We study dogs across all stages of life to learn how we can help them become better #servicedogs.🐾Our behavioral #research involves observation, sampling, and presenting #dogs with fun cognitive games where they are rewarded with food and praise! #servicedogscience #science

We investigate everything from behavior to the human-animal bond to health & nutrition. Sharing our #ServiceDogScience advances understanding and helps fulfill our mission to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. See our publications: buff.ly/3Lc9sN7 🐶 #research

Did you know the early experiences that puppies share with their mothers can impact their lives for years to come? In a study led by Emily Bray & funded by AKC Canine Health Foundation, Inc., we explored the effects of mothering on behavior and program outcome in 59 litters. #ServiceDogScience

During our maternal style study, we observed mothers interacting with their litters over the first three weeks of life. All puppies wore unique color-coded collars so we could tell them apart. All told, we recorded over 700 hours of footage. #Puppies #Research #ServiceDogScience

A previous study by Emily Bray found maternal effects on guide dog success. Our preliminary results suggest mothering also influences success as a #servicedog! Stay tuned for the final results. #WomenInSTEM #ServiceDogScience #science #research

📢Our new paper is out today in GeroScience! We looked at over 11,000 pet dogs from 6-18 yrs old enrolled in the Dog Aging Project and found an association between physical activity and cognitive dysfunction. A 🧵on our findings and what they mean! 1/7 bit.ly/3UqaYiP

In the largest sample to date, we found that young puppies can follow human social cues, like a pointing gesture, even prior to lots of human exposure, and these social communicative skills have a strong genetic basis! #servicedogscience #research #NationalServiceDogMonth

This groundbreaking study led by Emily Bray published in Current Biology helps us understand the genetic links to social cognition in dogs and may help us better select for skills that predict success as service dogs. #ServiceDogScience #research buff.ly/3uQsxKR

With University of Arizona researchers, we tested 160 Canine Companions dogs on the same tasks at 8.5 weeks old & as adults. We found for certain skills, such as making eye contact with humans and impulse control, puppy performance predicted adult performance. #ServiceDogScience #research

EvanMacLean and @Bharedogguy found high levels of eye contact were linked to successful service dog outcomes (buff.ly/2zYKXQu), making it even more exciting that our recent work has shown this trait to be stable over time and under genetic control #ServiceDogScience

Look at our #puppies getting their class #photo taken at Duke University! Learn more about the program: canine.org/service-dogs/s… 🐶 #nationalservicedogmonth #futureservicedog

🐶 EvanMacLean and @Bharedogguy found high levels of eye contact were linked to successful service dog outcomes (buff.ly/2zYKXQu), making it even more exciting that our recent work has shown this trait to be stable over time and under genetic control #ServiceDogScience

How can we help our #dogs live longer, healthier lives? We’re studying canine aging to find indicators of decline that we can use for early detection & intervention. We want our dogs’ skills to stay sharp as long as possible! #servicedogscience #research #NationalServiceDogMonth

Supporting cognitive health in service dogs is key to ensuring they are able to perform tasks well as they age. It’s a win for the service dog team!

We are grateful to the talented collaborators and volunteers who contribute to our research! Thanks to Duke University @bharedogguy Vanessa Woods @hannahsalomons ohairelab @g_gnanadesikan ManyDogs & many more. View all partners at canine.org/collab #servicedogscience

Not everything goes as planned but hey - that’s the nature of research! Revel in the unexpected, joy and fun too!

I could not ask for a better team! Emily Bray, Theadora Block, PhD, Laura Douglas and all our incredible collaborators - here’s to the next 20 years! #ServiceDogScience

Cheers to the newest class of the Duke Puppy Kindergarten - our future service dogs Canine Companions® #ServiceDogScience

#sciencesunday 🔬🧬 Tonight, on 60 Minutes Duke University #puppy kindergarten #puppies take center stage! The story will highlight Duke #research on the #science of canine learning and brain development and what it can tell us about human evolution: buff.ly CBS

Studying behavior and cognition in Canine Companions® puppies not only helps us identify future service dogs, it gives us clues about dog domestication #servicedogscience