Evaluating a four-button computerized gaming system for cognitive engagement in dogs.

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior and Welfare
• Cognitive Science
• Human-Animal Interaction

Background:

• Cognitive enrichment is crucial for animal welfare in various settings.
• Existing touchscreen systems for dogs have functional limitations.
• Novel interfaces are needed to enhance canine cognitive engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if a domestic dog can operate a non-touchscreen computerized gaming system.
• To adapt the Enclosure Video Enrichment (EVE) system for canine use, naming it the Canine Experimental Video Enrichment (CEVE) system.
• To document the training process and performance of a dog using the CEVE system.

Main Methods:

• A therapy dog (Orlo) was trained to use a four-button CEVE system over 11 months.
• Training involved 66 sessions totaling approximately 21 hours.
• Performance was measured by response time, accuracy, and button press efficiency.

Main Results:

• Orlo showed consistent improvement in response time and accuracy.
• The dog met the criterion for button press efficiency (fewer than seven presses per trial).
• Orlo exhibited longer latencies than sea lions, interpreted as active engagement.

Conclusions:

• This study provides proof of concept that dogs can operate a four-button gaming interface.
• The significant training investment may limit immediate widespread application in shelters.
• Future research should focus on streamlining training, welfare assessment, and voluntary engagement.