Our Projects
Effects of Group Classes on Reactive Dogs - Recruiting!
This project investigates the impacts of group classes on dog reactivity. This project is a collaboration with the Idaho Humane Society
We are currently recruiting! Read Below.
Do you have a dog-reactive dog and want to help science.
If so, here's what you need to know!
● Classes run for 6 weeks and will meet either on Wednesday or Thursday Day Evening.
● The class fee is $300.
● Classes will be held at the Idaho Humane Society Dorman location at 4775 W. Dorman street Boise, ID.
● Dogs must be dog-reactive, at least ten months and have been with their current owner for at least four months, current on their rabies vaccinations, friendly or neutral with people, and food motivated.
If you want to find out more:
https://form.jotform.com/231776731216154 ) and register for classes with the Idaho Humane Society. Initial screening/class sign can be completed in 5-15 minutes.
Fear-Free Dog Training to Improve Well-Being- Coming Soon!
This project investigates the examines the effects of dog training classes on dogs who were abused or have been exposed to abusive relationships. This project is a collaboration with the Idaho Humane Society
Be on the lookout for more information!
Bioacoustics of Human-Dog Play - Ongoing (Not Currently Recruiting)
The human-dog bond has been studied from multiple perspectives including domestication, attachment and bonding, and cooperation. However, less attention has been given to the ways in which the coevolutionary history has or has not shaped our shared communication system. This project seeks to unpack the subtle, and often subconscious, role of social contagion in the human-dog bond, beginning with play.
Bonded human-dog play partners and shelter dogs with unfamiliar play partners are recorded during three interactions - training, play, and rest. With audio and video recording, we ask questions about both intentionally and reflexive nonverbal communications and behavior.
An Investigation into Pet Parenting - Ongoing (Not Currently Recruiting)
This project investigates the application of human parenting strategies to companion animals in the home. Initially developed as a United States survey, we are now expanding to consider cross-cultural comparisons including India, Finland, Japan, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Hungary.
If you are interested in collaborating on a survey in your cultural area, please contact the lab (ECHOSLab@boisestate.edu).
Recognizing and Honoring Individuals in Animal Research - Complete
This project seeks to critique and refine the ways in which historical research in animal behavior is discussed and cited. Beginning with a series of talks at the 2021 International Society for Anthrozoology Conference, the goal is to develop a schema for citing historical research that would now be deemed unethical, then move forward to suggest changes to transparency in the communication of future research, in a way that honors the individual animals who were/are sacrificed for human knowledge.
Currently in press with Biological Reviews.
The project is funded by Culture & Animals Foundation.
Humane Education Curriculum Development - Complete
We worked with the Idaho Humane Society to develop and deliver humane education curriculum. ECHOS Lab members who participated in this project will also have the option of obtaining a Service Learning designation on their transcript.
We delivered a total of eight, 3-hour workshops to middle school students in Summer of 2022. These included Junior Animal Trainer and Junior Vet Tech. Students learned about body language of dogs and cats, safe and fear free animal handling, and techniques specific to the themed career.