Ethos

Ethos is the new bespoke dog behaviour monitoring system behind the life-changing journeys of our dogs. With your valuable input, it records and tracks the progress and behaviour of each dog, from puppy to partnership — whatever their role. 

Providing data throughout each dog’s journey

From February 2021, Ethos will become the primary tool for collecting data on our puppies and dogs throughout their lifetime. This will include data provided by Puppy Raisers, Fosterers and Breeding Dog Holders. 

The Ethos system is made up of a series of key data collection points or questionnaires, which are automatically sent out at intervals — depending on your role in nurturing and supporting our future life-changers. 

New data collection points 

To get a fuller picture of each dog’s journey, we’re introducing new data collection points or questionnaires to collect more information on the development of every dog:

•  Puppy Behaviour Questionnaire (at five months) to puppy raisers.
• The Dog Behaviour Questionnaire (to fosterers and breeding dog holders)

The new online system records where and when individual dog behaviours happen so we have a more accessible and complete understanding of our dogs’ needs at every stage. 

The data (i.e. completed questionnaires) received from volunteers in these roles will not only be used to tailor support for the dogs in their care, but as a whole, the data will provide us with a much-needed overview and analysis of the personality traits of our entire dog population and inform the development of our breeding programme.

Both questionnaires consist of 72 questions and it should take around 20-30 minutes to complete. We ask you to complete this as honestly as possible.

All questionnaires will be sent automatically by email from ethosbehaviour@guidedogs.org.uk. The email will include a link to an online survey and information on how to complete it.

Puppy Behaviour Questionnaire (at five months)

Puppy Raisers will now receive their first Puppy Behaviour Questionnaire when the pup is five months old in addition to the existing eight and twelve month questionnaires Puppy Raisers should use this time feedback on the behaviour of the puppy in their care.

New Dog Behaviour Questionnaire

The new Dog Behaviour Questionnaire will need to be completed by Fosterers and Breeding Dog Holders. It will be sent around 4 weeks and 12 weeks post placement. An additional questionnaire will be completed by Breeding Dog Holders when the dog reaches 18 months of age.

How we use this data  

The information provided by Puppy Raisers and Fosterers through the Puppy Behaviour Questionnaire and Dog Behaviour Questionnaire is a fundamental part of how we will ensure our dogs are placed into the most suitable role for them, whether that be as a guide, breeding dog, buddy or companion dogs. 

Our research team along with staff will use all the data collected through Ethos to advance our work across Guide Dogs to better support: 

• The potential of our dogs, including their future roles
• Partnerships/matches: service users with guide, buddy or companion dog
• Our breeding programme 
• Dog welfare and wellbeing
• Our ability to identify problems earlier
• Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships and Standardised Training for Excellent Partnerships 

Further information

We’ll be talking about Ethos at the next Guide Dogs Futures: raising puppies webinar on 18 February.

There will be another opportunity to find out more at our upcoming regional virtual events in March. Details coming soon.