In a study led by the University of Florida, scientists allowed pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) to choose their favorite food and favorite toy, then put them on the head in an experiment that mimics a training experience; 9 out of 10 dogs responded more strongly to the food reward.
Lazarus et al. aimed to compare the reinforcing value and efficacy between food and recreational stimuli for pet dogs by comparing rates of behavior when receiving access to either their preferred food or recreational objects. The results indicate that, in general, dogs show a stronger preference for and food is more likely to function as a reinforcer than recreational items for pet dog behavior. Although the dogs had equal preferences for both types of stimuli in the preference assessments, they showed a higher response rate when working for their preferred food during the progressive ratio trials. Photo credit: Congerdesign.
“I was surprised, but no one had looked at how dogs would work for toys versus food before,” said the study’s senior author, Dr. Nicole Dorey, a lecturer at the University of Florida.
For the study, Dr. Dorey and colleagues recruited and tested a total of 10 pet dogs.
Each dog was presented with six treats — including treats, cheese, carrots and hot dogs — and six toys, such as a tennis ball, squeaky toy, plastic bone or stuffed animal.
Each dog had a chance to choose their favorite food and favorite toy.
In another set of experiments, the dogs had to work harder and harder for their reward.
Most dogs give up sooner when offered a preferred toy reward than when given their favorite treat.
Other studies have shown that dogs may prefer human attention to food.
“I think the next study should look at all three — attention, food, and toys — and what dogs really want when training,” said Dr. Dorey.
Some dog trainers suggest using toys instead of food in training to avoid excess calories and to make the experience more fun for the dog.
If dog owners want to follow this advice, the key is not to have toys that compete with food.
“You can train your dog with toys if you start really early,” says Dr. Dorey.
“This is what search and rescue dogs do, they start early with toys as a reinforcer.”
A paper on the findings has been published in the journal Animals.
_____
Xenabeth A. Lazaro et al. 2023. Efficacy of Edible and Leisure Reinforcers with Domestic Dogs. Animals 13 (19): 3073; doi: 10.3390/ani13193073
