The future of detector dog research

Lazarowski, Lucia; Waggoner, Paul; Katz, Jeffrey S.

doi:10.3819/ccbr.2019.140008

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Currently many of the approaches described in this paper are in nascent phases of development and it will be important to allow them time to reach maturity before encouraging widespread adoption. During this time, communication between researchers and professionals in the field with years of hands-on working dog experience should be prioritized ( 64 , 67 , 70 , 218 ). These conversations will help address the disconnect of researchers conducting tests that are then either not useful or not routinely used, as well as organizations running tests that have not been analyzed or validated.…”

Section: Future Stepsmentioning

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: Future Stepsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

et al. 2021

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“…While arousal was generally conceived to be an undesirable behavior as it can interfere with problem-solving [ 51 ] and handling or management of the dog [ 3 ], it likely reflects underlying desirable characteristics such as higher motivation and desire to work. Further, high levels of arousal are common in working dog populations and it is not likely to be seen as an impasse by those selecting dogs [ 52 ]. Interestingly, this association was only seen at the 3-months time point, suggesting that differences in arousal during puppyhood may reflect important individual differences in motivation that are not as apparent with maturation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of a Behavior Test for Predicting Puppies’ Suitability as Detection Dogs

Lazarowski

Rogers

Krichbaum

et al. 2021

Animals

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Behavioral characteristics are the most influential factor in the success of a working dog. The need for highly capable detection dogs continues to rise; but reliable methods for early selection are lacking. The current study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of a behavioral test for assessing detection dog suitability. A cohort of candidate detection dog puppies (n = 60) were tested at 3; 5; and 11 months of age; as well as at the completion of training at approximately one year. Tests were designed to assess important detection dog behavioral characteristics such as search ability and fearfulness. Inter-rater reliability was high between independent observers. Convergent validity was demonstrated by comparing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scores from the behavior test to trainer ratings using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and a survey of detection dog traits. Performance on the behavior test predicted adult selection as a detection dog as early as 3 months. The methods reported will be valuable for improving selection measures and enhancing collaborations across breeding programs in order to increase the availability of highly capable detection dogs.

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“…and Lazarowski, Waggoner, and Katz (2019) expand the scope of our review (Troisi, Mills, Wilkinson, & Zulch, 2019) in two important but different directions.…”

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confidence: 87%

“…In relation to this, the point raised by Lazarowski et al (2019) concerning the role of different cultural approaches to training and implementing scent detection dogs is important. This can affect not only the type of work that dogs are used for but also success and suitability in particular environments.…”

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confidence: 99%

A Need for Greater Inclusivity and Diversity in Scent Detection Dog Research: A Reply to Lazarowski et al. and Byosiere et al.

Troisi¹,

Mills²,

Wilkinson³

et al. 2019

CCBR

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In this response to the commentaries, we highlight the relevance of our approach to different challenges faced by working dogs and those working with them. We agree with Byosiere, Feng, and Rutter (2019) that sourcing dogs from nontraditional routes would be beneficial and highlight the importance of using our approach to realize the potential of these animals. Further, Lazarowski, Waggoner, and Katz (2019) highlight the importance of different cultural approaches to training; again, we believe that this, in combination with our suggested approach, is likely to be fruitful. Finally, we agree with the commentaries that it is essential to further investigate the mechanisms underlying performance to fully understand the factors that influence success in working dogs. Better understanding the factors that are important in shaping success in the field will be an essential step to reliably deploying more successful working dogs.

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The future of detector dog research

Cited by 9 publications

References 11 publications

Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

Validation of a Behavior Test for Predicting Puppies’ Suitability as Detection Dogs

A Need for Greater Inclusivity and Diversity in Scent Detection Dog Research: A Reply to Lazarowski et al. and Byosiere et al.

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