Abstract
During guide dog training, dogs live in kennels and lack house training. The demand for guide dogs that can live easily with their users who are visually impaired is increasing. The Kansai Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (KGBDA) in Japan built an innovative wooden kennel (Mokka Terrace) that is more similar to homes than general kennels and that efficiently controlled dogs and reviewed their operations. This study conducted a literature survey, participant observations, and semi-structured interviews with staff to clarify the background and consensus-building process involved in creating the Mokka Terrace, corresponding efforts, and its strengths, issues, and prospects. Through trial and error, expert advice and techniques from other facilities were adopted. Characteristic efforts include promoting interactions as dogs behave voluntarily, implementing house training, improving the kennel environment, and improving the quality of training. The strengths of the Mokka Terrace were that humans and dogs were in the same space; it was similar to a home environment; it was easy to share information, comfortable, and easy for volunteers to work. However, there were issues regarding communication, protection of personal information, office work environment, and difficulty in users’ independent mobility. Staff members consistently showed respect for the diverse needs and individuality of humans and dogs to realize One Health & One Welfare, which is currently the mainstream concept for simultaneously realizing the health and welfare of humans and animals. The Mokka Terrace intends to support users and guide dogs to maintain a high quality of life without placing an excessive burden on the staff. To create a comfortable symbiotic space, it is important to strengthen human–dog relationships, arrange a comfortable environment, respect diversity, and not comply with the present status. This case study can be applied to other assistance dog projects and sustainable coexistence between humans and dogs.
Recommended Citation
Koda, Naoko; Murata, Miwa; and Mizuta, Sakura
(2025)
"Incorporating an Innovative Kennel in a Guide Dog Program Based on the Health and Welfare of Dogs and Humans,"
People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice: Vol. 8
:
Iss.
1,
Article 9.
Available at:
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/paij/vol8/iss1/9
