hit to get their preferred rewards, the dogs were exposed to other tones in-between the "milk" and "water" pitches.

For this study, researchers defined optimism by the perceived persistence of dogs to hit the targets through the ambiguous tones. 

If a dog kept happily hitting the target that gives off the in-between pitches, the researchers claim the dog was probably hoping it would eventually get the milk reward. Meanwhile, the pessimistic dogs appeared significantly distressed after failing the task.

Dr. Melissa Starling, one of the lead researchers, said pessimistic dogs tend to avoid repeating the task after failing. These dogs whined and paced around after failing to get the milk reward. Optimistic dogs tended to be unfazed by the challenge.

Although the research findings are revealing, Dr. Starling explained it's still too early to say if dogs in the general population behave the same way.

Nevertheless, she pointed out the new findings could help dog trainers identify the best candidates for specific job roles.

A pessimistic dog appears to avoid risks and is suitable as a guide dog, Dr. Starling said. Dogs that have a sunnier view of life may be more suited for bomb and drugs detection.

The study, which sought to provide a proof-of-concept for an automatic dog training apparatus, appeared on the journal, PLOS ONE.

Tagsdogs psychology, dog personalities, new study