Man’s best friend is as treat-obsessed as we all thought.
Nine out of 10 dogs chose food over toys in the first study of its kind, conducted by University of Florida psychologists. The study allowed dogs to pick their favorite food and favorite toy, then put them head to head in an experiment simulating a training experience. Most dogs responded more strongly to the food reward.
“I was surprised, but nobody’s looked at how dogs will work for toys versus food before,” said Nicole Dorey, a lecturer in the UF Department of Psychology who performed the study with her students and other collaborators.
The researchers recruited 10 pet dogs from the local area. Each dog was shown six food items – including treats, cheese, carrots and hot dogs — and six toys, such as a tennis ball, a squeak toy, a plastic bone or a stuffed animal. Each dog then had a chance to choose their favorite food and favorite toy.
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