IRT technology is a complex method. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate all technical steps when considering to use the IRT for assessing the emotional valence in animals or for measuring physiological parameters. Results showed a continuous reduction in eye temperature throughout the experiment, with temperature fluctuations within minutes. Validation tests were conducted in order to test the equipment. Eventually, a malfunction in the camera was found, invalidating the results. We can not therefore provide evidence for assessing the emotional status in animals via IRT. For further IRT research, we suggest to test the equipment and opt for a well defined set up experiment. An optimal replicate of the current study would clarify the relation between eye temperature and emotions in dogs.