Training numerousness to numerosity in the dog ( Canis lupus familiaris )
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10244411 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kristie E Cameron (0000-0002-1623-4579, Unitec Institute of Technology Auckland New Zealand, corresponding author), Aryan Muzumdar (Unitec Institute of Technology Auckland New Zealand), Kayla Briden (Unitec Institute of Technology Auckland New Zealand), Nicola J Starkey (0000-0002-4370-8186, University of Waikato Hamilton New Zealand) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 123 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 486-496 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-5002 • E-ISSN: 1938-3711 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/jeab.70013 |
| PMID | 40341557 |
| OpenAlex | W4410186825 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 34 |
Dogs show numerousness, which is the ability to identify the larger of two stimuli, most often the number of treats on a plate. However, dogs seem to use mechanisms other than counting to make this discrimination. This study builds on existing research by controlling for (a) olfaction, (b) the surface area of the stimuli, and (c) delivery of a single reinforcer contingent on correct choices in the trained task. Nine dogs were trained to select a dish with 5 dots/treats in a sealed container when presented with comparison stimuli of 1, 4, and 9 dots/treats. The dogs showed numerousness in discriminating between dishes with 1 versus 5 dots, with consistent performance of more than 80% correct. Two dogs could discriminate 4 versus 5 dots, and three dogs learned the 9‐ versus 5‐dot discrimination in which there is a conflict between selecting the larger option and selecting the 5 dots to gain reinforcement in the task. Knowledge of numerical competency, particularly training dogs to select the nonreinforced choice, can offer strategies to facilitate cognitive enrichment and learning in animals or offer enhancement of the capabilities of working dogs where the concept of number might be advantageous in providing additional skills
Audiology · Biology · Canis · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Discrimination learning · Numerosity adaptation effect · Reinforcement · Task (project management) · Artificial Intelligence · Behavioral and Psychological Studies · Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills · Computer Science · Education Methods and Practices · Engineering · Medicine · Neuroscience · Psychology · Social Psychology
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |