Food, Affection and Gaze: Which Cues do Free-Ranging Dogs Consider for Engaging with Humans?

Abstract: Free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) constitute the majority of the global dog population and rely heavily on human-derived resources. Studies show different levels of responses to various cues like food, petting and gazing by humans. However, the relative importance that dogs associate with these rewards, driving their interactions with unfamiliar humans remain understudied. Understanding how these dogs prioritize different rewards, ranging from food to social contact, can offer insights into their adaptive strategies within human-dominated ecosystems, and help to reduce conflict. We investigated the motivational value of different reward types in 150 adult free-ranging dogs in West Bengal, India. Using a between-subjects design, unfamiliar experimenters offered one of five rewards: high-value food (chicken), low-value food (biscuit), social interaction (petting), human gaze only, or human presence only. Motivation was assessed by measuring the number of rewards accepted, approach latency, duration of proximity, and behaviour via a Socialization Index (SI). High-value food was the most potent driver of approach behaviour and sustained proximity. While petting elicited higher SI scores, indicating affiliative engagement, it was associated with more rapid satiation than food. Human gaze alone functioned as a subtle reinforcer compared to passive presence, maintaining dog attention longer than presence alone. These findings suggest that free-ranging dogs prioritize high-energy intake over social interaction with strangers, consistent with an optimal foraging strategy. This behavioural flexibility enables them to balance energy needs against potential risks, demonstrating the sophisticated decision-making crucial for survival in urban environments where humans act as both resource providers and potential threats.