Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to identify puppies with the potential to become assistance dogs.
The University of East London team, led by Dr Mohammad Hossein Amirhosseini, is using AI to spot promising pups early on.
Dr Amirhosseini, associate professor in computer science and digital technologies, said: "One of the biggest challenges in assistance dog training is the emotional and financial cost of late-stage failure.
"This is more than a tech innovation – it’s a leap forward for animal welfare."
The research focuses on the behavioural cues observed by trainers.
At six and 12 months old, each puppy's behaviour is recorded through detailed questionnaires, capturing temperament, focus, and personality.
The AI analyses this data to identify potential early on, detecting patterns that even experienced trainers might miss.
This research builds on a previous study by the same team, published in Nature, which explored how AI could be used to map dog personality types.
The follow-up study is now featured in the 50th anniversary issue of Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
Dr Amirhosseini said: "This is a truly interdisciplinary project with real-world impact.
"We worked closely with organisations that train and place assistance dogs every day.
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"These are the people who know how high the stakes are – not just for the dogs, but for the people whose lives depend on them."
The research was a collaborative effort, involving the University of East London, University of Pennsylvania, University of Arizona, University of Nottingham, Canine Companions, The Seeing Eye, and Dogvatar, the company that funded the project and developed the underlying technology.
Dr Amirhosseini added: "We’re applying cutting-edge AI to one of the most human-centred roles animals can serve in – helping people live more independent lives.
"And we’re proud to be walking this path with some of the best minds in the field – both human and canine."
The research aims to reduce the emotional and financial burden of late-stage failures in assistance dog training by identifying promising candidates early on.
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