Canine Selection Testing and Predictors of Success for Detection Canines
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Authors
Ploeg, Robert J. Vander
Issue Date
2012
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Accurate predictions of canine behavior through personality assessments have been the focus of researchers, breeders, police, military, and service organizations for decades. The increase in international terrorism and forensic criminal investigation has created the demand to develop an assessment instrument to predict success of a potential Police Working Dogs (PWD) and military working dogs. The assessment instrument used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) combines personality, character traits, and drive-based behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of this instrument as a predictor of success for training and certification of detection canines. The study employed a canine behavioral assessment using 12 functional areas to measure canine behavior in 5 core categories. The sample for this study consisted of functionally equivalent canines selection tested in fiscal year 2011 (October 2010- September 2011), canines that passed selection testing and passed certification, canines that passed selection testing but failed certification for performance issues, and canines that failed selection testing. Eligible study candidates meeting the study criteria were chosen from a random sample. The results of the analysis confirm the construct validity of the assessment and its delivery as a predictor of success for detection canines.