Evaluation on Effects of Social Contact Test in Predicting Training Successful Rate for Guide Dogs

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-5817.2015.03.006

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To establish the methods and evaluation criterion for social contact test and detect their effects on predicting the training successful rate for guide dogs. Method By improving the method of dog mentality assessment (DMA), the methods of social contact test and the corresponding grading standards in detail were established. The 17 guide dogs and 17 eliminated dogs from Chinese Guide Dogs Training Centre of Dalian were used to examine and evaluate the predicting effects of the 3 behavioral variables in social contact test (greeting reaction, cooperation, and handling) on the training successful rate for guide dogs. Results The scores of greeting reaction variable did not show any significant difference between guide dogs and eliminated dogs (guide dogs: x- =3.29, eliminated dogs: x- =3.18, P=0.716). While the scores of cooperation and handling variables of guide dogs were significantly higher than those of eliminated dogs (cooperation: guide dogs: x- =4.29, eliminated dog: x- =3.41, P=0.005; handling: guide dogs: x- =3.59, eliminated dogs: x- =3.00, P=0.049). The breed and gender of dogs in social contact test had no significant effect on the scores of the behavior variables (P>0.05). Conclusion The method and evaluation criterion of social contact test was successfully established, and the cooperation and handling can be used as effective behavior variables to predict the training successful rate for guide dogs.

Key words: Guide dogs, Eliminated dogs, Social contact test, Training successful rate

CLC Number:

Q95-33

ZHOU Zi-juan, ZHANG Ya-li, HAN Fang, YU Jian-xiong, WANG Liang, JIANG Xin, WANG Ai-guo, WANG Fu-jin, WANG Jing-yu. Evaluation on Effects of Social Contact Test in Predicting Training Successful Rate for Guide Dogs[J]. Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine, 2015, 35(3): 207-211.

References

[1] 王爱国, 王福金, 王亮, 等. 气质测试在导盲犬培训中的应用[J]. 畜牧与兽医, 2012, 44(2):45-47.
[2] 王福金, 王爱国, 王亮, 等. 偏侧性测试在预测成功导盲犬中的应用[J]. 实验动物科学, 2012, 29(3):57-60, 63.
[3] 李慧玲, 王亮, 董建一, 等. 动物行为学应用—导盲犬的培训与应用情况简介[J]. 实验动物科学, 2010, 27(4):81-82.
[4] 詹红微, 王爱国, 姜新, 等. 导盲犬运动偏侧性测试方法的比较[J]. 实验动物与比较医学, 2014, 34(6):490-495.
[5] 俞剑熊, 张雅丽, 周子娟, 等. 拉布拉多犬与金毛猎犬毛色基因MC1R(R306ter)与TYRP1(Q331ter)SNP位点的检测[J]. 实验动物科学, 2014, 31(2):37-41.
[6] Goddard ME, Beilharz RG.Genetic and environmental factors affecting the suitability of dogs as guide dogs for the blind[J]. Theor Appl Genet, 1982, 62(2):97-102.
[7] Goddard ME, Beilharz RG.A factor-analysis of fearfulness in potential guide dogs[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 1984, 12(3):253-265.
[8] Goddard ME, Beilharz RG.Early prediction of adult behavior in potential guide dogs[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 1986, 15(3):247-260.
[9] Knol BW, Roozendaal C, Vandenbogaard L, et al.The suitability of dogs as guide dogs for the blind: Criteria and testing procedures[J]. Vet Q, 1988, 10(3):198-204.
[10] Murphy JA.Assessment of the temperament of potential guide dogs[J]. Anthrozoos, 1995, 8(4):224-228.
[11] Svartberg K, Forkman B.Personality traits in the domestic dog[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 2002, 79(2):133-155.
[12] Svartberg K.Shyness-boldness predicts performance in working dogs[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 2002, 79(2):157-174.
[13] Svartberg K.A comparison of behaviour in test and in everyday life: evidence of three consistent boldness-related personality traits in dogs[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 2005, 91(1-2):103-128.
[14] Lara SB, BagSc(Hons), Marjolyn B, et al. The effects of structured sessions for juvenile training and socialization on guide dog success and puppy-raiser participation[J]. J Vet Behav, 2008, 3(5):199-206.
[15] Goodloe LP, Borchelt PL.Companion dog temperament traits[J]. Appl Anim Welf Sci, 1998, 1(4):303-338.
[16] SerPell JA, Hsu Y. Development and validation of a novel method for evaluating behavior and temperament in guide dogs[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 2001, 72(4):347-364.
[17] Hennessy MB, Voith VL.Behavior and cortisol levels of dogs in a public animal shelter, and an exploration of the ability of these measures to predict problem behavior after adoption[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 2001, 73(3):217-233.
[18] Lara SB, Marjolyn SB, John AB, et al.Factors associated with success in guide dog training[J]. J Vet Behav, 2008, 3(4): 143-151.
[19] APPleby DL, Bradshaw JWS, Casey RA, et al.Relationship between aggressive and avoidance behavior by dogs and their experience in the first six months of life[J]. Vet Rec, 2002, 150(14):434-438.
[20] Kis A, Bence M, Lakatos G, et al.Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with human directed bocial behavior in dogs (Canis familiaris)[J]. PLoS ONE, 2014, 9(1):e83993.
[21] Goddard ME, Beilharz RG.Genetics of traits which determine the suitability of dogs as guide-dogs for the blind[J]. Appl Anim Ethol, 1983, 9(2):299-315.
[22] Fallani G, Previde EP, Valsecchi P.Do disrupted early attachments affect the relationship between guide dogs and blind owners[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 2006, 100(3-4): 241-257.
[23] Naderi GS, Scanyi V.Cooperation between the guide dog and the blind. Who leads whom[C] The 24th International Ethological Conference Abstracts, Hawaii. 1995:114
[24] Angelo G, Chiara M.Survey of undesirable behaviors displayed by potential guide dogs with puppy walkers[J]. J Vet Behav, 2008, 3(3):104-113.
[25] Goddard ME, Beilharz RG.The relationship of fearfulness to, and the effects of, sex, age and experience on exploration and activity in dogs[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 1984, 12(3):267-278.
[26] Palestrini C, Previde E.Heart rate and behavioural responses of dogs in the Ainsworth’s strange situation: a pilot study[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 2005, 94(1-2):75-88.
[27] Paola V, Emanuela PP, Pier AA, et al.Development of the attachment bond in guide dogs[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 2010, 123(1-2):43-50.
[28] Wilsson E, Sundgren PE.Behaviour test for eight-week old puppies-heritabilities of tested behaviour traits and its correspondence to later behaviour[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 1998, 58(1-2):151-162.
[29] Wilsson E, Sundgren PE.The use of a behaviour test for the selection of dogs for service and breeding, I: Method of testing and evaluating test results in the adult dog, demands on different kinds of service dogs, sex and breed differences[J]. Appl Anim Behav Sci, 1997, 53(4):279-295.