FAQs

WHAT REQUIREMENTS DOES MY DOG HAVE TO MEET TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR STUDIES?

The requirements to participate in our studies depend on the specific project. However, your dog needs to be at least four months of age when you come in to participate, be generally healthy, have no record of aggression towards humans and be up to date on rabies vaccinations. Other than that, all dogs are welcomed!

MY DOG DOEN’T MEET THE REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE. CAN WE STILL GET INVOLED?

We recognize that not every dog meets our requirements to participate, on-site, at the Thinking Dog Center. As we would love to include ALL dogs we do have some other opportunities to get involved. When signing up your pup, by filling out our questionnaire, you can select what type of study you would like to participate in. We have options to participate online (e.g. surveys) or at home where you run the experiment and collect the data in your own home! We will send you what you need!). Note that online and at home studies happen less frequently than on-site studies so please be patient if you haven’t heard from us. We promise we are looking into the ideal study for your dog!

DOES MY DOG NEED EXTENSIVE TRAINING TO PARTICIPATE?

No formal training is required for your dog to participate! We want to know more about how dogs think rather than how dogs perform.

I HAVE MULTIPLE DOGS, CAN THEY ALL PARTICIPATE?

Of course! However, we only run one dog per session to give your dog our undivided attention. If you’d like to bring in both pups, we would have to book a separate appointment. If you would like back to back sessions, we suggest having a second person tag-along to hang out with the dog that is not participating.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO A SESSION?

Other than you and your dog, we ask that you bring your dogs most recent vaccination record or New York Dog License number (if not emailed to us prior). You should also bring some high value treats if your dog is a picky eater/has allergies.

​HOW LONG DOES A SESSION LAST?

Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes each. Some studies are multi-visit studies, meaning you must be able to come back to the center more than once.

​WHAT TYPES OF TREATS DO YOU USE?

We try to carry a variety of treats for all types of diet (ex: Ziwi Peaks, Wellness, Zukes, Blue Buffalo etc...). We generally have grain free and chicken free options. Feel free to bring your own treats as well! If you’d prefer to use your own treats, please bring ~40 small sized (training-like) treats or kibble.

CAN I PARTICIPATE IF MY DOG IS SHY OR TAKES A WHILE TO WARM UP TO PEOPLE?

A lot of dogs we have visit our center are shy, and this can be expected in unfamiliar environments! Before your test session begins, we give your pup some time to warm up and get comfortable with the people and the space. We want your dog to feel as safe and comfortable as possible, and also to have fun! If your dog is nervous at any time during any of our studies, we can always take breaks, bring them outside for fresh air, and stop the study if needed. We also offer visits, if you and your dog would like to come in and check out the TDC! You would have to still book an appointment to come by, but there is no commitment or pressure! You will have to receive a confirmation from a center member before coming by so that we can let security know you are visiting!

WHAT WILL MY DOG DO IN A TYPICAL SESSION?

First, you and your dog will come in and will be allowed to explore, play and cuddle with the experimenters and overall get comfortable with the space. Once your pup is ready, they will begin their study which will involve fun games and yummy treats! After they are done, they are allowed to play some more, take pictures or videos to be featured on our social media or show-off some cool tricks!

WHEN WILL I GET RESULTS ABOUT HOW WELL MY DOG DID?

Since we want to know how dogs as a whole think, there is no right or wrong answers to these studies! We are happy to send you any copies of publications that come out of our research!

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG DOES WELL?

There is no right or wrong answer when your dog is participating in these studies! Whatever they chose during the study is useful information and gives us insight to how their brain works. Even if your dog doesn’t choose the option with the treat, they are doing awesome! The real question is are we as human smart enough to recognize how smart dogs are.

HOW DOES THIS BENEFIT ME AND MY DOG?

Some dogs enjoy the novelty of the interaction with the toys and playing with the experimenters! By participating in our studies, you and your dog will also be making a substantial contribution to improving our understanding of dog cognition. These contributions can lead to improvements in dog training, animal welfare, and research abilities! You may also get a chance to take home some TDC swag as a thank you!

WHAT ROLE DO I AS AN OWNER PLAY DURING A SESSION?

Your investigator will let you know what you need to do for your dog's study. As an owner, being there can make your dog feel more at home and want to participate more! Generally we ask owners to ignore their dog during the testing session. Your pup is more than welcome to check in with you and seek out attention, but our goal is to keep them focused on their problem-solving task. Therefore, minimizing distractions is integral!

CAN I BRING MY KIDS, PARTNER, FRIENDS, ETC. TO A SESSION?

You can definitely bring others to the TDC! If you want someone to come with you, let the experimenter know as we need to organize their access to the building! There is a waiting area that they can sit in while 1 person is in a testing room with your dog. We allow only 1 person in the testing room so that there are fewer distractions in the room, setting your dog up to be as comfortable as possible and for them to focus better during the studies.

IF I FILLED OUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE AM I REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE?

Don’t worry, there is no commitment requirement when filling out the survey. The questionnaire serves to get to know your dog more and reach out if we find studies you and your dog are eligible for. We will reach out when we find a suitable study for your pup and you’re welcome to participate or wait until the next invite.

​DO YOU USE MY PERSONAL INFORMATION IN STUDIES?

We use the information you provide only for one of our research team members to reach out to you to participate in a study. Your personal information will never be published anywhere. However, your dog’s name is included in TDC videos and data, and may be published, though they will not be tied to you in anyway, publicly.

I HAD A GREAT TIME! CAN I BRING MY DOG BACK AGAIN?

We had a great time with you too! Thank you for your interest to bring him/her back to TDC!

Keep in mind, some studies may have height, size and other requirements for participation. That being said, we are always trying to come up with studies for you to participate in and will reach out when we are scheduling for these studies! If a particular study catches your eye you can always e-mail us a thinkingdogcenter@gmail.com to see if your pup is eligible!

HOW LONG AFTER I FILL OUT THE SURVEY CAN I COME IN?

At any given time, you can be contacted to participate in a study. It can be hours after you fill out the survey or weeks/months later. Keep an eye out in your inbox for our emails and thank you for your patience!

CAN I PARK ONSITE?

Unfortunately, onsite parking is not available. There are select parking garages around the area (W 36th Street).

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED MODE OF TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO THE TDC?

There are a variety of ways to get to the TDC. These include subway, car service, walking. We are located right by Hearald Square!