SmartDOG, a project of the nonprofit Dog Cognition Lab Center, runs newly designed bias-free tests to help untangle the behaviors of pets, show dogs and working dogs. This groundbreaking research aims to provide insights for dog owners seeking to understand their pets better and enhance their training experiences. This pioneering research reveals valuable insights that can help us strengthen our relationship with dogs. In turn, we all can and should expect more good-natured animals.
Basing their work on a recent study published in the May issue of Applied Animal Behaviour Science that tracked the behaviors of 99 dogs, Drs. These dogs, one to eight years of age, underwent several different cognition tests as adults. The research examined puppy traits including behavioral inhibition, the ability to be comforted, and attention span, along with their connection to disrupted adult behaviors. Many of these traits remained stable as the puppies matured into adulthood. This was especially the case for children tested specifically at six to seven months of age.
Hannah Salomons, a researcher at Duke University’s Canine Cognition Center, was the lead author for this study. This research helped identify important characteristics in puppies between three and seven months of age. Impulsivity, responsivity to gestures, and reactiveness to more difficult tasks were all associated with positive adult outcomes.
The tests had more than 1,400 puppies involved. They enthusiastically jumped through hoops such as following cues that led them to a dish of goodies! These tasks quantified important correlates including impulsivity and the capacity to follow commands. These findings indicated that puppies who reacted with fear during their initial interactions with testers were more likely to need assistance for tasks. As adults, these puppies were, on average, more fearful of human strangers.
Salomons shared how this research has the potential to influence dog training practices.
“It can help us figure out what’s going to be best for the dogs that are in our lives,” – Hannah Salomons
She wanted people to better understand the dog’s earliest communications. This information will allow pet owners to provide the best environments and training methods for their furry family members. Saara Junttila, a dog cognition researcher at the University of Helsinki, hopes the findings will revolutionize dog training methods. She believes there’s a huge likelihood for improving the way we train our four-legged companions.
Researchers further collected owner survey data on reported impulsivity, behavior, and trainability of their adult dogs. We validated puppy test results for the 227 dogs against their owner surveys. The analysis uncovered clear patterns that connect early behavior to later personality.
Saara Junttila, a canine researcher and dog owner herself, astutely captured the essence of what this research means for pet parents.
“We can help dogs live their best lives,” – Saara Junttila
By learning about how puppy parenting affects adult behavior, owners can customize their training to help their dog reach their full potential as a well-mannered companion. Salomons strongly supports further research with larger sample sizes to continue expanding the understanding of canine cognition.
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