UBC Human-Animal Interaction Lab

The UBC Animal Welfare Program is hosting the 2026 Canine Science Conference in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, from June 4 - 6. Abstract submission and registrations are now open, and the abstract submission deadline is March 6: lnkd.in/gzDkZ2Vu

New publication from our PhD candidate @BaileyHopeEagan revealed that fearful dogs are more frequently given psychoactive meds than fearful cats in shelters. Cost & uncertainty emerge as major barriers, highlighting the need for improved efficacy data. doi.org/10.56771/jsmca…

The Croney Research Group has a new publication with the lab of Dr. Kari Ekenstedt - confirming several canine genetic behavioral loci identified in previous studies. Social and Non-social fears were more heritable than Startle Reactions. #caninewelfare mdpi.com/2073-4425/15/1…

New UBC AWP study reveals potential sampling biases in dog cognition studies similar to hand-touch training, where older, less reward-responsive dogs with inexperienced owners are more likely to be excluded—potentially skewing findings toward motivated, well-trained dogs.

Are you a dog breeder in Canada? Researchers at UBC are conducting an online anonymous survey to learn more about breeding practices, management styles, and dog housing that takes just 30 minutes. ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b4… or scan the QR code. Please share with fellow breeders!

New pub 🚨 from our lab! Pawing behavior by rangeland ewes toward lambs at processing could be an indicator of a maternal temperament. More pawing behavior (attention/protection?) was displayed with heavier lambs (greater investment/payoff?). 🐑sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

📢Pls RT Looking for a #PhD in #quantitative #biology #evolution or #ecology? Or know someone who is? Applications are open for PhDs starting 2025 @UniKonstanz @imprs_qbee #locusts #moths #meerkats #lemurs #hyenas #nematodes #baboons Need we say more? ➡️imprs-qbee.mpg.de/66685/current

New paper by @ubcAWP researchers: @joey_krahn @AminAzadian @camilamcavalli @dr_prot & Dr. Julia Miller found that extra discrimination training experience doesn't impact dogs' responses to ambiguous stimuli in a Judgement Bias Task (JBT) 🐾🐶 Read more: rdcu.be/dXotq

#websitewednesday is here. Is ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) necessary for good puppy welfare? See the results of the Croney Research Group's study! caninewelfare.centers.purdue.edu/resource/resea…

Now Accepting Applications for @appliedethology Student Representative! 🙌 If you are interested, please send a 1-page CV and 1-page statement describing your motivation to be a Student Representative to bianca.vandresen@ubc.ca Mostafa.Farghal@ucalgary.ca by October 31st, 2024

First paper from our dog learning project is out 🎉 rdcu.be/dW6zb We found both between and within-breed clade differences in cognitive performance, and also in frustration-like behaviours following difficulty to adjust with the rewarding schedule. Check it out 🐶🐕🐩🐕‍🦺

Please Share!! 🚨📢 Calling out all German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever dogs in Vancouver! If you live in Vancouver and have a GSD or Labrador Retriever dog, you can help the Human-Animal Interaction lab at UBC study the link between reward motivation and behaviour.

Calling all dog caretakers! Do you use technology to monitor your dog (e.g., smart collar, cameras, feeders)? We invite you to participate in a research survey to understand how dog monitoring technologies impact the lives of dogs and their people! rb.gy/jzjryj

Do you work in a #veterinaryclinic and routinely handle #dogs during #examinations? Researchers @TexasTech are interested in your perceptions of canine handling techniques. Click on the link to participate, and please share our survey! bit.ly/veterinaryhand…

AWP Professor @dr_prot presented on if results of a judgement bias test were affected by pre-session discrimination or generalization training in dogs.

Various AWP students and faculty presented at the Canine Science Forum last week. @camilamcavalli presented on the effect of positive mood on learning and stress resilience in dogs. Dr. Camila pictured here:

AWP PhD student, @AminAzadian, unveiled mind-boggling revelations on breed clades' and individual dogs’ unique learning abilities at Canine Science Forum 2023 in Budapest, Hungary last week.

Last speaker from the @ubcAWP at @CanineForum will be Dr. Alexandra Protopopova, PI of the @Ubc_hai, who will be presenting the research entitled “Are results of a Judgement Bias Test affected by pre-session discrimination or generalization training in dogs?” #CSF2023

Variation in #dog #brain #anatomy between different #breeds from @LabHecht's talk. In her words, "#Golden_Retrievers have a lot of air around their brains". #CSF2023