Maike ForaitaLa Trobe University · Department of Counselling and Psychological Health
Maike Foraita
Master of Science
PhD Student researching cognitive skills in dogs. Currently on maternity leave until July 2022.
About
4
Publications
696
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8
Citations
Introduction
My PhD project looks at the early development of cognition, especially inhibitory control and working memory, in assistance dog as well as pet dog puppies.
Skills and Expertise
Additional affiliations
February 2019 - September 2020
Position
- PhD Student
Description
- My PhD project looks at the development of behavioural self-regulation in assistance and pet dogs, using the framework of executive functions.
January 2017 - January 2018
April 2016 - December 2016
Position
- Master's Student
Description
- Strategic investment in sperm removal behaviour in a bushcricket
Education
October 2014 - January 2017
October 2011 - September 2014
Publications
Publications (4)
Executive functions (EFs) are a set of cognitive processes used for effortful self-regulation of behaviour. They include inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility and, in some models, attention. In humans, socioeconomic factors and life experiences shape development of EFs. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) must often regulate their behaviou...
Executive functions (EFs) are cognitive processes that are used to effortfully self-regulate behaviour and might be important for dogs’ success in working and pet roles. Currently, studies are assessing dogs’ EF skills through often laborious cognitive measures, leading to small sample sizes and lacking measures of reliability. A complementary meth...
Dog guides (Canis familiaris) fulfil important roles for their handlers. However, the process of training working dogs is costly, and many dogs fail training due to behavioural issues. Recently, research has shown that cognitive traits are important for success as working dogs, and that these might develop early in young puppies. Working memory and...
Multiple mating by females is widespread and generates sperm competition among the ejaculates of rival males over fertilization. One way in which males can avoid or reduce sperm competition is by displacing or removing previous males’ sperm from female sperm stores. An apparent example of this occurs in the bushcricket Metaplastes ornatus. Males pe...
Questions
Question (1)
I am doing a cognitive study on young puppies, 7-8 weeks of age.
Whilst measuring cognitive performance, I would also like to look if stress has an effect on the puppies performance. I do not have the option of taking cortisol measures. Does anyone know of an ethogram for signs of stress in young puppies?
Projects
Project (1)
My PhD project looks at the early development of cognition, especially inhibitory control and working memory, in assistance dog as well as pet dog puppies.
