A study by Ragen T. S. McGowan and colleagues explored how dogs respond when their own actions provide access to a reward. It appeared online in 2013 and in the 2014 volume of Animal Cognition.
Twelve beagles served as both experimental and control animals in matched pairs. In the experimental condition, a learned action unlocked a reward. In the control condition, access followed a matched delay regardless of the dog’s action.
The researchers reported more excitement after successful problem solving and more signs of frustration when access was unpredictable. Responses also differed by reward type.
This small experiment supports offering manageable opportunities to learn and solve problems. It does not show that every dog wants a service-dog job or that every task is enjoyable. For your partner, use short, achievable challenges, reward success and adjust if the dog becomes frustrated or tired.