For three years, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's animal behavior class has delved into the psychology of dogs. Dr. Jennifer Smith, an associate professor of biology, emphasized the focus on quantifying dog personalities. Students distribute questionnaires to dog owners to determine where their pets fall on a personality spectrum.
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The project, conducted in collaboration with emBARK, a local dog daycare and training facility, has developed into a comprehensive database of canine personality traits. Dr. Smith noted that some dogs return year after year, allowing researchers to observe changes from puppyhood to adulthood. She expressed excitement about the growing data set, saying it enhances the project's maturity over time.
Senior Carson Sedivy participated in testing her Australian Shepherd, Nora. She described the experience as unique, stating it was a rare opportunity to engage in such research with her pet. The tests focus on dogs' abilities to pick up social cues through activities like locating treats or toys hidden in three different buckets.
Despite the organized testing environment, Dr. Smith pointed out the challenges posed by the presence of other dogs and researchers, which served to analyze how well the dogs managed distractions. After completing the tests, the student researchers share their observations with dog owners, ultimately evaluating the dogs' social intelligence.