Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) use human gestures but not nonhuman tokens to find hidden food
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2008 |
Authors: |
Monique A. R. Udell, Robson F. Giglio, Clive D. L. Wynne |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Keywords: |
domestic dog, gestures, social behavior, token use |
ISBN: |
1939-2087 0735-7036 |
Abstract:
The authors examined the ability of domestic dogs to use human body cues (gestures) and equivalent-sized nonhuman cues to find hidden food in an object choice paradigm. In Experiment 1 the authors addressed the importance of the human element of the cue, and the effects of size, topography, and familiarity on dogs’ success in using cues. Experiment 2 further explored the role of the human as cue-giver, and the impact of a change in the experimenter’s attentional state during cue presentation. This included a systematic test of the role inanimate tokens play as cues apart from human placement. Our results indicate that dogs are more sensitive to human cues than equivalent nonhuman cues, and that the size of the cue is a critical element in determining dogs’ success in following it.