DOGS may be a man’s best friend — but a Bolton-based scientist wants to know if they are also regarded as being members of the family.

Phd student Hannah Worsley, who lives in Halliwell, is appealing for dog lovers in Bolton to help with a “citizen science” project to examine the social intelligence of dogs and their sense of place in a human world.

Researchers at the University of Salford are seeking dog-owning volunteers to conduct a series of simple observations of their dog’s behaviour around the house in a bid to learn more about what our dogs are thinking.

Hannah, aged 24, said: "I am extremely excited about this project as it provides us with an opportunity to better understand and enhance the bond between dogs and their owners. I was 10 years old when we got Star so he is very special to me.

"I have grown up with Star so I have always seen him as part of our family. It wasn't until I started working on this project that I realised just how remarkable and unique domestic dogs are, and as a result I now have a greater appreciation of the bond I have with him."

Dr Sean O’Hara, a lecturer in wildlife cognition and behaviour in the University of Salford’s School of Environment and Life Sciences, is leading the project.

Dr O’Hara said: “We know that dogs feel comfortable around humans and feel part of the group, but how do they see their role in that group and how do they interpret or even manipulate us?”

They are seeking 50 dog-owners to record videos of specific dog behaviour around the house including of the techniques dogs use to communicate.

The researchers believe the study, which also looks at dog’s ability to recognise humans and to understand our relationships, is one of the first of its kind conducted in the dog’s natural environment – the family home.

And they say the findings could help animal welfare, if it were to provide more evidence that dogs feel part of the family.

Dr O’Hara said: “Dogs don’t live with dogs anymore; they live with humans, who have become their ‘group’.

“The more dogs are seen as part of the group and not simply as pets, the stronger those family ties become.”

Those who wish to volunteer for the study must have lived with their dog for a minimum of five months, live in the Bolton area and welcome a researcher into the home.

To get in touch with the research team, contact Hannah Worsley on h.k.worsley@edu.salford.ac.uk