The mission of SmartDOG is to bring science close to the dog owner and at the same time do science. The founder of SmartDOG is Katriina Tiira, PhD, biologist and animal behaviour researcher with over 20 years of experience.
Until 2016, all the dog behavior tests offered to the general public mainly measured the dog’s fearfulness and courage. This is probably because the dog’s traits are tested from the working dog side, and the purpose of the test was to get functional individuals for challenging tasks that require courage. However, the dog is more than just timid or bold, and many other features affect the dog’s behavior. Studies show that there are many differences between individuals in cognitive traits. These features include: impulsivity, self -control, memory, understanding people’s gestures, problem -solving ability, and how the dog mainly solves problems (independent or asking for help). These traits seem to affect trainability, learning and also the development of any problem behavior. In 2016, Katriina piloted a test battery based on the latest dog cognition research.
In addition to cognitive traits, the tests actually tell you a lot about the dog’s fearfulness and reactions to the unfamiliar tester, the new space and the test equipment. The tests clearly show the kind of fearfulness that the dog displays without being specifically pressurised. It is this very fearfulness that can usually interfere with the dog’s daily life.
The result was SmartDOG test packages that are unique in the world. These tests are conducted currently only in Finland, however smartDOG is planning to train license testers also in other countries. Currently (January 2025), there are over 7,000 dogs tested.
Welcome to see these pages and read more, and welcome to test!
SmarDOG Oy is a company founded by Katriina Tiira, PhD, Biologist, and Docent of Animal Behavioral Science. Katriina Tiira has over 20 years of experience as an animal behavior researcher at the University of Helsinki. For the last 15 years, Katriina has studied dog behavior and has written several scientific publications on dog behavior and cognition, and is still actively doing research on the smartDOG data. Katriina claimed her doctorate in 2001 from the University of Helsinki on the subject “Integrated Analysis of Aggression In Salmonides”, after which she continued as a postdoctoral researcher at the Academy of Finland at the University of Helsinki. Between 2008 and 2015, Katriina worked in the Post Doc researcher Prof Hannes Lohe’s Dog Genetics Research Group, studying the behavior of dogs and a genetic background in behavior. Since 2001, Katriina has been a judge for the Disabled Association’s assistant dogs, and since 2012 also a judge for the Dogs in the Educational and Rehabilitation Association’s temperament test. Training and competition experience with own dogs can be found since 1984. Working dog search, tracking, obedience, hunting trials and working trials, where best was years ago (1997 working dog Finnish Champion Bronze with a Giant Schnauzer). Katriina has had several dogs over years of different breeds, several Giant Schnauzers, a labrador, a Flat-coated retriever, a Cocker spaniel and a mixed breed. Currently, there is a Curly coated retriever and a Cocker spaniel at home.
44. Junttila, S., Valros, A., Mäki, K., & Tiira, K. (2025). Puppy (3–7-month-old) cognitive tests as predictors of adult dog cognition and behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 286, 106599-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106599
43. Bangura, P. B., Tiira, K., Aykanat, T., Niemelä, P. T., Erkinaro, J., Liljeström, P., Toikkanen, A., & Primmer, C. R. (2024). Sex‐specific associations of the maturation locus vgll3 with exploratory behavior and boldness in Atlantic salmon juveniles. Ecology and Evolution, 14(6), e11449-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11449
42. Koskela, A., Törnqvist, H., Somppi, S., Tiira, K., Kykyri, V.-L., Hänninen, L., Kujala, J., Nagasawa, M., Kikusui, T., & Kujala, M. V. (2024). Behavioral and emotional co-modulation during dog–owner interaction measured by heart rate variability and activity. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 25201–25212. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-76831-x
41. Koskela, A., Törnqvist, H., Somppi, S., Tiira, K., Kykyri, V.-L., Hänninen, L., Kujala, J., Nagasawa, M., Kikusui, T., & Kujala, M. V. (2024). Behavioral and emotional co-modulation during dog–owner interaction measured by heart rate variability and activity. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 25201–25212. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-76831-x
40. Junttila, S., Valros, A., Mäki, K., Väätäjä, H, Reunanen, H., Tiira, Katriina 2022. Breed differences in social cognition, inhibitory control, and spatial problem-solving ability in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Sci Rep12, 22529 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26991-5
39. Somppi, S. Törnqvist, H. Koskela, A. Vehkaoja, A.; Tiira, K., Väätäjä, H.;Surakka, V. Vainio, O. Kujala, M.V. Dog–Owner Relationship, Owner Interpretations and Dog Personality Are Connected with the Emotional Reactivity of Dogs. Animals 2022,12,1338. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111338
38. Baghura, P, Tiira, K, Niemelä, PT, Erkinaro, J., Liljeström, P, Toikkanen, A., Primmer, C. Linking vgll3 genotype and aggressive behaviour in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (2022). Journal of Fish Biology DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15040
37. Tiira, K. Digital Dogsitter® reduces vocalization in dogs suffering from separation-related problems (2021). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 243:105460 DOI:10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105460
36. Junttila, S.; Huohvanainen, S.; Tiira, Katriina. Effect of Sex and Reproductive Status on Inhibitory Control and Social Cognition in the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris). Animals 2021, 11(8), 2448 https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082448
35. Salonen, M, Sulkama, S, Mikkola, S, Puurunen, J, Hakanen, E, Tiira, K, Araujo, C & Lohi, H. Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences of canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Sci Rep 10, 2962 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59837-z
34. Tiira, K., Tikkanen, A. & Vainio, O. 2020. Inhibitory control – important trait for explosive detection performance in police dogs? Applied Animal Behaviour Science. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2020.104942
33. Tiira, K. 2019. Resilience in dogs? Lessons from other species. 2020. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. 10, s. 159-168
32. Salonen, M, Vapalahti, K, Tiira, K, Mäki-Tanila, A & Lohi, H. 2019. Breed differences of heritable behaviour traits in cats. Scientific Reports 9:7949 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44324-x
31. Sarviaho, R. Hakosalo, O, Tiira, K, Sulkama, S, Salmela, E, Hytönen, M, Sillanpää, MJ & Lohi, H. 2019. Two novel genomic regions associated with fearfulness in dogs overlap human neuropsychiatric loci. Translational Psychiatry 9:18 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-018-0361-x.
30. Puurunen, J., Tiira, K, Vapalahti, K., Lehtonen, M., Hanhineva, K. & Lohi H. 2018. Fearful dogs have increased plasma glutamine and γ-glutamyl glutamine. Scientific Reports, 8(1), pp. 1-12.
29. Lehtimaki, J., Sinkko, H., Hielm-Bjorkman, A., Salmela, E., Tiira, K., Laatikainen, T., Mäkelainen, S., Kaukonen, M., Uusitalo, L., Hanski, I., Lohi, H. & Ruokolainen, L. (2018 ) : Skin microbiota and allergic symptoms associate with exposure to environmental microbes .Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 115, 19, s. 4897-4902
28. Hakanen, E, Lehtimäki, J, Salmela E, Tiira K, Anturaniemi J, Hielm-Björkman, A, Ruokalainen L & Lohi Hannes 2018. Urban environment predisposes dogs and their owners to allergic symptoms. Scientific Reportsdoi:10.1038/s41598-018-19953-3
27. Wasenius, N. S., Laine, M. K., Savola, S., Simonen, M., Tiira, K., Lohi, H., Eriksson, J. G. & Salonen, M. K., 2018. Dog Ownership from a Life Course Perspective and Leisure-time Physical Activity in Late Adulthood: The Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. American Journal of Health Behavior. 42, 6, 11-18
26. Hakanen, E, Lehtimäki, J, Salmela E, Tiira K, Anturaniemi J, Hielm-Björkman, A, Ruokalainen L & Lohi Hannes 2018. Urban environment predisposes dogs and their owners to allergic symptoms. Scientific Reportsdoi:10.1038/s41598-018-19953-3
25. Tiira, K, Sulkama, S & Lohi H. 2016 Prevalence, comorbidity and behavioral variation in canine anxiety. . DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2016.06.008
24. Pekkin, AM, Hänninen, L, Tiira K, Lohi, H, Valros A. 2016. The effect of a pressure vest on the behaviour, salivary cortisol and urine oxytocin of noise phobic dogs in a controlled test. Applied Animal Behaviour. http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2016.09.003.
23. Puurunen, J, Sulkama, S, Tiira, K, Lehtonen, M, Hanhineva, K & Lohi H. Non-targeted metabolite profiling of canine attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
22.Vapalahti, K, Virtala A-M, Tiira, K, Tähtinen J & Lohi H. Health and behavioural survey of over 8000 Finnish cats. Front. Vet. Sci. 3:70. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2016.00070
21. Puurunen, J, Tiira, K, Lehtonen, M, Hanhineva, K & Lohi, H. 2016. Non-targeted metabolite profiling reveals changes in oxidative stress, tryptophan and lipid metabolisms in fearful dogs. Behav Brain Funct 12:7 DOI 10.1186/s12993-016-0091-2.
20. Tiira, K & Lohi H. 2015. Early life experiences and exercise associate with canine anxieties. PLoS ONE 10(11): e0141907. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141907
19. Jokinen, T, Tiira, K, Metsähonkala, L, Seppälä, E, Hielm-Björkman, A, Lohi, H, Laitinen-Vapaavuori, O. 2015. Behavioral Abnormalities in Lagotto Romagnolo Dogs with a History of Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 29:1081-1087.
18. Overall, K, Tiira, K, Broach, D & Bryant, D. 2014. Genetics and behavior – a guide for practitioners. In Behavior: A Guide For Practitioners, An Issue of Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 1st Edition. Eds G. Landberg & V. Tynes.
17. Tiira, K, Lohi, 2014. Reliability and validity of a questionnaire survey in canine anxiety research. Applied Animal Behaviour Science http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2014.03.007
16. Ahonen SJ, Pietilä E, Mellersh CS, Tiira K, Hansen L, Johsnson, GS & H Lohi. 2013. Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies a Novel Canine Glaucoma Locus. PLoS ONE 8(8): e70903. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0070903
15. Frischknecht, M, Niehof-Oellers, H, Jagannathan, V, Owczarek-Lipska, M, Drö GemüLler, C, Dietschi, E, Dolf, G, Tellhelm, B, Lang, J, Tiira, K, Lohi, H, & Leeb, T. 2013. A COL11A2 Mutation in Labrador Retrievers with Mild Disproportionate Dwarfism. PLoS ONE 8(3): e60149
14. Tiira, K, Hakosalo, O, Kareinen, K, Thomas, A, Hielm-Björkman, A, Escriou, C., Arnold, P & Lohi H. 2012. Environmental effects on compulsive tail chasing in dogs. PLoS ONE 01/2012; 7(7):e41684.
13. Tiira, K & Primmer, C.R 2009. Genetic diversity and fitness related traits in endangered salmonids. In Population Genetics for Animal Conservation. pp. 235-262. eds. G. Bertorelle, M.W. Bruford, H.C. Hauffe, A. Rizzoli and C. Vernesi. Cambridge University Press.
12. Seppänen, E, Tiira, K, Huuskonen, H & Piironen, J. 2009. Variation in growth rate, standard metabolic rate and aggressiveness between three Atlantic salmon populations. J Fish Biol. 74: 562-575
11. Tiira, K, Laurila, A, Enberg K. & Piironen J. 2009. Short-term dominance – stability and consequences for subsequent growth. J Fish Biol. 74: 2374-2385
10. Vilhunen, S, Tiira, K, Laurila, A & Hirvonen, H. 2008. The bold and the variable: fish with high heterozygosity act recklessly in the vicinity of predators. Ethology, 114: 7-15.
9. Tiira, K, Piironen, J & Primmer, C.R. 2006 . Evidence for reduced genetic variation in severely deformed juvenile salmonids. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 63:2700-2707.
8. Tiira, K, Laurila, A, Enberg K, Piironen J, Ranta, E. & Primmer, C.R. 2005. Do dominants have higher heterozygosity? Social status and genetic variation in brown trout, Salmo trutta. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-005-0094-8
7. Tiira, K, Laurila, A, Peuhkuri, N., Piironen J, Ranta, E. & Primmer, C.R. 2003. Aggressiveness is associated with genetic diversity in landlocked salmon. Molecular Ecology, 12:2399-2407.
6. Primmer, CR, Ranta, E., Piironen, J., Lahti, K, Peuhkuri, P., Pakkasmaa, S. & Eskelinen, P. 2003. Prediction of offspring fitness based on parental genetic diversity in endangered salmonid populations. Journal of Fish Biology, 63: 909-927.
5. Lahti, K, Huuskonen, H.,Laurila, A, & Piironen, J. 2002. Metabolic rate and aggressiveness among brown trout populations. Functional Ecology, 16: 167-174.
4. Lahti, K, Laurila, A, Enberg K, Vilhunen S. & Piironen J. 2001. Variation in aggressive behaviour and growth rate among populations and migratory forms in the brown trout (Salmo trutta). Animal Behaviour 62, 935-944.
3. Lahti, K. & Lower, N. 2000. Does size distribution of the group have an effect on feeding and aggression of Arctic charr? Journal of Fish Biology, 54(4):915-922
2. Korpimäki, E., Lahti, K., May, C., Parkin, D., Powell, G., Tolonen, P., Wetton, J. 1996: Copulatory behaviour and paternity determined by single-locus DNA fingerprinting in Eurasian kestrels: effects of cyclic food abundance. Anim. Behav. 51:945-955
1. Hakkarainen, H., Huhta, E., Lahti, K., Lundvall, P., Mappes, T., Tolonen P., Wiehn, J. 1996: A test of male mating and hunting success in the kestrel: the advantages of smallness? Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 39:375-380.
Tiira, K. 2010. Koiran käyttäytyminen ja hyvinvointi. In Koiran ruokinta ja hoito. (Tr: Dog behaviour and welfare) Toim. Markku Saastamoinen, Hanne Teräväinen. MTT, Tietoa Tuottamaan 111, ProAgria Keskusten liitto.
Tiira, K. 2014. Koiran käyttäytymisen perinnöllisyys. (tr. The genetics of dog behaviour) Saluki-lehti.
Tiira, K. 2013. Käyttäytyminen – periytyvääkö? (tr. Behaviour – heritable?). Golden Ring-rotulehti
Tiira, K. 2012. Koiran luonteen määrittely. (Tr The definition and assessment of dog personality) Tolleri-lehti.
Tiira, K. 2012. Koiran luonteen määrittely. (Tr The definition and assessment of dog personality)Golden Ring-rotulehti Tiira, K. & Kyöstilä K. 2012. Lyhytjalkainen labradori. (Tr. Short-legged labraror) Labradori-lehti.
Tiira, K. 2012. Suomalaiset staffit tieteen eturintamassa. (Tr. Finnish staffie-dogs in the front line of science). Staffi-lehti
Tiira, K. 2011. Hännänjahtaus –tutkimus bullterriereillä. (Tr. Tail chasing study in Bull Terriers) Bulteri.
Tiira, K. 2010. Käyttäytyminen ja persoonallisuus koirilla – perimän ja ympäristön lopputulos. (Tr. Behaviour and personality in dogs – result of genes and environment). Golden Ring-rotulehti.
Tiira, K. 2010. Riskialleeli sekä suojaava haplotyyppi suursnautsereiden lymfosyyttiseen tyreoidiittiin (Tr. The risk allele and protective haplotype for lymphatic hypothyroidism in Giant Schanutzers). Riiseni
Tiira, K. 2010. Arkuus – perittyä vai ympäristön vaikutusta. (Tr. Fearfulness – inherited or result of genes?) Siperianhusky-lehti.
Lahti, K. 2000: Miten erilaisia ovat viljelyssä olevat taimenkannat? (Tr. How different are different trout strains?). Kala- ja riistaraportteja nro 180. (in Finnish).