Matching-to-sample abstract-concept learning by dogs (Canis familiaris).

Abstract

The abstract concept of sameness forms the basis of higher-order cognitive operations, including mathematics and language. Historically believed to be unique to humans, evidence of abstract-concept learning in recent decades has been demonstrated in a range of phylogenetically diverse species, indicating that the ability to judge sameness relations is a general process resulting from convergent evolution. However, to date, no research has demonstrated evidence of such learning in any canid species. We trained domestic dogs (n = 6) on a two-choice olfactory matching-to-sample task using a training set of 48 odors in trial-unique sessions. Upon meeting an acquisition criterion (two consecutive sessions ≥ 83% correct), we assessed abstract-concept learning by testing for transfer to novel odors. Dogs matched novel odors with above-chance accuracy and exceeded baseline levels, satisfying previously proposed criteria for full abstract-concept learning. Our findings provide the first evidence of MTS concept learning in dogs, illustrating qualitative similarities with other species.

Dogs can discriminate between human baseline and psychological stress condition odours

“…Over repeated exposure, the aim is that dogs learn to recognise commonality associated with the condition across the samples and can ignore individual differences unrelated to the condition (e.g., age, sex, diet, medications). Outside of the human disease literature, an array of paradigms have been utilised to assess aspects of canine odour perception, such as odour threshold tests [ 46 ], memory for odours [ 47 ], ability to discriminate between odours [ 48 ] and ability to ‘match-to-sample’ [ 49 ]. Thus far, these paradigms have been most commonly been used in conjunction with non-human odours (e.g., amyl-acetate, isoamyl-acetate).…”

Same-different conceptualization in dogs (Canis familiaris).

“…Demonstrating that same-different concept formation is not modality-specific is important because it would indicate that this ability may be the result of a single mechanism used to perceive relationships between stimuli regardless of form (Cook & Brooks, 2009;Cook & Qadri, 2021). Lazarowski et al (2021) have presented some evidence that dogs may also be able to form matching concepts through training with olfactory stimuli, consistent with this possibility. Dogs are a widely available species and cooperate readily with humans, meaning they could be utilized in future studies of 14 SCAGEL AND MERCADO abstract concept formation in ways that may not be as feasible with wild animals like birds, primates, or dolphins.…”

“…The subjects in this study were six domestic dogs, similar to the sample size of previous studies of same-different conceptualization or MTS that have included four to five dogs, two dolphins, one parrot, and two to nine rhesus monkeys (Katz et al, 2002; Krichbaum et al, 2021; Lazarowski et al, 2021; Mercado et al, 2000; Pepperberg, 1987; Pietrzykowska & Sołtysik, 1975; Wright et al, 1990). All subjects were pet dogs of various age, breed, and sex with various training histories, and all were trained and tested in the Neural and Cognitive Plasticity laboratory on campus at the University at Buffalo.…”

“…A more recent study tested dogs' performance on an MTS task using olfactory stimuli, in which six dogs trained for explosive detection were presented with a sample odor and required to enter an enclosure and locate and sit in front of an identical odor hidden in one of six possible positions (Lazarowski et al, 2021). Among the six alternative positions, one contained an odor identical to the sample and one contained an odor different from the sample.…”

Comparative cognition—Conceptual and methodological advancements.

“…By using an expanded set-size methodology, these authors provide evidence that both species display increasingly abstract same/different transfer to novel displays as training set size is increased-a result also seen in other species. The final paper, by Lazarowski et al (2021) examines the possibility of abstract same/ different learning in canines using a trial-unique training matchingto-sample procedure with olfactory stimuli. Their data converge on observations in other species in pointing to the possibility of abstract encoding of the stimuli in these tasks.…”