CURRENT HAWC PROJECTS

Current research examines the relationship between play and welfare in animals, assessment of animal welfare, and developing strategies for promoting behavioral choices for animals in captivity through training and enrichment. While students can gain experience with a variety of research methods in the HAWC lab (including observational, experimental, and surveys), the lab is especially unique in that it affords students and our research participants exposure to the field of applied behavior analysis with both humans and non-human animals in a wide range of real-word settings, such as animal shelters and sanctuaries, zoos and aquariums, and with pet owners and dog parks in the community.

Do Playgroups Improve Shelter Dog Welfare?

Exploring the Function of Dog Play

Evaluating the Benefits and Risks Dog Parks