Owner‐implemented paired‐stimulus food preference assessments for companion dogs

Waite et al. (2023) asked dog owners to run a quick paired-stimulus food test at home. Owners held two treats, let their dog pick one, and repeated the pairings until every treat had been compared.

The whole task took minutes. Owners wrote down which food the dog chose each time. The team then turned the choices into a ranked list from most to least preferred.

Every owner finished the test and produced a clear order of treat preference. The dogs did not need special training or lab gear.

The simple ranking matched what later training sessions showed: top-ranked treats kept the dogs working hardest.

Geckeler et al. (2000) first proved the paired-stimulus method works for people with severe disabilities. Waite et al. (2023) extend that idea to pets, showing the same brief format works for dogs in living rooms.

Ivancic et al. (1996) warned that high preference during assessment does not always equal a strong reinforcer in humans. The dog study found the opposite: preference rank predicted reinforcer strength. The gap likely closes because dogs have fewer learning histories and motor limits than the 1996 participants.

Laureano et al. (2023) reported that competing stimulus assessments succeed only 47 % of the time in human clinics. Waite’s positive result with dogs hints that simpler procedures or different species may boost success rates.

You can teach pet owners or shelter volunteers to run this five-minute test before starting training. A quick rank gives you a powerful reinforcer list without pricey toys or expert staff. Try it Monday: bring two treats, let the dog choose five times, and lead with the winner in your next skill-building session.