Effect of Ultrasonic Devices on the Distraction Behaviour of Guide Dogs

In order to investigate whether or not devices that emit ultrasound at a frequency audible to dogs could potentially affect the behaviour of guide dogs, two ultrasonic devices were tested. Twenty-nine dogs were exposed to a pest-repeller and 24 dogs were exposed to a young person deterrent in a random order cross-over study. Results indicated that while both devices were noticed by the dogs, they did not have an adverse effect on dog behaviour. It therefore seems unlikely that the two ultrasonic devices would impact the working ability of a guide dog.