Puppy cognition develops in complex ways influenced by both biological and environmental factors. In this study, Smith, Krichbaum, Montgomery, Cox, and Katz (2024) tested companion dogs under 12 months old on two tasks measuring aspects of executive function: the delayed-search task (DST) and the detour reversal task (DRT). Owners also completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) to evaluate temperament.
Results showed that performance did not improve with age alone, contrasting with earlier findings from working dog studies. Instead, individual differences played a stronger role. On the DST, nonsocial fear and excitability predicted performance, with effects differing by sex. On the DRT, excitability also predicted success, but the effect varied depending on the puppy’s age.
Interestingly, there were no correlations between performance across the two tasks, suggesting that they may not measure the same underlying construct. This underscores the complexity of evaluating executive function in dogs and suggests that multiple, diverse assessments are needed.
Overall, the study highlights that temperament traits—particularly fear and excitability—can shape how young dogs approach learning and problem-solving. Recognizing these influences may help owners and trainers better tailor training methods to individual puppies, supporting both cognitive development and welfare.
Source: Smith, J. G., Krichbaum, S., Montgomery, L. I., Cox, E., & Katz, J. S. (2024). A preliminary analysis of the effect of individual differences on cognitive performance in young companion dogs. Animal Cognition, 27. Published April 1, 2024.
