Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, has today revealed that three-quarters of Brits (83%) believe their dog has some kind of psychic ability or can read their mind.
According to the study of over 1,000 dog parents in the UK, almost two-thirds (65%) have let their dog decide something for them because of their trusty intuition. In fact, more than a quarter (28%) of Brits believe their dog is more intuitive than their friends, their partners (25%) and even themselves (21%).
Other than determining which path they should take on a walk (57%) or what to eat (30%), some Brits are even getting their furry friend to make life-changing decisions for them, explaining its because they believe their dog will almost make the right decision, whereas they may not themselves (20%). More than one in ten (11%) get their dog to decide whether to forgive someone who has wronged them, or if they should buy the house they’re interested in (6%). Other pet parents even get their dogs to help them select lottery numbers and scratch cards.
Swapping tennis balls for crystal balls, Brits say they find comfort in letting their dog decide things for them (31%). A further one in ten (12%) believe their dog has a good track record of making good decisions on their behalf, so trust them implicitly.
When a dog is trying to tell you something, owners say their ears prick up or they’ll bark to get their attention (46%). This is closely followed by them giving ‘paw’ (43%).
The research also reveals moments successfully foreseen by ‘pawranormal’ pooches. From the weather forecast to more niche predictions such as what gift a loved one would prefer, or when the postman is exactly one road away. 5% of those polled said their dog has even correctly predicted the winner of Eurovision.
Top ten things successfully predicted by dogs
- The weather (26%)
- Something good was going to happen (22%)
- Something bad was going to happen (22%)
- An illness (19%)
- Pregnancy (19%)
- An unsuitable partner (14%)
- Gender of unborn child (10%)
- A sports result (9%)
- A marriage proposal (7%)
- A new job offer (7%)
The search for a fur-tune teller
In celebration of the Eurovision Song Contest Final set to take place on 13th May in Liverpool, Rover is looking for the UK’s number one ‘fur-tune teller’ – a dog that has the power to predict the future… and this year’s winner!
Whether it’s pointing to a flag or singing along to their predicted winner’s song when heard, Rover is looking to celebrate them and their ‘pawranormal’ abilities by giving them a platform to show the nation what they can do.
Participants should email a photo (and video if applicable) of their dog with no more than a 100 word explanation about their dog’s sixth sense and how they show their psychic instincts to be in with the chance of a gift worth £200. Entries must be submitted to [email protected] by 1st May 2023 at 11.59am BST and will be selected by Adem Fehmi from the Rover Dog People Panel by 3rd May.
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist comments: “Dogs are known for having strong senses – from their incredible sense of smell to their sensitive hearing. Their intuition is not something to be taken for granted either as it can be just as prominent. Just like humans, dogs are individuals and so the way they express their emotions and how they relay what their senses are telling them varies from dog to dog and – more common than not – circumstance to circumstance!
“I’m so excited to see how the UK’s pups get involved with the Eurovision fun that is sweeping the nation and I have no doubt one psychic pooch will correctly predict this year’s winner. However, when celebrating the Eurovision final with your dog, make sure their well-being is a priority. Be sensitive with the loud music and if encouraging them to pick the winner, remember to not force them in any way, but to let them do it on their own terms – you may be in for a surprise!”
