Factors associated with success in guide dog training

Tests of motor laterality and behavioral reactivity, as well as salivary cortisol concentrations, were examined in this pilot study to identify dogs best suited to guide dog work. Over a 14-month period, lateralization tests were conducted and cortisol concentrations were determined on 3 separate occasions, and temperament testing was performed on 2. Potential guide dogs (N = 43) involved in this study were 5 golden retrievers (4 males, 1 female) and thirty-eight Labrador retrievers (8 black males, fifteen yellow males, 5 black females, and ten yellow females). Results from these tests were then compared with the ultimate success of the dogs in the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT training program. This comparison produced evidence that motor lateralization (particularly the rate at which both paws were used during the Kong Test and the lateralization index during the Tape Test), reactions to an unfamiliar dog, the latency for dogs to drop and rest during an uninterrupted period, and the dog's color and breed were predictive of ultimate success. This study also identified 14 months of age as a more accurate time to assess dogs for these traits than either 6 months of age or at the age at which they completed their training (ranging from 14 to 20 months of age).     

Temperament and lateralization in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris)

The authors investigated the relationship between paw preference (the paw with which dogs prefer to hold a food object) and temperament in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Hypotheses were based on the Valence-Specific Hypothesis, which broadly states that negative emotions are associated with the right hemisphere, and positive emotions are associated with the left hemisphere. To assess each dog's temperament, an owner-rated temperament questionnaire was administered to the owners of 73 pet dogs. The same dogs were tested for paw preference using a Kong (KONG Company, Golden, CO) stuffed with food and were subsequently classified as left-pawed, right-pawed, or ambilateral. A laterality index (LI) value was also calculated for each dog in the study to provide an indication of the strength and direction of its paw preference. Positive LI values reflected a preference for the right paw, whereas negative LI values reflected a preference for the left paw. The LI ranged from ?100 to +100, with numbers closer to either extreme reflecting a stronger paw preference and a score of 0 indicating no preference. The absolute value of LI reflects the strength, but not direction, of paw preference and was included in some analyses.We found no evidence to support a relationship between paw preference and temperament, with the exception that lateralized dogs scored marginally higher than ambilateral dogs on a measure of stranger-directed aggression. We suggest that the temperament assessment used in this study may not be sensitive enough to detect differences between individuals based on their lateralization. Temperament factors were also compared with a number of “demographic” variables (e.g., age, sex, whether the dog was a purebred or a crossbreed, and the frequency of exercise) to determine the effect of these variables on temperament outcomes.     

Lateralization in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris): Relationships between structural,motor, and sensory laterality

Several studies have assessed different components of lateralization. To date, the relationships between the 3 measures of laterality, structural, motor, and sensory, have not widely been assessed. Specifically, the relationships between structural (hair whorl characteristics) and motor or sensory lateralization have largely been overlooked. This study investigated the associations between these measures of lateralization in dogs (n = 114), using hair whorl characteristics (structural), the Kong and First-stepping Tests (motor), and the Sensory Jump Test (sensory). Several associations emerged, revealing the first evidence of a relationship between structural asymmetry (both the presence and direction of a hair whorl in various regions of the body) and sensory lateralization. Specifically, the presence of a whorl on the dog’s left side of the head (cephalic) and thorax was associated with a right visual bias. In addition, right visual bias was probable if the ventral mandibular whorl was present in a counter-clockwise direction (P = 0.008). Our data also demonstrated an association between structural and motor laterality (paw preference). Most notably, dogs with clockwise chest whorls were significantly more right-preferent in the First-stepping Test than those with counter-clockwise whorls (P = 0.010). In addition, an association between measures of motor and sensory lateralization also emerged, representing some of the first evidence of such a relationship in nonhuman animals.     

Breed and sex differences in growth curves for two breeds of dog guides

A desirable dog guide weighs 18 to 32 kg as an adult. Male and female German shepherd dogs and male and female Labrador retrievers were weighed between birth and 18 mo of age, with at least one weight recorded after 290 d of age. Growth curves were constructed from 10,484 observations on 880 dogs using the Gompertz function in the form Wt = W(max)exp(-e[-(t-c)/b]), where Wt is weight at time t, Wmax is mature body weight, b is proportional to duration of growth, c is age at point of inflection, and t is age in days. Estimates for mature body weight were 2.4 +/- .3 kg higher for Labrador retrievers than for German shepherd dogs and 4.7 +/- .2 kg higher for males than for females. Male Labrador retrievers were closest to the upper limit for desirable weight, with an average estimated mature weight of 31.4 +/- .3 kg. Duration of growth, 4b + c, was not different between the breeds; however, the estimate for males was 8 +/- 5d longer than for females. Female Labrador retrievers had the shortest estimate for growth of 319 +/- 6 d. The estimate for age at the point of inflection was 3.6 +/- 1.2 d greater for males than for females, but not different between breeds. A better understanding of growth curves for dog guides may aid in estimating mature weight at a young age, thus allowing earlier breeding and training decisions to be made and increasing genetic change per year.     

Aetiology of separation-related behaviour in domestic dogs

A longitudinal study of seven litters of labrador retrievers and five litters of border collies from eight weeks to 18 months of age indicated that the majority showed some degree of potentially undesirable behaviour when separated from their owners. Its incidence was particularly high in the labrador retrievers, of which 13 of 23 showed separation-related behaviour for more than a month. Socially diverse environments experienced between six and 12 months of age were associated with a subsequent absence of separation-related behaviour. In a questionnaire survey of dog owners, separation-related behaviour was reported in 27 of 94 dogs, and a further 20 had shown the behaviour in the past. Male dogs were more likely to express separation-related behaviour currently, and females were more likely never to have displayed it. The prevalence of the behaviour was unaffected by whether the dog was pedigree or mixed breed, or whether it had been obtained from a breeder or from a rescue organisation. Combining the results of the two studies, the owners of only six of 75 dogs showing separation-related behaviour had sought assistance, and only two of the owners had sought help from veterinary surgeons.     

Is there a difference? Comparison of golden retrievers and dogs affected by breed-specific legislation regarding aggressive behavior

Between 2000 and 2002, legislation in Lower Saxony insinuated a special dangerousness of certain dog breeds, and controls were imposed on them. Exemption was only possible if the dogs passed a standardized temperament test. In a previous study, test results of 415 dogs belonging to breeds affected by the legislation were analyzed. Ninety-five percent of the dogs showed no indication of disturbed aggressive communication or aggressive behavior in inappropriate situations. Because a control group was not available at that time, these results referred to a comparison between the affected breeds. In this study, golden retrievers were tested and used as control group. Seventy golden retrievers were tested in the temperament test. The order of testing was: veterinary examination, learning test, situations of dog–human-, dog–environment-, and dog–dog-contact, and obedience. Levels of escalation in aggressive behavior were scored using a scale of 1–7. A total of 58.57% of the dogs did not show aggressive behavior (Scale 1). Forty percent displayed aggressive behavior referring to Scale 2, and 1.43% showed aggressive behavior referring to Scale 5. A total of 98.57% of the dogs reacted appropriately, and 1.43% displayed aggressive behavior in inappropriate situations. In the previous study, 95% of the animals reacted appropriately, whereas 5% displayed excessive aggressive communication or aggressive behavior in inappropriate situations. Comparing the results of golden retrievers and breeds affected by the legislation, no significant difference was found. A scientific basis for breed specific lists does not exist. Therefore, legislation in Lower Saxony was changed, and breed lists were withdrawn.     

First-stepping Test as a measure of motor laterality in dogs (Canis familiaris)

Motor laterality in potential guide dogs (n = 113) was determined using two methods: the Kong? Test (the current benchmark test) and our innovation, a First-stepping Test. Kong? studies record paw use during foraging from a rubber cylinder. However, motivation to feed varies markedly among dogs and breeds, and the test comprises 50 observations which for a single dog can take up to 4 hours to collect. The First-stepping Test bypasses hunger, and simply records the first foot advanced after standing with both forelegs level. In contrast to the Kong? Test, it allows 50 observations to be gathered in 20 minutes. The findings of the current study indicate that lateralized behavior in the domestic dog is strongly task-dependent. The First-stepping Test revealed more significant paw preferences (PPs) than the Kong? Test (76.1% vs. 52.2%). A significant right population bias (P = 0.036) was revealed using this novel test, whereas there was no bias in the direction of laterality observed using the Kong? Test (P = 0.30). Instead, there was a significant population bias for the category of ambidextrous PP using the Kong? (P = 0.005). Strength of laterality (regardless of direction) was significantly high in the First-stepping Test (P < 0.001), but only weak PPs were observed for the Kong? Test (P = 0.65). Measures of laterality from the First-stepping Test were not influenced by dog factors, whereas age, breed, and sex of the dog were significantly associated with several laterality measures during the Kong? Test. The occurrence of using both paws simultaneously to either hold the Kong?, or to step-off by means of jumping, was associated with a decrease in lateral strength for both tests. The First-stepping Test was repeatable, and the intraobserver (κ = 0.988) and interobserver (κ = 0.975) reliabilities were high. It offers a simple, quick and, when compared with the Kong? Test, a more discriminative method of determining PP that is less influenced by dog factors.     

Investigation of breeding strategies to increase the probability that German shepherd dog and Labrador retriever dog guides would attain optimum size

An optimum-sized dog guide weighs 18 to 32 kg and measures 53 to 64 cm in height at the withers when mature body size is attained. Effects of selection index with and without restrictions, independent trait selection, directional selection, stabilizing selection, and negative assortative mating were modeled using data from German shepherd dogs and Labrador retrievers raised by the Seeing Eye, Inc., Morristown, NJ from 1979 to 1997. The selection goals were to decrease mature weight and mature height in German shepherd dogs and to decrease mature weight and increase mature height in Labrador retrievers. Mature weights were recorded for 1,333 German shepherd dog offspring and their 69 dams and 17 sires, and 1,081 Labrador retriever offspring and their 51 dams and 13 sires. Mature heights also were recorded for offspring and parents, including 871 German shepherd dogs from 70 dams and 15 sires, and 793 Labrador retrievers from 40 dams and 13 sires. Selecting on mature weight alone produced the highest aggregate genetic-economic gain for German shepherd dogs compared with the selection indices with and without restrictions, generating a 2.10-kg decrease in mature weight and a correlated 0.36-cm decrease in mature height. In Labrador retrievers, selecting for mature height alone produced the highest aggregate genetic-economic gain but caused an increase in mature weight. Weighting the two traits equally but in the opposite direction without restrictions was the only index that produced the desired effect of decreasing mature weight and increasing mature height in Labrador retrievers. Response to selection for one generation of directional selection for a single trait included a 0.50-kg decrease in mature weight for German shepherd dogs, a 0.59-kg decrease in mature weight for Labrador retrievers, a 0.18-cm decrease in mature height for German shepherd dogs, and a 0.91-cm increase in mature height for Labrador retrievers. Increasing the percentage of dogs attaining optimum size may decrease the cost of production for the Seeing Eye, Inc., because fewer dogs would need to be raised and trained to provide assistance to the same number of blind individuals.     

Estimated genetic parameters for growth traits of German shepherd dog and Labrador retriever dog guides.

A desirable dog guide weighs 18 to 32 kg and measures 53 to 64 cm in height at the withers as an adult. Heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated for birth weight, 42-d weight, mature weight, and mature height for 2,334 German shepherd dogs and 2,028 Labrador retrievers raised by the Seeing Eye, Inc., Morristown, NJ, from 1979 to 1997. Data included 5,006 observations for German shepherd dogs from 113 dams and 33 sires and 4,123 observations for Labrador retrievers from 89 dams and 29 sires. A mixed effects model was considered with sex and birth year as fixed effects. Random effects were animal, maternal, and litter incorporating all pedigree information available. A derivative-free REML method was used to estimate parameters. The maternal component was higher than the additive genetic component for birth weight. Heritability of mature weight was estimated as 0.57 +/- 0.07 for German shepherd dogs and 0.44 +/- 0.07 for Labrador retrievers. Mature height heritability was estimated as 0.35 +/- 0.08 for German shepherd dogs and 0.46 +/- 0.08 for Labrador retrievers. Selection for lighter dogs at maturity is predicted to decrease the average mature height, and selection for taller dogs at maturity is predicted to increase the average mature weight. The estimated genetic parameters will aid in the development of strategies to increase the probability of breeding dogs for optimum mature size.     

Prediction of the genetic risk for fragmented coronoid process in labrador retrievers

In a cohort of 252 Dutch labrador retrievers born between 1988 and 1992, seven founders for fragmented coronoid process were identified. The 185 labrador retrievers born to this cohort between January 1, 1993 and January 1, 1997, were examined clinically, and radiographs of both elbows taken in four directions at 12 to 18 months of age, or earlier when they had signs of lameness, were evaluated. The diagnosis of fragmented coronoid process was confirmed by arthrotomy. The incidence of the condition in the 185 dogs was 17.3 per cent, and for each dog a genetic risk factor was calculated on the basis of its relatedness to the seven founders. The risk factors ranged from 0.07 to 0.41. The dogs were divided into classes of increasing predicted risk, and the mean risk for each class was then compared with the clinical outcome. There were no significant differences between the predicted risk and the outcome in any of the classes.     

Prevalence of owner-reported behaviours in dogs separated from the litter at two different ages

The present study examined the prevalence of behaviours in dogs separated from the litter for adoption at different ages. Seventy adult dogs separated from their dam and littermates and adopted between the ages of 30 and 40 days were compared with 70 adult dogs that had been taken from the litter for adoption at two months. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire eliciting information on whether their dog exhibited potentially problematic behaviours when in its usual environment. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate whether the age at which the dog was separated from the litter might predispose it to developing undesirable behaviours. The odds of displaying destructiveness, excessive barking, fearfulness on walks, reactivity to noises, toy possessiveness, food possessiveness and attention-seeking were significantly greater for the dogs that had been removed from the litter earlier during the socialisation period. In addition, dogs purchased from a pet shop at 30 to 40 days of age were reported to exhibit some of the listed behaviours with a significantly higher frequency than dogs purchased from a pet shop at two months. No significant differences were observed with dogs obtained from other types of sources. The dogs in the youngest age group (18 to 36 months) had a higher probability of displaying destructiveness and tail chasing. These findings indicate that, compared with dogs that remained with their social group for 60 days, dogs that had been separated from the litter earlier were more likely to exhibit potentially problematic behaviours, especially if they came from a pet shop.     

Owner complaints of canine behavior in Iran–A preliminary survey

The current survey assessed 17 common behavioral complaints reported by 234 dog owners attending the Small Animal Hospital, University of Tehran using a questionnaire. According to the results, nearly 95% of dog owners reported at least 1 undesirable behavior in their dogs. Aggression toward other dogs and people, jumping up, and excessive barking were the most common behavioral complaints. Owners of large-breed dogs were more likely to complain about their dogs’ aggressive behaviors toward people/dogs and excessive barking compared with owners of small-breed dogs. Dogs without access to a yard were more likely to show phobia-associated behaviors, fearfulness, and separation-related behaviors, whereas those having access to a yard were more likely to show aggressive behaviors toward people/dogs and excessive barking. Interaction of dogs with people and type of reaction used by owners in response to the behavior were also related with some other behavioral characteristics of the animals.     

Plasma cortisol response to exogenous ACTH in 22 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia

The plasma cortisol response to exogenous ACTH (ACTH stimulation test) was evaluated in 22 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia. The mean basal cortisol concentration (6.3 microgram/dl) was high, but 7 dogs had basal cortisol concentrations that were within normal range. Administration of exogenous ACTH increased the plasma cortisol concentrations in each dog. Normal post-ACTH cortisol concentrations were found in 9 (41%) of the 22 dogs; 13 (59%) had an exaggerated increase in cortisol concentrations after ACTH administration. In 9 of 13 dogs with carcinoma and in 4 of 9 with adenoma, the cortisol response was exaggerated. The mean post-ACTH cortisol concentration in the dogs with carcinoma was approximately 4 times that of the dogs with adenoma; the 7 dogs with the highest concentrations had carcinoma. Repeat studies were performed in 6 dogs 2 to 8 weeks after initial testing. In 5 of the 6 dogs, repeat testing yielded data of similar diagnostic significance. One dog, however, had an abnormally high post-ACTH cortisol concentration at initial evaluation, but had only a minimal response to ACTH administration, with a normal post-ACTH cortisol concentration, at time of resting. Although ACTH stimulation testing is useful in diagnosing hyperadrenocorticism, it can not reliably separate dogs with hyperfunction adrenocortical tumors from clinically normal dogs or from dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia).     

Evaluation of a low-dose synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test in clinically normal dogs and dogs with naturally developing hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether low doses of synthetic ACTH could induce a maximal cortisol response in clinically normal dogs and to compare a low-dose ACTH stimulation protocol to a standard high-dose ACTH stimulation protocol in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 6 clinically normal dogs and 7 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. PROCEDURE: Each clinically normal dog was given 1 of 3 doses of cosyntropin (1, 5, or 10 micrograms/kg [0.45, 2.3, or 4.5 micrograms/lb] of body weight, i.v.) in random order at 2-week intervals. Samples for determination of plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations were obtained before and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after ACTH administration. Each dog with hyperadrenocorticism was given 2 doses of cosyntropin (5 micrograms/kg or 250 micrograms/dog) in random order at 2-week intervals. In these dogs, samples for determination of plasma cortisol concentrations were obtained before and 60 minutes after ACTH administration. RESULTS: In the clinically normal dogs, peak cortisol concentration and area under the plasma cortisol response curve did not differ significantly among the 3 doses. However, mean plasma cortisol concentration in dogs given 1 microgram/kg peaked at 60 minutes, whereas dogs given doses of 5 or 10 micrograms/kg had peak cortisol values at 90 minutes. In dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, significant differences were not detected between cortisol concentrations after administration of the low or high dose of cosyntropin. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Administration of cosyntropin at a rate of 5 micrograms/kg resulted in maximal stimulation of the adrenal cortex in clinically normal dogs and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.     

Pituitary ACTH and adrenocortical secretion in critically ill dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pituitary-adrenal function in a population of critically ill dogs by measuring serial plasma concentrations of basal cortisol, ACTH-stimulated cortisol, and endogenous ACTH. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 20 critically ill dogs admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). PROCEDURE: Basal plasma cortisol, ACTH-stimulated cortisol, and endogenous ACTH concentrations were measured for each dog within 24 hours of admission and daily until death, euthanasia, or discharge from the ICU. Established reference ranges for healthy dogs were used for comparison. Survival prediction index (SPI) scores were calculated for each dog within 24 hours of admission. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between initial concentrations of basal cortisol, ACTH-stimulated cortisol, and endogenous ACTH in 13 dogs that survived and those in 7 dogs that died. High initial basal endogenous ACTH concentrations were correlated with subsequent high values. Low basal ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations were predictive of higher subsequent values. All basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations were within or above the reference range in the 52 plasma samples collected from the 20 dogs during hospitalization. The SPI scores correlated with outcome (ie, alive or dead), but none of the plasma hormone concentrations correlated with SPI score or outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that none of the critically ill dogs in our study population developed adrenal insufficiency during hospitalization in the ICU.     

Adrenal response to the low dose ACTH stimulation test and the cortisol-to-adrenocorticotrophic hormone ratio in canine babesiosis

This prospective, interventional, case-controlled study sought to determine the association between adrenocortical function and mortality in dogs with naturally occurring Babesia rossi babesiosis. Sixty-eight dogs with canine babesiosis were studied and fifteen normal dogs were used as controls. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein in each dog prior to treatment, at admission to hospital, for the measurement of basal plasma ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) and serum cortisol concentrations. Immediately thereafter, each dog was injected intravenously with 5 microg/kg of ACTH (tetracosactrin). A second blood sample was taken 1h later for serum ACTH-stimulated cortisol measurement and the resultant calculation of delta cortisol by subtracting basal from ACTH-stimulated cortisol. Diagnosis of babesiosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse line blot (RLB). Three outcomes were defined: hospitalization with subsequent death (n=4); hospitalization followed by recovery (n=48); and treatment as an outpatient (n=16). Basal cortisol, but not ACTH-stimulated cortisol, was significantly higher in patients compared to control dogs. Basal- and ACTH-stimulated serum cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in the dogs that died, compared to hospitalized dogs that survived and compared to dogs treated as outpatients. There was no significant difference in delta cortisol concentrations or cortisol to ACTH ratios across outcome groups in dogs suffering from B. rossi babesiosis However, dogs with delta cortisol concentrations below 83 nmol/l had significantly higher cortisol to ACTH ratios compared to dogs with delta cortisol concentrations above 83 nmol/l. These findings of increased basal- and ACTH-stimulated cortisol and increased cortisol to ACTH ratios confirm the absence of adrenal insufficiency and concur with those in human malaria.     

Survey of undesirable behaviors displayed by potential guide dogs with puppy walkers

This research aimed to identify the frequency and type of undesirable behaviors observed by guide dog puppy walkers and management strategies used by them during the puppy-walking period.All members of 36 puppy-walking families (N = 96), recruited from the National School of Guide Dogs for Blind People in Florence (Italy), completed an 80-item questionnaire. This sampling represented homes caring for 28 Labrador retrievers, 6 Golden retrievers, and 2 German shepherd dogs. Of these dogs, 47.2% (n = 17) were males and 52.8% (n = 19) females, and 66.7% (n = 24) were between 7 and 12 months old.Three categories of undesirable behaviors were recorded. First, behaviors considered inconsequential to the guide dog role were: digging (11.8%, n = 11); chewing objects (4.4%, n = 4); stealing or begging for food (3.1%, n = 3); licking people (5.9%, n = 5); getting on furniture (4.4% n = 4); defending territory (2.8%, n = 2); and coprophagia (5.9%, n = 5). Second, the following behaviors considered easily resolvable through training were recorded: lack of recall (8.9%, n = 10); pulling on lead (11.8%, n = 11); jumping up (28.1%, n = 30); barking at other dogs (5.9%, n = 5); chewing the leash (1.5%, n = 1); and house soiling (5.9% (n = 5). Third, these potentially disqualifying behaviors were observed: scavenging (17.7%, n = 17); aggressive barking, growling, and biting (10.4%, n = 10); and fear of thunderstorms (6.2%, n = 6); loud noises (32.3%, n = 31); men (2.1%, n = 2); women (3.1%, n = 3); and people with unusual clothes (6.2%, n = 6). None of the puppies was reported to be fearful of children.Overall, 67.7% (n = 66) of respondents recorded at least 1 undesirable behavior. However, only few of them might lead to disqualification. The results suggest that most of the puppies were well socialized to people and not fearful.Puppy walkers could contribute to the early assessment of potential behavioral problems, which are a major cause of disqualifying guide dogs.     

Associations between motor, sensory and structural lateralisation and guide dog success

The aim of this study was to determine whether objective measures of laterality could be used to identify dogs with a high probability of successfully completing a Guide Dog Training Programme. Three categories of laterality (motor, sensory, and structural), were assessed in 114 dogs entering guide dog training. Significant predictors of success were identified: the direction of laterality (P=0.028), paw preference category in the 'Kong' test (P=0.043), hindpaw clearance height (P=0.002), laterality indices for a number of measures in the Sensory Jump test, and chest hair whorl direction (P=0.050). This is the first study to report a structural marker of canine behaviour. All three categories of laterality may be used to predict the suitability of dogs for guiding work, and by identifying predictors of success, resources can be more efficiently utilised on dogs with greater potential.     

Motor laterality in 4 breeds of dog

The aim of the current study was designed to explore possible breed differences in a basic behavioral phenotype in dogs. It measured paw use during food-retrieval from a cylindrical, hollow, rubber toy to assess motor laterality (pawedness) in 4 breeds of dogs selected for their morphological differences: 45 greyhounds (males n = 23/females n = 22), 47 whippets (15/32), 46 pugs (15/31), and 45 boxers (17/28). A laterality index was calculated from the use of individual paws to restrain the toy during feeding. An association was found between sex and the laterality index (P = 0.035), reflecting a significant bias for left-paw use by entire male dogs and right-paw use by entire female dogs but no sex difference was found in the mean strength of laterality. No significant association was found between age and the laterality index. No breed difference was found in the laterality index (P = 0.423) or the absolute strength of laterality (i.e., the laterality index without direction, P = 0.259). However, important breed differences in the use of the test device emerged. The frequency of simultaneous use of both paws was lowest in pugs (P < 0.0001). In addition, both brachycephalic breeds (pugs and boxers) took less time than the dolichocephalic breeds (the whippets and greyhounds) to complete the criteria of 100 paw-use scores that was set for the laterality test. The absence of breed differences in the laterality index for paw use suggests that the task is a reliable measure of motor laterality in dogs during a food-retrieval task.     

The effects of structured sessions for juvenile training and socialization on guide dog success and puppy-raiser participation

This study examined 60 juvenile Labrador (LR) and golden retrievers (GR) and their puppy raisers (PR) to determine the effect of training (n = 20) and socialization (n = 20) compared with a control group (n = 20). These potential guide dogs were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 20 (2 treatment groups and 1 control). Training sessions ran for 6 weeks (only 5 of which were attended by the dogs), and socialization groups ran for 5 weeks (all of which were attended by the dogs). Training involved teaching a bridge (clicker); basic obedience behaviors including sit, drop, loose-leash walking, and recalls; as well as desensitization to handling, discussions about anxiety and environmental enrichment, and play time. Socialization classes covered the same discursive material, but without the training and bridge components. The control group comprised other pups and their PRs within the guide dog puppy-raising program but who were not given access to these additional classes. Like the dogs in both the treatments, these control dogs also underwent the Guide Dog NSW/ACT program but received no direct intervention through the current study.The authors hypothesized that training and socialization would improve the success rates of dogs in the guide dog program. However, the treatments did not influence the rate of success nor the likelihood of PRs raising a subsequent pup. The interaction between color and sex had some effect on success rates; yellow female LRs had the greatest chance of success, and female GRs had the lowest chance of success. This difference may warrant further investigation in a broader study to assist in decisions as to which breeds and sexes are most successful in guide dog organizations.