Understanding the performance of truffle dogs

0559164 - ÚVGZ 2023 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Čejka, Tomáš - Thomas, P. W. - Oliach, D. - Stobbe, U. - Egli, S. - Tegel, W. - Centenaro, G. - Sproll, L. - Bagi, I. - Trnka, Miroslav - Büntgen, Ulf
Understanding the performance of truffle dogs.
2022. Journal of Veterinary Behavior-Clinical Applications and Research. Roč. 52-53, JUN-JUL (2022), s. 8-13. ISSN 1558-7878. E-ISSN 1878-7517
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT(CZ) EF16_019/0000797
Research Infrastructure: CzeCOS III - 90123
Institutional support: RVO:86652079
Keywords : Animal cognition * Below ground fungi * Canine behavior * Dog performance * Human-dog interactions * Scent detection * Truffles
OECD category: Zoology
Impact factor: 1.8, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access

Trained dogs can detect many biochemical traces, from the most hostile, such as COVID-19, to the most expensive, such as truffles. However, it is still unclear how the interplay of genetic disposition, education, experience, personality, and environmental conditions influences the performance of dogs. Here, we combine published evidence with the knowledge of truffle hunters to assess direct and indirect factors that affect the hunting performance of truffle dogs. Since the transport of truffle aroma into the canine nasal cavity is most puzzling, we propose 5 experiments to further investigate the role of weather conditions, soil parameters, and bacterial composition on the dispersal of truffle volatiles perceived by trained dogs. We also suggest exploring whether the application of multiple dogs increases the success of truffle hunting. Moreover, we argue that interdisciplinary research on dog behavior and performance, including insights from veterinary science and comparative psychology as well as the experience of truffle hunters and farmers, is needed to improve the quantity and quality of truffle harvests. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0332572