Does Nose Work Training Affect Dog Executive Function and Physical Fitness in Humans and Dogs?

Area of Science:

• Canine cognition and behavior
• Animal training and sports science

Background:

• Domesticated dogs exhibit significant physical and behavioral diversity.
• Factors beyond selective breeding influence canine cognitive and physical abilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of nose work sports training on canine executive function and physical fitness.
• To examine effects on human companions' physical fitness.
• To test the hypothesis that nose work participants have enhanced fitness and canine executive function.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 26 dogs and 17 human companions.
• Questionnaires assessed executive function (Dog Executive Function Scale), training history, and physical activity.
• Fitness tests were conducted for both dogs and humans.
• Dogs completed two cognitive tests.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in physical fitness scores between nose work and non-nose work groups for dogs or humans.
• Nose work training was associated with higher reported executive function scores in dogs.
• Increased formal nose work training correlated with greater task persistence in dogs facing unsolvable problems.

Conclusions:

• Nose work training appears to enhance canine executive function and task persistence.
• Physical fitness benefits were not evident in this pilot study.
• Training quality may play a role in canine cognitive performance and resilience.