STUDY INFORMATION
This research study will explore whether dogs living in human homes prefer to freeload or contrafreeload when given the choice. (Contrafreeloading means choosing to work for food when identical food is freely available at the same time. Freeloading means choosing the freely available food.) It will also explore whether there is any relationship between feeding preference and factors such as sex, age and breed.
Such information can be used to help provide appropriate enrichment opportunities, boost dog welfare and pave the way for further research in the area.
This study is being conducted by Lauren Sharkey as part of Dogenius' Ofqual Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour Management.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART?
- Aged 18 or over with full capacity to provide informed consent
- Live with a dog who has a diet that can easily be fed in a snuffle mat (e.g. dry food); does not have a medical issue affecting their appetite or dietary needs; is not a "picky" or "fussy" eater; and who does not exhibit guarding behaviour around food
- Have access to two snuffle mats of the same size and a food bowl or willing to purchase these items
- The ability to film and upload videos
WHAT YOU WILL BE ASKED TO DO
You will be invited to complete an online questionnaire, collecting information on your dog's breed, sex, age, relevant medical/behavioural history, and general daily routine.
If eligible to take part in the study, you will be given instructions on how to assess your dog's feeding preference. This will involve getting them used to the snuffle mat (for a maximum of 12 days if needed) and subsequently filming their eating behaviour for a maximum of 10 minutes over the course of three days. You will also be asked to provide an email address so that a link to a second survey can be sent for you to upload your videos.
Your participation is entirely voluntary and you can withdraw at any time. Every participant will be entered into a prize draw to win a £25 Tug-E-Nuff gift card.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Other than an email address, no identifying information will be required. This data will only be seen and used by the researcher for communication with participants. All video footage and questionnaire data will be stored in an encrypted, password-protected location.
Email address data will be deleted as soon as the study closes (when all video files have been received and securely stored). Raw video footage will be deleted once the research has been examined by the assessor. No identifiable data will appear in the final dissertation.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about this research study, please contact the researcher via lauren@laurensharkey.co.uk