In The Media | Building a Better Working Dog
More than half of canines trained to help people with disabilities fail to graduate. Can science help?
Canine Companions
Can science unlock the secrets to creating more successful service dogs?
Dr. Emily Bray, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, is at the forefront of groundbreaking research that explores exactly this question. As director of the BRAY (Behavioral Research Across Years) Lab, Dr. Bray has spent over a decade studying how dogs think, problem-solve, and interact with the world—work that's transforming our understanding of canine cognition and revolutionizing how working dogs are bred, raised, and trained. In this fascinating Science magazine feature, you'll discover how Dr. Bray and her colleagues are using cutting-edge research to identify the traits that make exceptional working dogs, from the earliest days of puppyhood through their careers as service animals. Whether you're a dog lover, fascinated by animal behavior, or curious about how science is reshaping age-old practices, this article offers a compelling look at the intersection of genetics, development, and training—and what it takes to build a better working dog. Read on to explore how researchers like Dr. Bray are changing lives, one dog at a time.