Predicting Winners and Losers in Puppies

The authors explore whether or not experienced judges can predict the success or failure of puppies to complete guide dog training. Three judges made predictions on 50 puppies at three, four, six, and nine months of age. Judges were required to give a Yes or No on whether or not the pup would be successful. Results indicate the judges performed no better than chance in picking winners and losers. The findings have important implications for practices in Guide Dog organisations as well as for research directions.