Haptic Signals as a Communication Tool Between Handlers and Dogs: Review of a New Field

Developing new haptic communication tools to enhance communication between dogs and their handlers during field operations has garnered interest in recent years. It is a promising field that could ameliorate dog-handler interactions in the field while addressing practical challenges, such as the need for discrete communication during operations. When extended to the public, such technology could improve communication with impaired dogs. With this review, we aim to (1) give an overview of dogs' understanding and discrimination of haptic signals, (2) highlight the need to investigate the possible impact of such tools on dogs' welfare, as well as (3) point out current caveats and future research directions.