Balancing Objectivity and Welfare: Physiological and Behavioural Responses of Guide Dogs During an Independent...

Area of Science:

• Animal behavior
• Veterinary science
• Human-animal interaction

Background:

• Guide dogs are crucial for the independence of visually impaired individuals.
• Austria mandates a unique two-stage certification for guide dogs, assessed independently.
• The second evaluation phase pairs dogs with unfamiliar handlers, raising concerns about potential stress and welfare impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the second phase of the Austrian guide dog evaluation protocol causes greater stress than the first phase.
• To compare physiological (salivary cortisol) and behavioral responses between Phase 1 (familiar trainer) and Phase 2 (unfamiliar tester).
• To assess the need for refining the protocol to ensure guide dog welfare during certification.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen guide dogs were evaluated during their official certification.
• Salivary cortisol samples were collected pre-evaluation and at multiple points during the evaluation day.
• Behavioral responses, including stress indicators and performance, were video-recorded and analyzed during each phase.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in salivary cortisol levels were observed between Phase 1 and Phase 2.
• Dogs exhibited significantly more "turning around" behaviors in Phase 2, possibly seeking handler reassurance.
• A non-significant trend towards fewer stress-related behaviors was noted in Phase 2, with increased verbal praise from the unfamiliar tester.

Conclusions:

• The current Austrian guide dog evaluation protocol does not appear to induce significant physiological or behavioral stress.
• The protocol's objective assessment, even with unfamiliar handlers, is welfare-conscious.
• Austria's certification approach is effective and could serve as a model for other countries seeking robust guide dog standards.