After signing up for one of our in-person studies, you will receive an email to schedule your lab visit.
Once you arrive at our lab space, we will give your dog plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the environment. You will have a chance to ask any questions you might have before we begin.
As your dog’s handler, you will play a small role in our studies, and so you must stay with us for the full time your dog is with us. Due to space constraints, where possible, we ask that only one person is present for the testing session. The duration of the testing session varies per study. Please note that the person participating in the session with your dog must be at least 18 years old.
Once your dog is acclimated to the lab, they will participate in fun cognitive games that help us to understand canine behavior and intelligence. Dogs tend to love these studies, but we want to note that you can choose to end a session at any time if you or your dog are not having fun (or for any reason).
FAQ
What should I bring?
Please bring a small bag of your dog’s favourite treats (cut to a suitable size), a flat lead (no flexi leads) and a flat collar or harness (no slip leads, choke chains, prong collars, or e-collars), as well as potty bags. You may also wish to bring your dog’s favorite toy if playing with strangers might help them warm up to our researchers.
How should I prepare for my visit?
We strongly recommend that you give your dog a short walk prior to visiting our lab, and possibly on the way to the lab depending on the time of day and weather conditions. This will help them to focus on the cognitive games, some of which will require your dog to sit relatively still and pay attention. The ideal “headspace” for participation is similar to one you might want for training – not bouncing off the walls with excess energy, but not about to fall asleep, either! As you know your dog best, you will be in the best position to determine how much exercise is required prior to the visit.
Finally, if your dog is not very food motivated and you suspect they may not want to take treats from strangers if they are already satiated, you may wish to feed them a smaller meal prior to their visit.
Where am I going?
The sessions are held in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews. The lab is accessible via Westburn Lane. The map and image below indicate the location of the lab.
