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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