Ontogeny and Heritability of Cognitive and Behavioral Traits Linked to Success as a Military Working Dog
Abstract
Working dogs plays critical roles in diverse U.S. military operations and remain the most effective approach for the detection and avoidance of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). However, individual dogs vary greatly in their capacity for these roles due to individual differences in cognition and temperament. With ONR support our research team developed the Dog Cognition Test Battery (DCTB) to identify dogs with the greatest potential for success as IED Detection Dogs (IDDs). Using this instrument, we identified robust links between a number of cognitive skills measured by the DCTB and performance in the IDD program. Specifically, dogs most skillful with human gestures and working memory performed best, both in training, and when deployed. Based on these findings we developed the rapid DCTB (DCTB-R), a shortformat test including only measures linked to IDD success, and validated this tool with an independent sample of IDDs. In less than an hour, a candidate dog can now be assessed for cognitive abilities associated with future IDD performance. Despite this progress, the ultimate causes of variance in adult dog cognition and temperament remain unknown, presenting a host of critical basic research questions. For example, to what extent is this variance explained by genetic factors? Are signatures of individual differences detectable early in development, or stable across ontogeny? The answers to these types of questions will provide foundational knowledge regarding how and why individual differences in dog cognition and temperament arise, as well as what approaches may be most productive for manipulating these processes. Here we propose to build on our initial discovery byinvestigating whether traits linked to successful MWDs can be identified early in a dog~s lifetime, and whether these traits are heritable and potential targets of selective breeding. Additionally, collaborating with the Navy SEAL Multi-Purpose Canine team we will evaluatewhether the links between cognition and success as an IDD are similarly predictive of aptitude for other MWD roles. To investigate whether individual differences in key cognitive and temperamental traits can be detected early in ontogeny, we will adapt the DCTB-R for use with retriever puppies bred and raised by Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Dogs will be tested ~12 weeks of age at CCI~s breeding center, and again as adults when they return to CCI for formal training. To assess heritability, we will leverage the known pedigree for all dogs in CCI~s population to determine the extent to which individual differences in cognition and temperament are attributable to genetic factors. Lastly, in collaboration with the Navy SEAL Multi-Purpose Canine Team, we will facilitate testing of current and candidate multipurpose MWDs with the DCTB-R, and investigate whether this instrument similarly predicts potential as a multi-purpose canine (MPC). Collectively, these studies will address key questions about the extent to which skills critical for success as a MWD are heritable, detectable early in a dog~s lifetime, and predictive of aptitude for diverse MWD roles. These findings will provide critical basic knowledge of how and why individual differences in dog cognitive and behavioral phenotypes arise. Ultimately this knowledge has potential to lead to future advances in the processes through which MWDs are selected, trained, and bred for diverse roles in the United States Armed Forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712380
Entities
People
- Evan L. MacLean
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Arizona