Welcome to BARC, where canine curiosity meets scientific innovation. Join us on an exciting journey of discovery as we explore the wonders of canine cognition together!

Principal Investigator: Dr. Val Saini

About Us

BARC is located at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Our lab is a place where innovation thrives and passionate canine scientists and researchers unite. We focus on using the science of behavior analysis to the study the behavioral evolution of dogs.

Together, we are dedicated to making groundbreaking discoveries that shape a better future for canid species and improve animal welfare.

Learn More
Our Team

Research Areas

  • Border collie dog jumping on grass with a frisbee in its mouth in a backyard with green bushes, a gray fence, and clouds in the sky.

    Canine Behavior

    We investigate which components of canine behavior are shaped by evolutionary processes and which emerge through ontogenetic learning as a consequence of living in human environments.

  • A woman with curly hair smiling and playing with a Shiba Inu puppy through a glass window.

    Human-Dog Relationships

    Our research explores how canine behavior has been shaped by adaptation to a human-dominated environment, alongside the processes through which human–dog relationships and social bonds are formed and maintained.

  • A young boy squatting down, petting a brown and black dog with a red harness, while an adult stands nearby in a park or garden surrounded by green plants.

    Dog-Assisted Therapy

    We examine the role of therapy dogs in supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, including their potential to facilitate skill development and reduce behavior problems in young children.

Contact Us

Interested in working with us or learning more? Fill out the contact form and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!