Canine Behavior

BARC is dedicated to advancing our understanding of how the behavior of dogs has evolved and how it is shaped by both genetic inheritance and environmental experience. By conducting controlled behavioral experiments, the lab investigates behavioral traits such as social responsiveness, problem-solving, and emotional reactivity. Our experiments investigate whether behavior is biologically predisposed or learned through interaction with humans and other animals. This research sheds light on the evolutionary pathways that have made dogs such adept companions and offers insights into how domestication has influenced behavioral flexibility. Experimental paradigms include single-case designs, longitudinal studies, and testing of dogs in varied developmental stages to map the heritability of specific traits. Through this approach, the lab aims to disentangle the complex interaction between nature and nurture in canine behavior.

Human-Dog Relationships

A central focus of the lab is the study of human-dog social bonding, with particular attention to how dogs form preferences, communicate intentions, and interpret human cues. Using principles of operant behavior analysis, we assess how dogs make choices in response to different human interactions, such as verbal praise, touch, or play, and how reinforcement history influences these preferences. This line of research also examines the mechanisms of attachment, responsiveness to social reinforcement, and the bidirectional communication that defines successful human-canine relationships. Sophisticated tracking and coding systems allow the lab to quantify subtle behaviors such as gaze following, tail wagging direction, and proximity seeking. These findings inform both basic science and practical applications, such as improving training methods and enhancing welfare for companion animals.

Dog Assisted Therapy (DAT)

In collaboration with clinical researchers, BARC investigates the therapeutic potential of canine-assisted interventions for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. By using structured behavioral experiments, the team evaluates how interactions with trained therapy dogs can improve communication, attention, and emotional regulation in children and adolescents. Data collection includes direct observation, behavioral coding, and caregiver reports to assess changes in skill acquisition and reductions in problematic behaviors over time. The lab also studies the behavior of the therapy dogs themselves, ensuring ethical practices and identifying traits that contribute to successful therapeutic outcomes. This research holds promise for refining animal-assisted therapy protocols and expanding access to evidence-based interventions that improve quality of life for neurodiverse populations.