Why Dogs See Invisible Doors

Sometimes, our pets stop at the threshold of a door. Even if it’s open, they refuse to go through it. Do they sense something that humans can’t? Would you like to know why dogs see invisible doors? Find out in this article!

Do dogs see invisible doors? Or is it something more?

According to scientists, this dog behavior is related to the domestication process that their ancestors have gone through. Without understanding this, we can’t comprehend how an intelligent animal could act this way.

If you have a pet at home, you’ve probably seen this happen. The animal sits or stays on the threshold of an open door as if glass is preventing him from going to the other side.

Unless the owner moves an invisible obstacle out of the way, the dog won’t cross over. Even tempting him with food or games won’t make him move. However, once someone pretends to open the “imaginary door”, the dog will walk right through without a problem.

Without a doubt, this is a mystery that is worth analyzing. On the one hand, we know that pets are dependent on humans. On the other, we know they often don’t have the ability to understand how certain objects work, and how to interact with them.

Dogs don’t really understand physics (even people sometimes don’t fully understand certain theories). For them, the social component is essential. They have the ability to solve problems, but they need a social component in order to do so. If they don’t share a certain activity with someone, they’ll look for a less intelligent way that won’t be very correct or effective.

Because of this, they can’t tell whether there is a glass door there or not. In addition, they don’t want to go through until their owners say they can. Others try to go through when it’s closed, and bump into the glass.

Do dogs just need human approval?

For several decades, people have debated whether the domestication of dogs has made them lose certain skills. Compared to their closest cousins, the wolves, they aren’t good at overcoming certain obstacles. In addition, they can’t find solutions or solve “everyday” problems like finding shelter or food, if no one gives it to them.

Therefore, the problem isn’t that dogs see invisible doors. Instead, they need their owner’s approval to do many things. Our furry friends are very dependent on humans after so many years of domestication and coexistence.

For example, when we take our dogs out for a walk and we meet someone, our dogs are likely to look at us first before reacting or making a decision. If there is a situation that they can’t resolve themselves, they prefer to seek help from their owners over thinking for themselves.

They are highly dependent on humans. In many cases, they trust our senses more than their own. In addition, the domestication process has caused them to gain certain abilities and lose others. At the same time, evolutionary pressure has helped them better understand language and intonation of human speech, as well as our expressions.

If the dog is used to going through a glass door only when a human opens it, he’ll wait for this to happen. Don’t forget that pets get very attached to their habits, and learn by repetition.

It’s not always easy for them to recognize glass. Some breeds (like labradors) don’t see well. Because of this, they rely on their smell or hearing to do their daily activities.