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CARAT is a novel assessment system that categorizes behavior traits in multiple components that are intuitive and practical. It is the assessment system currently in use at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, one of the world’s largest guide dog schools, and is used to evaluate puppies, breeding stock and dogs coming in for training.
CARAT takes a detailed view of the individual dog as a unique combination of many factors working together to influence, exacerbate, mitigate and enhance each other. In the profile created by the nuances and specifics of this complex interaction of multiple traits, an accurate picture is created of the individual, regardless of breed or age. It is unique in its recognition that a response to any given stimulus can either inhibit or activate the animal, attract the animal or create avoidant behavior, and that the distinction between the two is critical in understanding the individual.
Preliminary results from ongoing longitudinal studies are validating CARAT's use in predicting the success of guide dogs and in the selection of guide dog breeding stock. The results of a small study of 83 breeding animals using CARAT assessment demonstrated the possible value of the CARAT profile as a phenotypical predictor of genotypical success as guide dog producers [presented by Dr. Rudy de Meester,veterinary behaviorist, at the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology conference,Barcelona, 2008]. A current study by Hobbes et al (to be published) shows CARAT traits to form a statistically significant model for predicting success in guide dogs, and identifying the CARAT traits that have significant heritability.
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