Rejections in an non-purpose bred assistance dog population: Reasons, consequences and methods for screening

Bogaerts, Evelien; Moons, Christel; Nieuwerburgh, Filip Van; Peelman, Luc; Saunders, Jimmy; Broeckx, Bart J. G.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0218339

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…Finally, many smaller assistance dog organizations purchase dogs ( 57 ), and it is also common for the military to procure dogs from overseas ( 58 ). When acquiring dogs, the organization has the advantage of selecting only dogs who meet the physical and behavioral requirements, but current behavioral tests are imperfect and still result in a sizable proportion of dogs being subsequently rejected for behavioral reasons ( 57 ).…”

Section: Sourcing Of Dogsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

et al. 2021

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Dogs perform a variety of integral roles in our society, engaging in work ranging from assistance (e.g., service dogs, guide dogs) and therapy to detection (e.g., search-and-rescue dogs, explosive detection dogs) and protection (e.g., military and law enforcement dogs). However, success in these roles, which requires dogs to meet challenging behavioral criteria and to undergo extensive training, is far from guaranteed. Therefore, enhancing the selection process is critical for the effectiveness and efficiency of working dog programs and has the potential to optimize how resources are invested in these programs, increase the number of available working dogs, and improve working dog welfare. In this paper, we review two main approaches for achieving this goal: (1) developing selection tests and criteria that can efficiently and effectively identify ideal candidates from the overall pool of candidate dogs, and (2) developing approaches to enhance performance, both at the individual and population level, via improvements in rearing, training, and breeding. We summarize key findings from the empirical literature regarding best practices for assessing, selecting, and improving working dogs, and conclude with future steps and recommendations for working dog organizations, breeders, trainers, and researchers.

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Section: Sourcing Of Dogsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

et al. 2021

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“…With regard to social significance, Bogaerts et al (2019) and Diederich and Giffroy (2006) recommended that canine temperament tests include practical, realistic behaviors such as testing in the community. Similarly, King et al (2012) suggested that rather than focus on undesirable traits such as fear and aggression, behavioral assessments should address traits such as being calm, friendly, obedient, and safe around children.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As an example, in a study with 537 Belgian assistance dogs, questionnaires were effectively used for screening orthopedic and behavioral problems. Results showed a 92% success rate when screening addressed both orthopedic and behavioral characteristics (Bogaerts et al, 2019).…”

Section: Predictive Tests and Predictive Validitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Canine Temperament: Predictive or Prescriptive?

Burch¹

2020

IJCP

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Canine temperament testing has historically been linked to the predictability of future behavior. A predictive model of canine temperament testing assumes that a dog’s behavior in one situation will likely be similar to its behavior in a variety of other situations. An alternative model is proposed for a canine temperament test that could identify areas in which a dog might fail to perform certain test items, but by using modern behavior analysis techniques, behaviors could be modified through a prescriptive approach. This article describes the AKC Temperament Test (ATT), which is the first prescriptive canine temperament test. The ATT is designed to provide pet dog owners with information about potential problem areas that can be modified through training.

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“…The overall low panic and aggression scores for retrievers and hunting dogs are one of the reasons that both Golden and Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular assistance dog breeds [3]. Hunting dogs are selected to pay more attention to their environment still remaining calm or obedient.…”

Section: Issn: 2325-4645mentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioural Correlates of Neutering Male Dogs -a Question of Breed?

2021

J Vet Sci Med

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Castration of dogs is often conducted as a preventive measure against diseases and undesirable behaviour. While female dogs are preferably neutered for medical reasons, owners of male dogs hope for an improvement in behavior. Although there is a lack of scientific knowledge on this subject, neutering is often conducted to get a more trainable and less aggressive dog. The aim of this study is to examine castration from an ethological perspective and to reveal possible behavioural changes after castration related to breed. An online study was conducted consisting of two different questionnaires about the dog's personality. A total of 242 dog owners participated in the study concerning specific behaviour problems (n = 130 intact and 112 neutered males). Another 211 owners of males (n = 115 intact, 96 neutered) completed the questionnaire about personality traits (dog sociability, trainability, emotional stability and extraversion) based on Turcsán et al. 2011. Four breed categories were formed following Parker et al. ( 2017): shepherds, retrievers, terriers, and hunting Dogs. Our study reveals that intact males are bolder than neutered males. Intact males have lower aggression scores than neutered ones. Castrated males show significantly more panic behavior (multinomial logistic Regression, p = 0.04). Intact shepherds are bolder than neutered ones (Mann-Whiney-U-Test: p = 0.03) and intact terriers are bolder than neutered terriers (Mann-Whitney-U = Test: p = 0.04). Intact terriers scored lower for aggression than neutered ones. With these results and the data of previous studies, we question castration to modify behavior, as a measure for reproductive control and as a preventive measure against diseases.

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Rejections in an non-purpose bred assistance dog population: Reasons, consequences and methods for screening

Cited by 9 publications

References 49 publications

Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

Assessment of Canine Temperament: Predictive or Prescriptive?

Behavioural Correlates of Neutering Male Dogs -a Question of Breed?

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