UBC Human-Animal Interaction Lab

UBC Human-Animal Interaction lab, part of @ubcawp at Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus

[UBC Human-Animal Interaction Lab @Ubc_hai]

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: https://t.co/pX8YueOwkd

[UBC Human-Animal Interaction Lab @Ubc_hai]

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.
https://t.co/n5DAmygX92

[Croney Research Group @CroneyGroup]

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
https://t.co/yzbO6BfBI7

[UBC Animal Welfare @ubcAWP]

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.

[UBC Animal Welfare @ubcAWP]

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.
https://t.co/vT1ucf5U8h or scan the QR code.
Please share with fellow breeders!

[UCD Animal Behavior and Cognition Lab @animalmindsUCD]

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?). 🐑https://t.co/p4mEcll0DE

[MPI-AB is on Bluesky @mpi-animalbehav.bsky.social @MPI_animalbehav]

📢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?
➡️https://t.co/nCxL8adjbv

[UBC Human-Animal Interaction Lab @Ubc_hai]

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: https://t.co/64gdCSUwIH

[Croney Research Group @CroneyGroup]

#websitewednesday is here. Is ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) necessary for good puppy welfare? See the results of the Croney Research Group's study!
https://t.co/sXdOXTb0Al

[Bianca Vandresen @VandresenBianca]

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 [email protected] [email protected] by October 31st, 2024

[UBC Human-Animal Interaction Lab @Ubc_hai]

First paper from our dog learning project is out 🎉
https://t.co/AohmuxKwOa
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 🐶🐕🐩🐕‍🦺

[UBC Human-Animal Interaction Lab @Ubc_hai]

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.

[Courtney Graham, PhD @courtneyandcats]

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!

https://t.co/4ozVvUPBDW

[Anastasia Stellato, PhD @acstellato]

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!
https://t.co/fvH5jAoJZ4

[UBC Animal Welfare @ubcAWP]

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

[UBC Animal Welfare @ubcAWP]

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:

[UBC Animal Welfare @ubcAWP]

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.

[UBC Human-Animal Interaction Lab @Ubc_hai]

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

[Silvan R. Urfer @SilvanUrfer]

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

[Silvan R. Urfer @SilvanUrfer]

Taken together, the first afternoon session of #CSF2023 made a very good case that #dog #breed-specific differences in #behavior are real and considerable.