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Learner Reviews & Feedback for The Truth About Cats and Dogs by The University of Edinburgh

4.8
stars
2,263 ratings

About the Course

What is your cat revealing to you when she purrs? What is your dog expressing when he yawns or wags his tail? Understanding your cat and dog’s behaviour and the way they communicate with you, will enable you to better understand their needs and strengthen your relationship with them. This MOOC is divided into five topics, the appliance of science; behaviour and body language, senses and perception; challenges for the human-animal relationship, including pet problem behaviour; and how to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs in our care. At the start of the course we ask you to consider what you feel is important to your cat/dog and what your cat/dog means to you? We explore the world of cats and dogs and how our relationships with them vary around the world and have changed over time. We ask if we can really know what our animals are thinking or trying to communicate through their facial expressions and behaviours. From our beloved pets to street dogs, shelter dogs/cats and welfare challenges, we explore the world from their perspective and examine how their genetic make-up may influence their behavioural responses and choices. We dispel common behavioural myths by looking through a scientific lens, asking questions about the function and development of their behaviour.. We explore how their senses help them to interact with their world and how they communicate with each other and us! Finally, we ask whether we impose unrealistic expectations on our cats and dogs and how this affects their ability to live alongside us. We ask, what can we do to be more responsible pet owners and to ensure the welfare of all cats and dogs in society? This MOOC explores different scientifically validated methods that can help you to better understand your pet, to enrich their lives and help you to be a more educated and confident pet owner. We hope you enjoy the course!...

Top reviews

AA

Jun 23, 2021

It gives you the basics about owning a pet and what you need to know for their welfare.

I don't see a need for certification for this course.

Recommended for general knowledge and resources

LR

Mar 26, 2020

I learned so much about how to decrease stress for my pets and increase their happiness. I also learned how to better communicate with them. Thank you for helping improve my pets quality of life!

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151 - 175 of 636 Reviews for The Truth About Cats and Dogs

By Inês M M M

Sep 25, 2020

Super informative, simple and trully important information! To all pet owners and specially to all the pet owners to be in the world! I liked it a lot. Recommend!

By Susthira A

Jun 9, 2017

this course is very helpful to encourage me as a vet and as an pet owner to more understand my patients and my dogs' behaviour and their acts. thank you so much!

By Melania G

Jun 5, 2017

This was such an intersting and owner-friendly course. I an a vet and I highly recommend it to allvpet lovers, pet owners or people that work with cats and dogs.

By Rina M C ( P

Aug 16, 2020

The course has open my eyes and gives me deep understanding on cats and dogs behaviour and raises my awareness on how i should fulfill their five welfare needs.

By Liew W Y

Jun 11, 2020

The course programme is nicely paced and covers the fundamentals which are definitely helpful for anyone who are interested in basic knowledge of cats and dogs.

By Sabita R

Apr 9, 2020

The emphasis is on wellbeing of the pets, changing our views as human 'masters', and I appreciate that! It's not about us humans, its about them cats and dogs!

By Kirsten L

Jun 15, 2020

Such an informative and interesting course, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to apply it to my further plans of working with animals (mainly cats and dogs).

By Susan L

Feb 23, 2021

Excellent course with very good information on caring for cats and dogs. Great course for all round knowledge on the lives of animals we choose to live with

By Alexandra D

May 8, 2021

Interesting. Helpful for looking at the world from our cats and dogs perspective. Useful for helping owners and those interested in cat and dog welfare.

By HARISH A 1

May 25, 2020

THIS COURSE IS VERY NICE AND INFORMATIVE AND IT IS TAKEN NATURALY WITH THE ANIMALS IN SCENE WHICH MAKES THE VIDEO LECTURE TO LOOK LIKE A LIVE CONVERSATION

By Elisabeth H

May 20, 2017

Very interesting and engaging. Fully recommend to anyone interested in learning more about understanding the needs, happiness, and welfare of their pets.

By ΧΡΥΣΟΥΛΑ Λ

Dec 2, 2020

ΕΙΧΑ ΠΟΛΥ ΚΑΛΗ ΕΝΗΜΕΡΩΣΗ ΕΙΜΑΙ ΠΛΗΡΩΣ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΗΜΕΝΗ ΚΑΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΑ ΣΚΥΛΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΙΣ ΓΑΤΕΣ.. ΜΕ ΕΝΔΙΕΦΕΡΕ ΠΟΛΥ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΟ ΤΑ ΣΚΥΛΙΑ ΕΠΕΙΔΗ ΤΑ ΑΓΑΠΩ ΠΟΛΥ!!

By Erin S

Apr 29, 2017

Excellent. Good for pet owners and interested persons. Not as helpful for experienced animal professionals, but I learned a few new things regardless.

By Chern H Y

May 12, 2020

Really learnt more about both cats' and dogs' behavior. very informative, insightful, and interesting. Love how it is being presented by animal owners.

By Joseph W

Apr 24, 2020

I rate this course a five-star course because it really helped me understand the way that not only dogs communicate with us but with each other as well

By Zlata K

Jun 29, 2020

Great content and fantastic lecturers. I wish I could join the class in the real world. I am in New Zealand though so online is the next best thing :)

By Janice I

Nov 27, 2022

Enjoyable with engaging speakers. Not too tasking for those of us who read and learn for enjoyment. Also has helpful advice and links for pet owners.

By Joanne S

Mar 28, 2023

brilliant. i learn so much about training my Labrador dog and great insight into dog behaviour and how to treat them for their species requirements

By Robyn H

May 12, 2017

Clear, concise, and informative. I particularly appreciated the de-bunking of myths such as the 'alpha' and pack theory. A very enjoyable course.

By Naira G

Nov 21, 2021

I loved, I loved!! It's basic but it gives you a very good general creenshot. Makes you want to continue learing about the subject! Thank you!!

By Gina H

Jun 17, 2020

This course was easy to use and understand. I learned so much and loved all the videos and extra resources available. The professors were great!

By Wioleta S

Sep 17, 2017

Very good and informative course. I would recommend it to everyone who has a contact with dogs and cats, from vet proffessionals and pet owners.

By Claire C

Jul 23, 2017

Detailed and accurate pet-oriented discussion to pet welfare and proper interaction. Every to-be pet (cats/dogs) owners should take this course!

By Theresa-Marie M

May 21, 2017

A must for all new pet owners and old supposedly 'knowledgeable' owners. I've had pets all my life and learned a lot, including what I do wrong.

By Amanda T

Apr 18, 2022

Excellent Course! Could not have asked for a better structure or material. I am very impressed with the overall experience of an online course