Monique Udell has published her study entitled: When dogs look back: inhibition of independent problem-solving behaviour in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) compared with wolves (Canis lupus). Her research examined problem-solving behaviour in domestic dogs in comparison to wolves.
Domestic dogs are well known for their ability and willingness to work with humans. Research has shown that dogs will seek help when faced with a problem they cannot solve, this is termed soliciting necessary help. Wolves, when faced with an unsolvable problem will keep trying to solve the problem. A dog’s willingness to seek help has been seen as socio-cognitive advancement by some while others feel that domestic dogs have decreased persistence.
Udell’s study included pet dogs, shelter dogs, and wolves. All animals were provided with three chances to open a puzzle box in three different scenarios. The scenarios included a neutral human, alone, and with human encouragement.
It was found that wolves were more persistent when faced with the puzzle box and were therefore more successful (80% success rate). Dogs had a much lower success rate (5%). When encouraged by a person dogs were more persistent problem-solvers however there was not a large spike in success. Udell wrote, “Social sensitivity appears to play an important role in pet and shelter dogs' willingness to engage in problem-solving behaviour, which could suggest generalized dependence on, or deference to, human action.”
No comments:
Post a Comment