Or so says a new study that believes that dogs are much smarter than we think. Using experimentation, the scientists discovered that dogs possess very basic mathmatical abilities when it comes to things like treats or other dogs in their vicinity, and can tell when they are being screwed over. [link] The article also goes on to say that a dog's varying bark tone may convey more complex messages than just ones asking for attention. Which hopefully explains why my dog's shrill, piercing bark for the door bell ringing may actually be different than their shrill, piercing bark for wanting to go outside. Or not.