Exploring the Impacts of Training, Exercise, and Obesity on Cognition in Companion Dogs

Abstract

Executive functions, like working memory, attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, are cognitive abilities that allow dogs to regulate their behavior and are important for the ability of companion dogs to successfully live as a companion to humans. Research into factors that impact executive functioning and cognitive abilities in dogs is important for understanding how best to curate the life experiences and health of dogs to optimize their executive function abilities, and may lead to understanding of preventative measures for cognitive dysfunction in old age. In this study, pet dogs over one year of age were recruited to participate in a cognitive test battery designed to assess executive function and the potential impacts of aging, training, exercise, and obesity/body condition were explored. These tasks included the Spatial Working Memory Task, the Detour Reversal Task (also called the A-not-B Barrier Task), the Eye Gaze Task, and the Cylinder Task. We found that age negatively impacted performance across all the utilized tasks. Training positively influenced performance in the Detour Reversal Task and the Cylinder Task, but not the Memory or Eye Gaze tasks. Interaction effects between age and training in some of the tasks suggested that training may be protective against cognitive decline. Higher exercise and fitness was associated with better performance in the Detour Reversal and Cylinder tasks. We also found interaction effects between age and training in those as well as the Memory task that suggested that exercise may be protective against cognitive decline. We found mixed results of body condition/obesity, with obesity being associated with worse task performance in the Cylinder Task but better performance in the Eye Gaze Task. There were also sex-specific differences that highlight the need for a nuanced approach when looking at executive function in dogs. The findings in this study provide a basis for some under-studied but important factors that may impact canine cognitive health.