Development of auditory localization in dogs: Single source and precedence effect sounds

Abstract

The development of auditory localization in dogs was investigated in a litter of 12 pups. Behavioral auditory localization consisted of orienting responses to dog vocalizations presented from loudspeakers 90 degrees to each side. Sounds were presented in two configurations, single source (only one loudspeaker) and precedence effect (both loudspeakers, with one slightly leading the other). Localization began around 16 days after birth, for single-source sounds. This is consistent with previous observations and with findings on dogs' auditory neural development. Single-source sounds were localized earlier during development than precedence-effect sounds. This ordering resembles findings on human infants and can be related to neuroanatomical investigations of mammalian brain structures mediating single source versus precedence effect localization.

A Comparison of the Sensory Development of Wolves (Canis lupus lupus) and Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

“…Furthermore, the average time at which hand‐reared German shepherds reliably responded to sound was less than a week different from mother‐reared German Shepherds and wolves (Hand‐reared German shepherds: 4.3 wk; Mother‐reared German shepherds: 3.7 wk; Wolves: 3.7 wk) and matches well with previous literature (Fox , ; Ashmead et al. ).…”

“…Observational data were deemed unnecessary for dogs because the timing of the onset of visual and auditory systems is well established and previous experiments are comparable to these methods (Fox , , ; Scott & Fuller ; Fox & Weisman ; Ashmead et al. ).…”

“…While there have been a number of studies on the sensory development of dogs (Scott ; Fox , , ; Scott & Fuller ; Fox & Weisman ; Ashmead et al. ; Strain et al. ), little if anything has been reported on the development of the sensory systems of wolves.…”

“…); however, they do not reliably respond to sound until 25 d of age (Fox , ; Ashmead et al. ). Dog pups' eyes open at approximately 13 d, but it is not until 25 d on average that dog pups begin to see forms (Fox ; Scott & Fuller ).…”

Stimulus duration and repetition rate influence newborns' head orientation toward sound

“…A similar sequence of development has been found in another species, dogs. Ashmead, Clifton, and Reese (1986) found that puppies first began to orient toward a single-source, nonechoing sound at 16 days of age, but failed to orient toward precedence effect sounds. Although the cortical-mediation hypothesis remains an intriguing possibility, its final evaluation requires further research on the development of orientation responses in animals and their relation to neurophysiological development at higher levels of the nervous system.…”