The effects of structured sessions for juvenile training and socialization on guide dog success and puppy-raiser participation |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK;2. Kingseat Road, Halbeath, Dunfermline KY11 8PQ, Fife, UK.;1. Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio;2. Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE), The White House Bungalow, Sheffield, England;3. Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania;1. School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Leicester, UK;2. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Berkshire, UK;3. Centre for Behavior and Evolution, Henry Wellcome Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK;1. Laboratoire d’Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, Université Paris-Nord, UFR L.S.H.S., Villetaneuse, France;2. Laboratoire de Psychologie Cognitive, CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, UMR 7920, Marseille, France;1. IFM Biology, AVIAN Behaviour Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden;2. Department of Military Studies, Military-Technology Division, Swedish National Defence College, 115 93 Stockholm, Sweden;3. Swedish Armed Forces Dog Instruction Centre, 19524 Märsta, Sweden;1. Laboratory of Ethology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan;2. Professional Veterinary Affairs, Hills Pet Nutrition Japan, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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