Cultural Differences in Dog-Human-Interactions

• Applicants: Privatdozentin Dr. Juliane Bräuer; Professor Dr. Stefan R. Schweinberger
• Subject Area: General, Cognitive and Mathematical Psychology ; Sensory and Behavioural Biology ; Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience ; Social and Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology ; Evolution, Anthropology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456410370

In this project we investigate cultural differences in dog human interactions. In particular, we want to study and understand associations between social-cognitive abilities of dogs, the relationship between dogs and humans, the way dogs are kept, and their function and perception in different societies. In the first phase of this project, we took three distinctive approaches: (i) we explored the dog-human relationship in a large number of societies by using cultural databases; (ii) we established and used a cognitive test battery and a questionnaire to investigate dog owner dyads in 5 societies in culturally diverse areas of the world; (iii) we conducted studies about the dog-human bond in Germany, taking into account both, the dogs’ and the owners’ role. Overall, we could confirm two main hypotheses, that the dog-human relationship is closer with dogs that are kept in a cooperative function, and that basic social-cognitive skills tend to be universal in dogs. In the second funding phase we will delve into specific investigations to clarify how precisely the dog-human relationship is influenced by function, but also by breed, by cultural differences, by living conditions and by dog education. To this end, we will also take into account the domestication history and the ecological impact of the dog-human bond. We will conduct five studies with the following objectives: (1) We will determine the degree to which the turn-over in lexical terms for “dog” more likely reflects a dog’s function vs. cultural importance in a given society; (2) We will determine the relative importance of dog function vs. breed for the dog-human relationship; (3) We will study the relative importance of living conditions vs. culture for the dog-human relationship; (4) We will assess the role of cultural differences in dog training and their potential role for owner satisfaction and performance; finally, (5) we will assess ecological impact of dogs depending on their association with humans. Hence, with the findings of the project, we will be able to answer ultimate and proximate questions regarding the dog-human interaction and how it likely has developed. Our results will shed light on the nature of dog-human interactions, in terms of its functionality and ecological impact, but also its universality versus its sensitivity to cultural shaping. We anticipate that the project outcome will foster a better understanding of the interplay between cultural evolution and domestication, and of how cultural and evolutionary traits are linked together.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants