How to Volunteer Your Dog!

We are actively looking for participants for ongoing and future studies. Sometimes a study calls for specific criteria on the part of the dog, other times we are looking for the average pet dog of any breed or age. _

To be considered for an upcoming study, just fill out the general Dog Study Questionnaire form

~to access click on the paw below~

Filling out this form does not obligate you to participate in any study, but allows us to contact you with study details if we think your dog is a good match. Sometimes a dog meets the criteria for a current study, in which case we would contact you with the details within days of receiving your questionnaire. At other times, however, it may take a little longer to place volunteers in a study. Therefore a delayed reply does not mean your dog does not meet the general criteria for participation.

What are the general criteria for participation?

• Your dog must be current on his/her rabies vaccinations
• Your dog must be generally healthy at the time of participation
• Your dog cannot have a record of aggression towards humans

Special study criteria:

If a study requiring specific traits or abilities is coming, for example if we need dogs that know the names of 10 or more toys, we will post an additional link below with the criteria and a special form for that study. You only need to fill out the general questionnaire once, but you may fill out these special study forms for as many new studies as you feel you meet the additional criteria for. This change over time so please check back periodically or fill out a general questionnaire if you would like to be considered for future participation!

Current Needs:

NEW! Dogs who get into or knock over indoor trash cans-- No special form online, fill out the standard online form above and email us at jmspence@ufl.edu with the age(s) and number of dogs you would like to have participate. In your email please estimate the frequency of this behavior (e.g. every day, once a week, once a month,...).

My Dog Has A Unique Trait or Ability…

If you believe your dog has a unique or above average ability please let us know at the end of the general questionnaire or in your email.

This might include:
• The ability to approach or retrieve a large number of objects by name
• The ability to follow a string of commands given before the dog is released, eg. “Lay down and touch the ball with your right paw”
• Advance problem solving abilities
• Extensive training in a special field, eg. retired police dog, advanced agility, ect.
• Other unique behaviors that most pet dogs don’t share

 

To fill out a hard copy of the Dog Study Questionnaire, fill out and save this <document> and email it to us at dogstudy@gmail.com