ECHOS Lab

Connecting evolutionary foundations of behavior, cognition, & emotion between humans & other species

08/11/2024

Hendrix films some introductory scentwork videos for Idaho Humane Society Teaching dogs to search boxes for treats can be a great way to give dogs enrichment where they get to use their noses.

We're a little behind on our facebook posting, so I wanted to let you all know that we are on instagram! You can find us at echoslab_bsu.

04/28/2024

A big thank you to Addie, Penny, and Rocket for completing the reactive dog study! We enjoyed getting to know these wonderful dogs.

04/24/2024

Yesterday was the last day of Anth 479, and students had a great time doing scentwork and training with Idaho Humane Societyi shelter dogs. This semester students learned how to read cat and dog behavior, and clicker train shelter dogs. They also learned about dog welfare, behavioral issues, and animal policy.

03/28/2024

Play puts the "fun" in "evolutionary function"! At the ECHOS lab, play is as important as work. How does your dog like to get their play on?

03/09/2024

We're howling for our pet of the week, Wolf. This distinguished gentlebun loves saying hi to people and getting pets.

You can find out more about him here: https://idahohumanesociety.org/adopt/pets-details/?aid=55260171&cid=41&tid=other

03/09/2024

Congratulations to our first dog to complete the Reactive Dog Study. Thank you, Stormi, for helping science!

02/20/2024

Some more kitty clicker training. Gumby learns to paw tap a student’s hand. The is one of the first steps to teaching a cat how to high five!

02/12/2024

Did you know that cats can be clicker trained? They just need the right motivation. We were teaching Orbit the first steps of clicker training, which involves building an association between the clicker an food.

Orbit is our Idaho Humane Society pet of the week. We enjoyed getting to train this food motivated and sweet boy. You can find out more about his here: https://idahohumanesociety.org/adopt/pets-details/?aid=55123580&cid=41&tid=Cat

02/01/2024

Our pet of the week is hunky hummer. ECHOS students have been taken with this lovely boy. He walks nicely on a leash and knows sit and shake. To find out more about this dreamboat:
https://idahohumanesociety.org/adopt/pets-details/?aid=54975168&cid=41&tid=Dog

01/24/2024

ECHOS is back at Idaho Humane Society spending time with the shelter dogs. That means Pet of the Week has returned! This week's pet is Jordan! You wouldn't believe that this spry guy is a senior! Jordan is a friendly guy that loves humans and eating snacks. He would do best in a home as the only dog. We loved playing with sweet Jordan!. https://idahohumanesociety.org/adopt/pets-details/?aid=54899925&cid=41&tid=Dog

01/16/2024

Do you have a dog-reactive dog? Do you want to do training to work on their reactivity? Do you and your dog want to help science at the same time? If you said yes to all three of these questions, then we have an opportunity for you! Researchers from Boise State University along with trainers from Idaho Humane Society are seeking humans and dogs for a research study that examines the effects of different types of dog training classes on reactive dogs.

Here's what you need to know!

● Classes run for 6 weeks and will meet either on Wednesday or Thursday Day Evening.
● The class fee is $300.
● Classes will be held at the Idaho Humane Society Dorman location at 4775 W. Dorman street Boise, ID.
● Dogs must be dog-reactive, at least ten months and have been with their current owner for at least four months, current on their rabies vaccinations, friendly or neutral with people, and food motivated.

If you want to find out more and sign up, you can click the link here
https://form.jotform.com/231776731216154 and register for classes with the Idaho Humane Society. Initial screening/class sign can be completed in 5-15 minutes.