Presentation Details
| Canine-Human Interaction Style and Detection Task Performance Catherine Homan. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA |
Abstract
Professional detection dog teams aid conservation efforts by efficiently solving complex olfactory puzzles to locate target species. Recently, community science teams of handlers and companion dogs demonstrate similar capabilities. While there is some consensus on what human and canine skills promote detection team success, there is little research on whether the interaction style between the handler and dog affects performance. Research suggests that a guardian’s “pet-parenting style” affects their dog’s problem-solving abilities, with dogs of guardians displaying high responsiveness and high warmth showing greater persistence and success. We analyzed odor recognition tests of citizen science teams trained to detect Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) egg masses to analyze what behaviors, such as the frequency of the dog’s gaze at the handler, time spent sniffing target odor versus distractors, and the number of warm versus cold verbal cues given by the handler, to assess whether interaction style affected performance. As more community science detection teams train and operationalize, a better understanding of the factors that contribute to success will be critical.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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