A groundbreaking study at the University of East London suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) may play a pivotal role in determining whether service dog puppies are suited for the job. While AI cannot replace the hands-on training process, it can analyze the puppies’ behavior to predict their future success as service dogs—sometimes even outperforming human trainers in spotting potential.
The research involved trainers who spent considerable time with each puppy, filling out detailed questionnaires at both six and twelve months of age. The AI system then used this data to identify early behavioral indicators of whether a puppy would excel or fail as a service dog. Remarkably, the AI was able to spot behavior patterns that even experienced trainers occasionally overlooked, boasting an accuracy rate of 80 percent over a 12-month period.
Dr. Mohammad Amirhosseini, associate professor in computer science and digital technologies at the University, highlighted the significant impact of this technology: “One of the biggest challenges in assistance dog training is the emotional and financial toll of late-stage failure. This isn’t just a technological advance—it’s a major leap forward for animal welfare.”
The AI’s ability to predict service dog potential offers a promising tool for trainers, helping to reduce the risks and costs associated with training service dogs that may not be suitable for the demanding role.