Application of heart rate changes associated with behavior test to predict training success of guide dogs

Abstract

Multiple studies have been conducted for early identification of dogs that are suitable for guide work in order to reduce the cost of production. The aim of this study was to identify dogs best suited to guide dog work by heart rate changes associated with behavioral reactions in a modified passive test (MPT). The subjects were 66 dogs including 51 Labrador Retrievers, 13 Golden Retrievers, and 2 Labrador-Golden cross-breed dogs. The dogs were tested using the MPT before the 8-month training, and the behaviors were video-recorded. The heart rate changes were recorded by an RS 800CX Polar-System heart rate monitor. After training, 37 failed guide dogs (FGDs) that were not suitable for work as guide dogs (GDs) were identified by the China Guide Dog Training Center of Dalian. The MPT permits us to study both the activity level and attachment of dogs to the owner. In the MPT, the GDs were significantly less active (score at 2.22 ± 0.10) than the FGDs (score at 3.12±0.16), and no significant difference in attachment degree was found between the GDs and the FGDs. However in episode 1, the score of attachment degree of the GDs (3.34±0.15) was significantly higher than that of the FGDs (2.78±0.19), which means that the GDs group had a more stable attachment to their owner. In the dogs with lower activity level (score <2.5), the resting heart rate in GDs was significantly higher than that in FGDs. This study indicated that dogs with a lower activity level, secure attachment to their owner, and a higher resting heart rate are more easily trained as guide dogs.