Movement Patterns as Enrichment - Exploratory Canine-Drone Interaction Pilot Study.

Outdoor enrichment has a variety of potential uses for increasing physical activity and strengthening companion animal bonds. In this pilot protocol, we aim to explore a species-centric evaluation of drone flying patterns and distances for enrichment purposes. This includes presenting participants with introductory and training phases to encourage positive familiarization before evaluating flight patterns, with the ability to walk away at any time. Sessions will be repeated within participants to explore any novelty or familiarization effects, as well as collect guardian perceptions of impact. From this pilot, we aim to explore our evaluation methods, characterize pet guardian perspectives, and narrow preferred movement patterns and distances for a future deploy.