Does training make you smarter? The effects of training on dogs' performance (Canis familiaris) in a problem solving task.

Full Abstract

This study investigates the influence of training experiences on dogs' performance in a problem solving task, namely opening a box to obtain food. One hundred and eighteen dogs allocated to two different groups according to their training experience (no/basic training vs high level training) were tested. In each group the dogs saw the researcher manipulating either the paw-pad or the lid, prior to being allowed free access to the apparatus. No effect of the locus of manipulation was observed. However, there was a strong effect of training on the dogs' performance regardless of manipulation condition. Compared to untrained dogs, highly trained dogs were more successful in opening the box and spent significantly more time interacting with the apparatus; whereas untrained dogs spent significantly more time looking back at their owners and the researcher. These results indicate that high levels of training improve dogs' problem solving ability, with dogs appearing to be more proactive in the their interaction with novel objects.

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Author information

Author/s: Marshall-Pescini, Sarah (S); Valsecchi, Paola (P); Petak, Irena (I); Accorsi, Pier Attilio (PA); Previde, Emanuela Prato (EP);

Affiliation: Istituto di Psicologia, Università di Milano, Via T. Pini 1, 20134 Milano, Italy. sarah.marshall@unimi.it

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Behavioural processes (Behav Processes), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jul; vol 78 (issue 3) : pp 449-54

Dates: Created 2008/05/12; Completed 2008/08/12;

PMID: 18434043, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals
Behavior Control - methods; psychology
Behavior, Animal - physiology
Dogs
Exploratory Behavior - physiology
Female

Learning - physiology
Male
Memory - physiology
Practice (Psychology)
Problem Solving - physiology
Visual Perception - physiology

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