Canid Signal Detection in Live versus Dead Hides

Abstract

Domestic dogs are increasingly used in detection of species that are difficult to locate or are relatively low in abundance due to conservation related issues. In conjunction with the University of Alberta, Dr. Shannon Digweed, and Dr. Randal Arsenault have been exploring various aspects of incorporating scent dogs into conservation and behavioural research programs. This project will focus specifically on signal detection of live versus dead scent training. Research has suggested that there is a distinct olfactory difference between training scent dogs on ‘live hides’ versus ‘dead hides’ (of North American red squirrels). As the majority of work with our dog group has been scent training on dead hides we are interested in investigating the detection abilities of dogs that have only been trained on dead versus those that have only been trained on live.  Additionally, this project has an applied aspect to it. The student and trainers will also be using data collected to promote a conservation scent detection business. The goal of this project is to assist the trainers with appropriate procedures for learning scent detection.

Discipline: Psychology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shannon Digweed