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Development of a modified C-BARQ for evaluating behavior in working dogs
Elizabeth Hare1,2, Jennifer Lynn Essler3, Cynthia M Otto1
1School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|July 15, 2024
Summary
A modified Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) was developed to better assess working odor detection dogs. The Working Dog Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (WDC-BARQ) now includes factors like playfulness and impulsivity.
Area of Science:
- Canine behavior and working dog science.
Background:
- Effective odor detection dogs are in high demand, necessitating reliable performance assessment tools.
- The Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is used but was designed for pet dogs, lacking specific working dog traits.
- Key behavioral phenotypes crucial for working dog success require measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the factor structure, reliability, and validity of a modified C-BARQ for working dogs.
- To incorporate new behavioral domains relevant to working dog performance.
- To enhance the assessment of canine behavior for specialized working roles.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on owner/handler questionnaire responses.
- The study sample comprised 1,117 working odor detection dogs.
- A modified C-BARQ was developed, including new behavioral domains.
Main Results:
- Exploratory factor analysis identified 15 factors.
- Ten factors aligned with the original C-BARQ.
- Five new factors were identified: Playfulness, Impulsivity, Distractibility, Basophobia, and Food focus.
Conclusions:
- The Working Dog Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (WDC-BARQ) effectively expands upon the original C-BARQ.
- The WDC-BARQ measures behavioral dimensions critical for working dog populations.
- This enhanced tool improves the assessment of specialized working dogs.
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