Gifted word learner dogs seem capable of eavesdropping about as well as 18-month-old toddlers, the study researchers say.

A new study found that some dogs can learn words for objects by overhearing a conversation, an ability humans begin to acquire at about 18 months old.

Both toddlers and Gifted Word Learner dogs can learn new words by listening to people, providing new insight into the social and cognitive cues involved in learning language.

K?" Both parents and dog owners know that some words should not be spoken, but only spelled, to prevent small ears from eavesdropping on the conversation. At the age of 1.5 years, toddlers can already learn new words by overhearing other people.