Lucia Lazarowski, PhD
Research Scientist
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Students often ask about how to pursue a career in canine cognition/behavior. Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut path. Fortunately, this means there are a variety of options and students can build a path based on their specific interests and goals. Below are a few common options and resources.
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Research Scientist
Researchers who study dog behavior or cognition are typically interested in furthering our understanding of why dogs do what they do. This can include basic science questions of the mechanisms underlying these processes, to applied research aiming to improve how we interact with and utilize dogs in real-world settings. Scientists who study canine behavior or cognition conduct research in the areas of psychology, biology, zoology, animal science, neuroscience, or related fields, and usually have an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in one of these areas. This route is typically geared towards academic careers leading to faculty positions at a university, but researchers are also being increasingly employed by zoos, shelters, and other animal facilities that conduct research.
Graduate programs in canine cognition (North America):
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Arizona Canine Cognition Center
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Arizona State University: Canine Cognition Collaboratory
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Auburn University Comparative Cognition Laboratory
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Barnard College Dog Cognition Lab
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Boston College Canine Cognition Center
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Emory University Canine Cognitive Neuroscience Lab
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Hunter College Thinking Dog Center
Illinois State University Canine Behavior and Cognition Laboratory
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Monmouth University Human-Animal Wellness Collaboratory
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Oregon State University Human-Animal Interaction Lab
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Purdue Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education
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Texas Tech University Canine Olfaction Lab
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University of Manitoba Comparative Cognition Lab
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Canine Cognition and Human Interaction Lab
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University of Toronto Canine Cognition Lab
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Virginia Tech Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare Lab
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Students looking to gain research experience before applying to graduate school can look for research assistant positions at programs like the Penn Vet Working Dog Center and Duke Canine Cognition Center.
Applied Animal Behaviorist
Applied animal behaviorists might also conduct research, but are often more focused on the practical applications of animal behavior. Applied animal behaviorists have strong backgrounds in behavior and learning theory, most commonly with a degree in psychology or animal behavior, and typically are involved in behavior modification work such as addressing behavioral problems or designing training protocols. Applied animal behaviorists work in a variety of settings such as consulting with pet owners to address individual behavior problems, working with shelters to increase adoptability through training and behavior modification, or training zoo animals to perform voluntary husbandry behaviors. Applied animal behaviorists can become certified at the Master’s or PhD level through the Animal Behavior Society.
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Veterinary behaviorists are veterinarians with special training in animal behavior. Certification as a veterinary behaviorist requires additional training (internship, residency) after completing the DVM degree and successfully passing the board certification exam. Qualified veterinary behaviorists are in high demand as there are only a few practicing across the US.
More information: https://www.dacvb.org/page/Certification
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