Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi everyone!!

My name is mosherocks, and, as you can probably see, I am new to 'Ask an Expert.' I am doing the paw preference project, and have to find one more test that I can use. Here is what I have so far:

Materials:
* Lots of dog treats
* Amazon box
* Masking tape
* Video camera
* Notebook(for taking notes in)
* ?
* ?
* Lots of dogs!

Test #1:
1. Put a treat under the Amazon box(a box I made for this)- the position will vary with the dog.
* a) Make sure the treat and dog are lined up.
* b) Keep careful notes-videotape it if possible.

Repeat test #1 at least three times with each dog- if attention span wavers, move on to a different test.

Test #2:
1. Get a small piece of masking tape and stick it to the dog’s nose.
* a) Like before, keep careful notes and videotape if possible.
Repeat test #2 at least three times with each dog- if attention span wavers, move on to a different test.

Test #3:
1.?
* a)?
* b) ?
Repeat test #3 at least three times with each dog- if attention span wavers, move on to a different test.

I was wondering if anybody had some suggestions for my third and final test? In this case, the 'paw' one will not work. Then, once I have everything planned, I cauld post the instuctions here so other people can participate. The more the merrier!!

Thanks,
mosherocks

P.S.- I need those ideas ASAP!!!!!

Hi!
Cool project! So I think that this was somewhat suggested in the ScienceBuddies guide, but I think that it would be interesting to do an experiment with toys. Perhaps you could place the toy in the center in front of the dog and see which paw he reaches out to touch with first. Hope this helps!

Hi staryl13!

You have a good idea, and I would use it, but dogs tend to pick up toys with their mouth instead of a paw. If you have any other ideas, please let me know!

Thanks,
mosherocks

Hello,

I was thinking that maybe you can glue the toy to the ground or something so that the dog can not pick it up with its mouth...Thus it will have to reach out with its paws to touch/play with the toy...Maybe you can have an action figure or a toy that the dog can hit with its paws to produce some effect...
Just an idea...

Hope that was helpful!
Prasad

Thanks Prasad! I'll keep that in mind! If you have any more suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

mosherocks

Hey guys!

I have to have the third idea today(the 24th) through tomorrow(the 25th).
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks,
mosherocks