About this course: Dog Emotion and Cognition will introduce you to the exciting new study of dog psychology, what the latest discoveries tell us about how dogs think and feel about us, and how we can use this new knowledge to further strengthen our relationship with our best friends.
Created by: Duke University
Taught by: Brian Hare, Associate Professor
Evolutionary Anthropology
| Commitment | 10-15 hours of lectures and assessments |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Spanish |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Course Information
Dog Emotion and Cognition is a course designed to introduce the exciting new science of dog psychology to any level of dog enthusiast. In learning about dogs you will be introduced to evolutionary and cognitive theory, learn about experimental methodology, see...
1 video, 1 reading
WEEK 2
The Paradox of a Best Friend That Evolved From Our Worst Enemy
This module will provide an introduction to cognitive psychology and evolution, while having direct application to your dog. At the beginning of each lecture, Dr. Hare will suggest an optional reading from his book The Genius of Dogs, as well as free Dognition...
5 videos, 4 readings, 3 readings
Graded: Module Quiz: Cognition Through the Ages
WEEK 3
How Biology Studies Cognitive Evolution
In this module, Dr. Hare describes how the internal processes of the mind are studied through experiments. He explains how animal problem solving is best explained as scientists work toward better understanding the topic. Next, he describes the ecological appr...
10 videos, 4 readings, 4 readings
Graded: Module Quiz: How Biology Studies Cognitive Evolution
WEEK 4
Dogs Are Cognitively Remarkable
In this module, Dr. Hare describes how dogs are cognitively remarkable. He begins by explaining theory of mind, which, when viewed through the ecological approach, suggests that social problem solving drove primate and human cognitive evolution. Next, he descr...
5 videos, 2 readings, 2 readings
Graded: Module Quiz: Dogs are Cognitively Remarkable
WEEK 5
Evolutionary Accidents and Survival of the Friendliest
In this module, Dr. Hare explores three of his research studies he's done with foxes, New Guinea Singing Dogs, as well as research on wolves. He describes how early dog-wolves may actually be a product of natural selection rather than artificial selection, con...
9 videos, 4 readings, 4 readings
Graded: Module Quiz: Evolutionary Accidents and Survival of the Friendliest
WEEK 6
Problems That Dogs Can and Cannot Solve
In this module, you will learn about the genius of dogs. Brilliant examples of the canine mind will be explored. Dogs seem to be capable of inferential reasoning using the "principle of exclusion" as well as learning new words by imitating humans. Next, Dr. Ha...
8 videos, 3 readings, 3 readings
Graded: Module Quiz: Problems That Dogs Can and Cannot Solve
WEEK 7
Finding Your Dog's Genius
In this module, Dr. Hare will discuss the common myths of breed differences and what research (including citizen science Dognition data) has actually been done to understand potential differences between breeds. You will also listen to Dr. Hare debunk "aggress...
10 videos, 6 readings, 3 readings
Graded: Module Quiz: Finding your Dog's Genius
WEEK 8
Final Exam
The final exam covering topics from all modules.
Graded: Final Exam
FAQs
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Coursework
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Creators
Duke University
Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
Ratings and Reviews
Awesome!
Looking forward to where this takes dog training to a different level.
One of the most interesting online courses I have ever taken.
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RH
Very interesting and engaging, especially the citizen science element. I found the lectures easy to follow and to the point.