Does a Standardized Test of Puppy Behavior Predict Guide Dog Success?
Evaluating the generalizability of a standardized behavior test in predicting programmatic success of guide dog puppies.
Guide dogs play an incredibly important role in their partnerships with clients who are blind or visually impaired. However, the process of selecting and training a guide dog is extremely complex. A common question arises: Can we predict early on whether a puppy will succeed in its role as a working guide dog?
Previous research has found mixed evidence that behavioral tests may help predict a puppy's likelihood of success in a working role. These tests typically evaluate a puppy's response to various stimuli such as novel objects, people, and sounds. One such test, the Puppy Profiling Assessment (PPA), has been used by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in the United Kingdom (GDBA UK) and has shown promise in predicting success within their program. The PPA involves eight subtests where puppies are evaluated on behaviors like following a person, engaging with a toy, and navigating obstacles.
Building on the success of the PPA at GDBA UK, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) sought to determine whether this assessment could predict success in guide dog training within our program. However, after analyzing data from 249 puppies, GDB found that the PPA did not reliably predict a puppy's success as a guide dog. None of the subtests were indicative of a puppy's likelihood of becoming a guide or breeder.
The results highlight the complexity of selecting and training guide dogs. It underscores the importance of continually evaluating and refining standardized behavior testing protocols across, and within, guide dog programs. While these assessments offer valuable insights into a puppy's temperament, their predictive value may vary due to factors like training methods and environmental influences. While the tests may not offer predictive value, by gaining a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to a guide dog's success, programs can make more informed decisions, ultimately benefiting both the dogs and the clients they serve.
The findings described above have since been published in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science. If you would like a copy of the peer-reviewed publication, please email us at [email protected].