The role of motivational bias in companion dogs' food choices

This dissertation is part of a research project investigating the role of motivational bias affecting preference in companion dogs employing a free choice feeding task. 20 domestic dogs were presented with two sets of food containing either 2 or 4 pieces of food items. Each subject underwent 6 consecutive trials during which they were allowed to freely approach and choose between the plates. Once they consumed the food from one plate, however, the other plate was withdrawn without giving the possibility to the dog to eat the food it contained. The first trial was of particular importance in that it was the only one displaying equal amounts of food and it set the way in which the second one would be organized. Based on the dog's decision, the next trial would display the plate with the 4 pieces of food item in the opposite side. This paper expands on previous research by showing that dogs can solve numerical comparisons based solely on visual information and that a first rewarded trial is necessary for a preference to emerge. The present findings provide important information about the mental capacities and motivations of canines, which may be considered in specific dog training or behavior modification.