Evaluating a four-button computerized gaming system for cognitive engagement in dogs

Cognitive enrichment is essential for improving the welfare of animals in kennels, shelters, and laboratory environments. Whereas touchscreens have been used to engage dogs cognitively, they are limited in functionality. This study tested whether a domestic dog could use a four-button computerized gaming system adapted from the Enclosure Video Enrichment (EVE) system originally designed for sea lions. We trained Orlo, a therapy dog in training, to operate the Canine Experimental Video Enrichment (CEVE) system, which is the first documented instance of a dog engaging with a nontouchscreen gaming interface. Over 11 months, Orlo completed 66 training sessions (~ 21 h), demonstrating steady improvement in both response time and accuracy. He consistently met the button press efficiency criterion (fewer than seven presses per trial) but had longer latencies than sea lions, which trainer observations suggest reflected active engagement rather than misunderstanding. This study provides proof of concept that dogs can operate a four-button interface for gaming; however, the substantial training investment may limit immediate applicability in many shelter or multidog settings. Future research should evaluate strategies to streamline training, incorporate formal welfare measures, expand the sample size to assess breed and individual differences, and determine whether dogs voluntarily engage with the system in the absence of external rewards or in the presence of other enrichment options.