Does the attention a dog pays to their owner increase after the dog engages in activities that mimic the predatory preferences of that dog (Canis familiaris)?

When aiming to resolve problems caused by predatory behaviour in dogs, two approaches are typically used. First, suppressing the behaviour through training and second, making the behaviour impossible through utilising barriers. If an outlet for predatory behaviour is not also provided for pet dogs, each of these approaches may result in reduced welfare for the dogs. The aim of this study was to determine if using toys to interact with dogs in a way that replicates a step of the predatory motor sequence preferred by the dog increases the amount of time that the dog spends, gazing at the person who used the toy to interact with them. The study had two stages. In stage one, data about predatory preferences from participants’ dogs were gathered using an online survey and in stage two, data were gathered from video supplied by participants. The participants in stage two were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups. All participants were asked for three minutes of video. For all, during the first and third minutes, participants were asked to stand quietly with their dog. In the second minute, participants were asked to perform a specific interaction. Group One (Targeted Interaction) participants (n = 28) were asked to use a toy to replicate a part of the predatory motor sequence that the survey data indicated would be preferred by their dog. Group Two (Chase Interaction) participants (n = 32) were asked to throw a toy for their dog to chase. Group Three (Control) participants (n = 29) were asked to treat minute two in the same manner as minutes one and three. The study found no significant difference in the within group comparisons, suggesting that the interactions performed did not have an effect on the length of time the dogs looked at the human. However, the study did indicate the need for additional research in two areas. Participants in Stage Two had difficulty with interactions that did not involve the chase step of the motor sequence. In addition, the time allowed for the interaction was short and performed a single time. Additional research where participants receive coaching and where more time is allowed for familiarity with the interactions may yield different results. [Display omitted] •Predatory behaviour in dogs poses a risk for wildlife, livestock, and other pets.•Survey and video data used to investigate effect of prey substitutes on gazing.•Gazing at human did not increase through use of prey substitutes.•Exploring coaching participa