Reevaluating canine perspective-taking behavior.

Udell MA, Wynne CD
Reevaluating canine perspective-taking behavior.

Learn Behav. 2011 Dec ;39(4):318-23. doi: 10.3758/s13420-011-0043-5.

Abstract

Udell, Dorey, and Wynne (2011) demonstrated that both domesticated and nondomesticated canids-specifically, gray wolves-have the capacity to succeed on perspective-taking tasks, suggesting that dogs' ability to respond to the human attentional state is not a by-product of domestication alone. Furthermore, not all dogs were successful on the task. Instead, the occluder type used was a strong predictor of performance, indicating the important role of environment and experience for tasks of this type. Here, we address several commentaries reflecting on the methods and design of that study, as well as the interpretation of the results. We also discuss the positive shift toward more interactive approaches in the field of canine behavior and cognition. Finally, we question the functionality of describing canine social behavior in terms of theory of mind.

Domestic Dogs

B. Smuts

Domestic Dogs

Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior, Editors-in-Chief:  Michael D. Breed and Janice Moore, Oxford, 2010, Pages 562–567

ABSTRACT

Dogs, the first domestic animals, evolved from East Asian wolves approximately 40 000–20 000 years ago. Dogs understand human body language, many spoken words, and even abstract symbols. Dogs pay attention to human face and eyes, and they often turn to humans to help solve problems. Dogs and humans form a mutual emotional bond that reduces stress in both species. Being around dogs improve human physical and mental well-being. Most dogs are very social and play with other dogs if they can. Stray and feral dogs are common on the edges of human society. They form social groups, and sometimes cooperate in territorial defense, much as wolves do.

A new behavioral test for detecting decline of age-related cognitive ability in dogs

Miho Nagasawa, Aiko Yatsuzuka, Kazutaka Mogi, Takefumi Kikusui

A new behavioral test for detecting decline of age-related cognitive ability in dogs

Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, Volume 7, Issue 4, July–August 2012, Pages 220–224

Abstract

A simple test for detecting decline of cognitive ability in aged dogs is needed in modern society. We used a basic place-selection test to develop a new test to assess cognitive ability in dogs, using 25 house dogs. Three covered bowls were placed in front of the subject. One of them was the correct bowl, from which the subject was rewarded with a food treat when he/she chose it. If the subject made an incorrect selection, he/she was returned to the starting point and the trial was repeated. Cognitive ability was assessed by the number of errors needed to fulfill the criterion. We found a significantly high correlation between the dogs’ ages and the number of error trials, suggesting that age-related cognitive dysfunction may reliably be assessed by the documented place-learning test.