Abstract
Dogs have a unique evolutionary relationship with humans, yet little is known about the visual information available to them or how they direct their visual attention within their environment. The present study, inspired by comparable work in infants, classified the items available to be gazed at by dogs during a common daily event, a walk. We then explored the statistics over the availability of those categories and over the dogs’ visual attention. Using a head-mounted eye-tracking apparatus that was custom-designed for dogs, 11 dogs walked on a predetermined route outdoors under naturalistic conditions generating a total of 11,698 gazes for analysis. Image stills from these fixations were analyzed using computer vision techniques to explore the items present, the space within the visual field those items occupied, and which of the items the dog was gazing at. On average, dogs looked proportionally most at buses, plants, people, the pavement, and construction equipment; however, there were significant individual differences. The results of this project provide a foundational step toward understanding how dogs look at and interact with their physical world, opening up avenues for future research into how they learn and make decisions, both independently and with a human social partner.
Read Full Article (External Site)
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.
