Canine Factors: Bridging the Gap between Human Factors and Comparative Psychology

Abstract

Working dogs have proven to be highly accurate and flexible extensions of our human senses. These trained dogs are increasingly employed in a multitude of occupational roles. The study of these highly trained working dogs bridges the gap between Human Factors and Comparative Psychology and offers many points of potentially fruitful exchange. The present paper presents two examples of issues where Human Factors and Comparative Psychologists share a common interest: expertise development and sustained attention. Dogs are, perhaps, unique among nonhuman animals in their adaptation to human culture and are amazingly flexible, often serving as human surrogates. Many issues discussed and investigated in the Human Factors literature are also relevant to the study of working canines and the study of working canines may enhance the Human Factors literature.