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Assistance Dog Training

"Success in assistance training" for dogs refers to the achievement of specific training goals that enable a dog to perform tasks that assist a person with disabilities or specific needs. This success is measured by the dog’s ability to consistently and reliably perform these tasks in various environments, demonstrating a high level of obedience, intelligence, and adaptability.

Affected Genes: WBSCR17

Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive

Variant: WBSCR17_chr6:4220039-4220221 insertion of 198 bp

General Information:"Success in assistance training" for dogs refers to the achievement of specific training goals that enable a dog to perform tasks that assist a person with disabilities or specific needs. This success is measured by the dog’s ability to consistently and reliably perform these tasks in various environments, demonstrating a high level of obedience, intelligence, and adaptability. Key indicators of success include: Task Proficiency: The dog can perform the required tasks with precision, whether it's guiding the visually impaired, alerting to sounds for the hearing impaired, or fetching items for someone with mobility issues. Behavioral Stability: The dog exhibits calm, focused behavior in different environments, including crowded or noisy places, ensuring they can perform their duties without being distracted or stressed. Public Access Skills: The dog is well-behaved in public spaces, showing no signs of aggression, fear, or anxiety. They must be able to ignore distractions like other animals or food and remain attentive to their handler's needs. Reliability and Consistency: The dog performs their tasks reliably over time, indicating a deep understanding and internalization of their training. Handler Bond: A strong, positive relationship between the dog and the handler is essential. This bond ensures the dog is motivated and eager to assist, understanding the importance of their role in their handler’s daily life. Success in assistance training ultimately results in a well-rounded, dependable dog that significantly enhances the quality of life for the person they are trained to assist.

How to Read Your Dog's Test Results for this Genetic Variant:

Two Variant Detected:High Likelyhood of Success

One Variants Detected:Normal Chance of Success

No Variants Detected:Normal Chance of Success

References:
Tandon D., Ressler K., Petticord D., Papa A., Jiranek J., Wilkinson R., Kartzinel R.Y., Ostrander E.A., Burney N., Borden C., Udell M.A.R., & B.M. VonHoldt. 2019. Homozygosity for Mobile Element Insertions Associated with WBSCR17 Could Predict Success in Assistance Dog Training Programs. Genes 10:439.