[Individual prognostic behavioral features in dogs during the choice between probability and value of reinforcement]

A strategy and latency of choice between the probability (100, 50, 30, 20 and 0% probabilities were tested) and value (high and low) of the reinforcement were investigated in dogs. The greatest differences in dogs' behavior were observed under conditions of uncertainty when the valuable reinforcement was presented with probabilities from 50 to 20%. According to subjective evaluation of uncertain situation, dogs were divided into "inclined to risk" (more frequently choosing low-probable but valuable food) and "careful" (more frequently choosing high-probable but less valuable food). The choice of less probable reinforcement, especially under conditions of increasing uncertainty, was performed with longer latency that the choice of the 100%-reinforcement, which points to the strengthening of cognitive processes under conditions of a "difficult choice". The situation of uncertainty increased the emotionally negative state of the dogs (whimper, refusal of meal, etc.).