THE FUTURE OF DOGS IN A WORLD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & ROBOTICS

By Norma Jeanne Laurette

Introduction

Artificial intelligence and robotics are rapidly transforming the world around us. As robots move past industrial jobs into hospitals, businesses and public places, discussions about their future role in our homes will also be on the rise. As these technologies develop, robots will eventually perform tasks ordinarily carried out by people, including household chores, deliveries, monitoring homes, entertainment and various forms of assistance. This technological revolution raises an important question about the human/canine relationship. What happens to our bond when technology begins performing activities that have traditionally brought dogs and people together? The question is not whether or not robots will become part of our society but instead when, and how we will choose to use them (R1).

The Relationship Is Priority

Dogs are not just animals with physical needs, they are highly social and emotional animals whose relationship with humans have developed over thousands of years (R2). Our daily interactions provide numerous opportunities for communication, learning and bonding. Walking, playing, training, grooming and even relaxing together are not just practical activities, they are experiences through which dogs learn about us and we learn about them.
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Positive training makes these interactions even more important. When training is based on benevolent leadership, communication, reinforcement, mutual understanding and respect, it becomes much more than just teaching a dog to respond to cues, it becomes a way of developing trust and cooperation, which is something a machine will never be able to reproduce. For more information about positive training see my article entitled Positive Dog Training: The Science, Ethics & Proven Results. 

The Automation Of Guardianship

The potential implications of robotics will be huge for those who can afford them. A robot will be able to fill the food bowl, give the dog treats, monitor them, provide enrichment and perform other tasks while its guardian is away. Some systems are already being developed to interact with companion animals and report back to their guardians (R4). Used appropriately, this technology could be quite valuable however, guardians should seriously consider what could be lost if they allow human interaction to be replaced by automation. If technology eventually performs more of the activities associated with everyday dog guardianship, we could unintentionally remove some of the most important opportunities for relationship building. Remember that convenience is not always associated with wellbeing.
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Technology As A Tool

Technology can improve our ability to observe behaviour and gather information. Cameras, wearable devices and other monitoring systems can provide useful information that could otherwise be missed, and robotic devices will eventually offer additional enrichment and assistance. The important thing to remember is that technology should remain a tool and only that. It should support informed guardianship and not replace the human responsibility to meet a dog’s physical, behavioural, social and emotional needs. For more information about meeting your dogs needs see my article Emotional Fulfilment For Dogs: How To Keep Your Dog Happy & Emotionally Balanced. 

A New Behavioural Challenge

Robots will also create a new category of required socialization for dogs. Unlike people and animals, robots will move in unusual ways. Some will glide silently, make mechanical sounds, quickly change direction, flash lights and behave in ways dogs are not used to. A dog’s response will depend on its temperament, previous experiences and sensitivity to unfamiliar stimuli. Some will investigate curiously while others could be traumatized. Many will bark, show avoidance, fear, defensive and even aggressive behaviour. This means that professional dog trainers and behaviour consultants will be required to help dogs adapt to robots. For more information about socialization see my article entitled Socialization: How To Socialize A Puppy Or Dog - The Key To Successful Dog Training & Behaviour Development. 

Desensitization, Counter Conditioning & Flooding

Desensitization

Desensitization involves exposing a dog gradually to a stimulus while keeping the intensity low enough that it remains relaxed. With a robot, this would begin with the machine stationary at a distance where the dog is aware of but not bothered by its presence. Movement, sound and lights will then be introduced step-by-step as the dog remains calm, before gradually closing the distance. With desensitization, the dog always sets the pace (R5).
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Counter Conditioning

Counter-conditioning will be used to change the dog’s emotional association with the robot by pairing it with something it values such as food, toys and games. The goal is not to force the dog to endure the presence of the robot, but instead to help create a pleasant association with it (R5). ​

Flooding

Flooding means forcing a frightened dog to remain exposed to a stimulus until it stops reacting. This technique is abusive, it can have devastating consequences and should never be used or confused with desensitization. Ethical behaviour modification requires protecting a dog’s emotional state and avoiding unnecessary fear and distress. These principles are consistent with the humane approach that professional positive dog trainers have advocated for decades (R5). For more information on desensitization, counter conditioning and flooding see our first book Blueprint To A Happy Dog. 
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Positive Dog Training Techniques To Teach Robots

There is an interesting parallel happening with robotics. Researchers developing quadruped and other robots have begun adapting learning approaches associated with positive animal training, including positive reinforcement, shaping, targeting and other methods for teaching desired behaviours (R6). At the same time that society is developing machines capable of performing tasks traditionally carried out by humans, researchers are borrowing positive principles from animal learning to teach those machines new behaviours. This demonstrates the broader relevance of positive learning theory beyond animal training.
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The Role Of The Professional Dog Trainer

The truth is that the arrival of increasingly sophisticated technology will not make professional dog trainers obsolete in fact, it could make their role even more important. Guardians will need help distinguishing between technology that improves canine welfare and that which only provides convenience. They will need guidance on how to introduce robots safely, humanely and effectively and recognize signs of stress when interactions with an automated assistant are inappropriate. Most importantly, they will need to be reminded that technology cannot replace the relationship that makes living with a dog so rewarding. Professional dog trainers can help guardians learn to use technology without surrendering their role as their dog’s teacher, advocate, caregiver and trusted companion. For more information on becoming a certified dog trainer visit: https://www.dogtrainingcareers.com/​
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What The Future Will Look Like

The future should not be about choosing between technological advancement and the human/canine bond, it should be about using technology intelligently while protecting what technology cannot provide. A smart device can collect information, a camera can observe behaviour and a machine can perform a task, but none of these things can replace the emotional relationship developed through years of shared experiences, and it’s our responsibility to preserve that.
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The Choice

Research into the human/canine bond has proven the remarkable biological and emotional benefits that can develop between dogs and people, and this relationship deserves protection as technology advances (R8). Artificial intelligence and robotics will eventually become ordinary parts of everyday life, however their presence doesn’t need to diminish our relationships with our dogs. In fact, if technology takes over repetitive tasks, it could potentially allow us more time for the things that matter most, including spending more quality time with those we love, including our dogs. Besides, what’s the point of having dogs in our lives if we don’t spend time with them? The choice is whether we use the inevitable technology and additional time to become more or less engaged with our dogs.
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Summary

Before long, robotics and artificial intelligence will become increasingly more prevalent in human society, and they will influence the way people care for and interact with their dogs. Although there are legitimate benefits to technological assistance, we need to stay alert to the possibility that automation could gradually replace the interactions we both need most. Our dogs don’t need technological services, they need communication, positive experiences, affection, bonding and the security that can only come from interactions in a trusted human relationship.
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References

(R1) Tesla. 2024. 2024 Annual Shareholder Meeting. Information concerning Elon Musk’s predictions regarding Optimus humanoid robots.
(R2) Hare, B., & Tomasello, M. (2005). Human-like social skills in dogs? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 9(9), 439–444.
(R4) Ogmen Robotics. ORo Companion Robot product information.
(R5) American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). (2021). Humane Dog Training Position Statement.
Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
(R6) Abdelghani, M., et al. (2024). Research concerning the adaptation of reward-based dog-training techniques for teaching quadruped robots.
(R8) Nagasawa, M., Mitsui, S., En, S., et al. (2015). Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds. Science, 348(6232), 333–336.