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Behavioural evaluation and activity monitoring of apprentice assistance dogs during their training programme
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Date
2025
Authors
Kenny, Jennifer
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
This study investigated the behavioural assessment and activity monitoring of assistance dogs, focusing on their development during the early stages of training and their ability to meet the criteria for successful assistance work.
The literature review provided an overview of current approaches to assessing assistance dogs, identifying a gap in the integration of objective, technology-driven methods, such as canine activity monitors, into traditional behavioural assessment protocols. Despite advances in behavioural assessment methods, the review highlighted the potential of integrating technology to improve the reliability and efficiency of assessments, especially in real-world training environments.
The pilot study evaluated various activity monitoring devices and data collection methods for tracking the walk training of apprentice assistance dogs. The findings revealed varying levels of accuracy and reliability across the devices, with some more suitable for use in assistance dog organisations than others. These results underscored the importance of selecting appropriate technology and integrating it into everyday training and assessment practices.
Use of the Assistance Dog Test Battery (ADTB) was also explored. First focusing on inter-rater reliability by comparing non-expert and expert raters. The results revealed significant variability in rater agreement, particularly with subjective behaviours. These findings emphasise the need for standardised ethogram training protocols and more consistent descriptors to improve inter-rater consistency, ensuring more objective and precise assessments. Second, the ADTB was analysed to determine its predictive validity. Key behavioural traits, such as responsiveness, sensitivity, focus, and emotional regulation were strongly linked to training success. Successful dogs exhibited greater self-regulation and emotional stability, while withdrawn dogs struggled with adaptation. The study also found that foundational behaviours stabilised early, suggesting that assessments as early as week three in training may be sufficient for identifying key traits. This supports a “Fail Early” approach, whereby unsuitable dogs are identified and withdrawn from their training programme at an early stage. This approach enhances efficiency by enabling earlier reallocation of resources.
Activity monitoring during training revealed that total walk duration did not predict success, but walk complexity played a significant role. Dogs that experienced more complex training environments, particularly urban and residential settings, were more likely to succeed. Progression through training phases, especially reaching Phase 3, was also associated with higher success rates. Additionally, free runs emerged as a beneficial complementary activity, suggesting that diverse exercise opportunities may enhance engagement and performance.
Description
Keywords
Assistance dogs , Behavioural assessment , Activity monitoring , Canine activity trackers , Working dog performance , Canine behaviour , Canine wearable technology
Citation
Kenny, J. 2025. Behavioural evaluation and activity monitoring of apprentice assistance dogs during their training programme. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.