On this page:
What is it?
About the Smart Collar Project.
This study will run for three years and involve testing the Smart Collar harness on 400 puppies when they reach seven and a half weeks old. Puppies will be fitted with the harness before being exposed to a variety of challenges, including navigating stairs, the loud noise of a vacuum cleaner, and unfamiliar objects to assess how the puppies cope with new environments. The harness measures the puppies’ movement and heart rate to provide data to determine the puppies’ success in different potential career paths, like Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs.
Initial research from North Carolina State University in the United States of America suggests that the technology in the Smart Collar harness can predict with 93 percent accuracy, which puppies will pass their behavioural assessments required to begin Assistance Dog training, including Guide Dog training.
We are proud to be highlighted in an article by Philanthropy Australia for our involvement in this program
The uses of the collar.
Why use this technology?
Implementing technology with a 93 percent accuracy rate of prediction when the pup is just seven and a half weeks old, saves valuable resources and time. Not to mention, an accurate prediction of a pup’s future career will result in a less stressful journey for the dog, as they are funnelled into the correct training program early on in their life.
Our Veterinary and Breeding Services Manager, Caroline Moeser says, “If the results come out close to the 93 percent, it’s going to be remarkable and give us so much information about which pathway a dog is going down.”
Our pups are ready for adventure with smart collar technology.
Check out how our team is already using it.
Reach out to our team.
Want to get involved?
You can make a valuable contribution to help us fund this program by donating today.
To learn more about how you can get involved, please fill in the form and a member of our Philanthropy Team will get in touch with you.
If you would like more information about the program, please contact Philanthropy Advisor, Sophia Lacey at slacey@guidedogs.com.au or call 02 9412 9354.
Ready to continue?
Seems like you have filled this form earlier. Let’s pick up where you left off.