Ability Of Canines To Use Computerized Apparatus For Enrichment Purposes

With approximately 48 million American households owning a dog, there is a great need for providing cognitively enriching toys. Our research investigates whether a computer-game interface is appropriate for dogs while also gaining a better understanding of how dogs approach problem solving tasks. Through collaboration with Dr. Kelley Winship, a scientist with the National Marine Mammal Foundation, we have extended her successful implementation of a computerized system with California sea lions to dogs. Dr. Winship created a system called “The Enclosure Video Enrichment (EVE)” to provide cognitive enrichment to three adult sea lions. All three sea lions were able to use EVE successfully within a year and a half of introduction. Using Dr. Winship’s training protocols, we are teaching Orlo, a therapy dog in training, to utilize the same system. This is the first time dogs have been introduced to a gaming console that controls a cursor on a game screen.

In the last 7 months Orlo, a therapy dog in training, has participated in a total of forty 20-minute training sessions, and has successfully advanced through 5 out of the 6 phases within EVE. Individuals are considered successful when they complete two consecutive sessions of phase 6 with an average latency under 6 seconds and an average number of button presses under 7 presses. Currently in his training Orlo has completed phase 6 with an average latency of 9 seconds and average number of button presses of 6.2 presses. The goal of this study is to provide proof of concept that canines can be trained to operate this type of interface. Further research aims to look at preference in enrichment options. More specifically, if computerized enrichment options are more engaging than alternatives. At this time, the current focus of our research is on the methodology of training EVE to a canine, and the behaviors observed during game play.

For more information email: akenawe@eckerd.edu