Abstract
The study’s aim was to identify the degree to which dog distraction, as reported by users, has impacted on the working behaviour of guide dogs, and their user’s mobility. The data used were drawn from the self-reporting of problem behaviours as experienced by users of guide dogs that had been provided by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT over a nine year period (2000 to 2008).
The study is in three parts. Part 1 identifies the frequency of dog distraction aftercare referrals associated with guide dogs in their initial year of placement. Part 2 identifies the frequency of dog distraction as an aftercare issue compared with other aftercare behavioural issues during the initial year of placement. Part 3 examines a range of factors, including dog, user, and training variables associated with guide dog mobility that may identify areas of possible intervention in addressing dog distraction.