Guide dogs are dogs trained to support independent travel for people who are blind or partially sighted, working as a team with a handler who has little or no useful vision [1]. Candidate dogs are screened with structured evaluations of behaviour and temperament [2], and the predictive validity of such evaluations for later working outcome has been examined in young guide and service dogs [3]. Selection research has also tested motor laterality, behavioural reactivity and salivary cortisol concentration against success in formal training programmes [4]. Dogs withdrawn from guiding are removed chiefly for environmental anxiety, training difficulty and fear or aggression [1].
- guide dogs
- behaviour and temperament evaluation
- selection
- training outcome
- visual impairment
Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies • Small Animals • Veterinary • Health Sciences
References
- Geoffrey Caron-Lormier; Naomi D. Harvey; Gary C. W. England; Lucy Asher; Using the incidence and impact of behavioural conditions in guide dogs to investigate patterns in undesirable behaviour in dogs. Sci. Rep. 2016, 6, 23860. [CrossRef]
- James.A Serpell; Yuying Hsu; Development and validation of a novel method for evaluating behavior and temperament in guide dogs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2001, 72, 347-364. [CrossRef]
- Deborah L. Duffy; James A. Serpell; Predictive validity of a method for evaluating temperament in young guide and service dogs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2012, 138, 99-109. [CrossRef]
- Lara S. Batt; Marjolyn S. Batt; John A. Baguley; Paul D. McGreevy; Factors associated with success in guide dog training. J. Vet. Behav. 2008, 3, 143-151. [CrossRef]