DogStudies

Research group on dog cognition and domestication

Research on Dogs

Group photo of DogStudies Jena

Group photo of DogStudies Jena

Image: Michelle O'Reilly

The cognitive abilities of animals can provide us with insights into the factors that drive the evolution of cognition. For a number of reasons, the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is a very interesting model for this. The fact that dogs have been living with humans for around 30,000 years may have led to them being selected for certain human-like social-cognitive abilities, or even to a co-evolution of the abilities of dogs and humans.

In collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, DogStudiesExternal link focuses on domestication and interactions between dogs and humans. In this project, we investigate the social-cognitive abilities of family and working dogs and their relationship with humans. For example, we are interested in the communication and cooperation abilities of dogs and how smell perception and cognition are linked. We also investigate the relationship between dogs and humans and the way dogs are kept, used and perceived in different cultures around the world.

The results of DogStudies contribute to a better understanding of canine cognition. They also teach us about the universal relationship between dogs and humans, as well as the interaction between cultural evolution and domestication, i.e. how cultural and evolutionary processes influence each other.

An Introduction to the Doglab

Video: Michelle O'Reilly

Research involving dogs in DogStudies is limited to observing their behaviour. The studies are never invasive. We let the dogs solve various tasks and observe how they interact with their environment, with other dogs or with humans. In the studies, we use treats or toys as rewards.

For more information about our work, please visit our websiteExternal link. Here you will find the latest news on research topics and publications.

Participation

Both working dogs and normal family dogs take part in our studies. We are interested in dogs that live in their natural environment – together with humans. Generally speaking, any dog can participate in our studies, regardless of age, breed, gender or whether they are trained or not. However, they should meet the following three requirements:

  • Your dog should be keen on food or play in order to motivate him/her for participation.
  • Your dog should not be afraid of other people.
  • Your dog should be comfortable in an unknown environment. Some studies are conducted without the owner, as the owner’s presence might influence the test results.

Depending on the question being asked, the tests are conducted with or without the owner present, as in some studies their presence can distort the results.

For more information on participation and study procedures, please visit our website.External link

Registration for studies

If you and your four-legged friend would like to participate in one of our studies, we would be happy to add you to our database of interested owners and contact you. To do so, please fill out this online formExternal link and submit it using the button at the bottom of the page. You will then receive a confirmation email, and we will contact you if we have any further questions or as soon as a suitable study begins.

Of course, you can also call us at any time to register your dog or if you have any questions about the studies:
+49 (0)3641/ 945 188

Contact Information

DogStudies Jena

Humboldtstraße 11
07743 Jena