EAU CLAIRE — Students at UW-Eau Claire engaged in canine behavior research at emBARK, examining whether dogs of various ages could learn new tricks. This initiative, part of the university's animal behavior lab, was led by ecology students Liam Lamb and Robin Pence, with oversight from Professor Jenn Smith, a behavioral ecologist who has been involved in similar research for the past 14 years.
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On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, the study welcomed dozens of dogs to observe interactions between university students and community pets. Pence explained that the research focuses on how dogs interact with humans and among themselves. Students assessed cognitive abilities and behaviors, testing elements such as object permanence and deductive reasoning. For instance, they evaluated whether dogs could remember the location of a treat placed in a bucket, alongside their reactions to visual cues like a pointed finger.
Undergraduate students played a crucial role in the research. Each student worked within a small group to analyze various factors influencing dog behavior, including breed, age, and sex. Lamb highlighted the value of this hands-on experience in understanding canine behavior.
Beyond research, emBARK also offers dog daycare services, managed by Certified Professional Dog Trainer Heather Mishefske. She emphasized the importance of integrating community participation in studies to enhance understanding of canine behavior. Mishefske noted that between 25 to 30 dogs typically participate in the study each day, with some returning over the five years it has been conducted, allowing researchers to observe changes in temperament and cognitive outcomes over time.
Mishefske believes the study is at the forefront of canine behavior research, stating that the field is still developing. She expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the increasing knowledge of canine cognition and behavior.
At the end of their participation, the dogs were awarded certificates recognizing their contributions to the study.