Abstract
BackgroundWorking dogs are selected based on predictions from tests that they will be able to perform specific tasks in often challenging environments. However, withdrawal from service in working dogs is still a big problem, bringing into question the reliability of the selection tests used to make these predictions.MethodsA systematic review was undertaken aimed at bringing together available information on the reliability and predictive validity of the assessment of behavioural characteristics used with working dogs to establish the quality of selection tests currently available for use to predict success in working dogs.ResultsThe search procedures resulted in 16 papers meeting the criteria for inclusion. A large range of behaviour tests and parameters were used in the identified papers, and so behaviour tests and their underpinning constructs were grouped on the basis of their relationship with positive core affect (willingness to work, human-directed social behaviour, object-directed play tendencies) and negative core affect (human-directed aggression, approach withdrawal tendencies, sensitivity to aversives). We then examined the papers for reports of inter-rater reliability, within-session intra-rater reliability, test-retest validity and predictive validity.ConclusionsThe review revealed a widespread lack of information relating to the reliability and validity of measures to assess behaviour and inconsistencies in terminologies, study parameters and indices of success. There is a need to standardise the reporting of these aspects of behavioural tests in order to improve the knowledge base of what characteristics are predictive of optimal performance in working dog roles, improving selection processes and reducing working dog redundancy. We suggest the use of a framework based on explaining the direct or indirect relationship of the test with core affect.
Highlights
Animal behavioural tests can be defined as standardised experimental situations where stimuli serve to elicit behaviour that is statistically compared with that of other individuals in the same situation, with the aim of classifying the tested animal (1)
We focus on the role of behavioural tests as predictors of success for “working dogs”, defined as a dog that has or is being selected for a working role which is either associated with assistance work, protection work, or detection work, and is regulated and certified for such work
Does this affect the economic value of the work achieved, and the perception of the public relating to the importance of maintaining working dogs in society (27, 28)
Summary
Animal behavioural tests can be defined as standardised experimental situations where stimuli serve to elicit behaviour that is statistically compared with that of other individuals in the same situation, with the aim of classifying the tested animal (1). A predominant theme in the working dog literature is that some dogs perform better at their assigned duties than others, with behavioural characteristics rather than sensory sensitivities or morphological differences largely accounting for the level of success achieved [e.g., (21, 24–26)]. Does this affect the economic value of the work achieved, and the perception of the public relating to the importance of maintaining working dogs in society (27, 28). Withdrawal from service in working dogs is still a big problem, bringing into question the reliability of the selection tests used to make these predictions
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