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.
Offered By
Dog Emotion and Cognition
Duke University
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
45%
started a new career after completing these courses
32%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
Skills you will gain
Cognitive ScienceEvolutionAnimal BehaviorDog
Learner Career Outcomes
45%
started a new career after completing these courses
32%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
12%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
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Approx. 12 hours to complete
Suggested: 10-15 hours of lectures and assessments
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Croatian
Offered by
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
11 minutes to complete
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 how dogs compare to other species, and even have the chance to try some of the cognitive games you learn about with your own dog. The course is a great introduction to the field of animal cognition and animal behavior but is also relevant to anyone interested in human evolution or even dog training. When you finish you will think about your dog in a new way, will be ready to apply your new knowledge, and will be prepared to take higher level classes in the evolutionary or cognitive sciences.
11 minutes to complete
1 video (Total 1 min), 1 reading
1 reading
FAQs10m
2 hours to complete
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 games to play at www.dognition.com/mooc. Dr. Hare discusses how our evolutionary relationship with dogs is a puzzle. He describes the meaning of cognition and what it looks like with modern research on animals. Last, he discusses what Dognition is and how can be used like a laboratory for the class.
2 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 41 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes
5 videos
The Paradoxical Canine8m
Cognition Defined10m
Dognition, Part 16m
Dognition, Part 26m
4 readings
Introduction Slide10m
The Paradoxical Canines: Lecture Slides10m
What is Cognition: Lecture Slides10m
Dognition: Lecture Slides10m
4 practice exercises
Review: The Paradoxical Canine4m
Review: Cognition Defined4m
Review: Dognition4m
Module Quiz: Cognition Through the Ages6m
2 hours to complete
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 approach to cognition through an evolutionary lens, which involves Tinbergen's four levels of analysis.
2 hours to complete
10 videos (Total 67 min), 4 readings, 5 quizzes
10 videos
Why Experiments, Part 28m
Why Experiments, Part 33m
Ecological Approach to Evolution, Part 18m
Ecological Approach to Evolution, Part 28m
Ecological Approach to Cognition, Part 17m
Ecological Approach to Cognition, Part 28m
Theory of Mind, Part 14m
Theory of Mind, Part 25m
Theory of Mind, Part 35m
4 readings
Why Experiments: Lecture Slides10m
Ecological Approach to Evolution: Lecture Slides10m
Ecological Approach to Cognition: Lecture Slides10m
Theory of Mind: Lecture Slides10m
5 practice exercises
Review: Why Experiments?4m
Review: Ecological Approach to Evolution4m
Review: Ecological Approach to Cognition4m
Review: Theory of Mind4m
Module Quiz: How Biology Studies Cognitive Evolution10m
1 hour to complete
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 describes how good dogs are at understanding communicative intentions, especially compared to apes. Dr. Hare has three hypotheses to explain the remarkable communication found in domestic dogs.
1 hour to complete
5 videos (Total 35 min), 2 readings, 3 quizzes
5 videos
Communicative Intentions, Part 27m
Communicative Intentions, Part 37m
Origins of Dog Sociality, Part 16m
Origins of Dog Sociality, Part 25m
2 readings
Communicative Intentions: Lecture Slides10m
Origins of Dog Sociality: Lecture Slides10m
3 practice exercises
Review: Communicative Intentions4m
Review: Origins of Dog Social Cognition4m
Module Quiz: Dogs are Cognitively Remarkable6m
Reviews
4.6
TOP REVIEWS FROM DOG EMOTION AND COGNITION
by LTAug 3, 2019
Great course with a lot of new information, not just about dogs but even domestication of other species, including humans. The predictability of aggression in humans would be an interesting next topic
by GAOct 22, 2016
It is a very interesting course. Does not tell you how to train your dogs but makes you understand the way dogs, human, great apes and other species think and solve problems which is very interesting.
by PRNov 13, 2016
I really liked this course. It was really fun. I learned a lot and I will put it to good use with my dog, Boomer. I also haven't got a chance to do Dognition so I will try to do it, It sounds so fun!
by JDAug 14, 2015
I enjoyed this course and found it very informative. I would like to see more practical information related to dog training in the material, but I understand that is not the purpose of this course.
by DFJul 17, 2019
Really interesting course that gives a great overview of some of the latest research in canine behavior. Helpful even for a regular dog-owner that just wants to understand the mind of their dog.
by CGMar 28, 2020
Great course! It develops each topic comprehensively and combines old and new approaches to how we can improve our relationship with our dogs and help dogs learn to be included in our society.
by ZRDec 14, 2017
Really enjoyed this course! Was my first university course for about 2 years. I have PTSD, amnesia, social anxiety, and depression. Shout out to this school having an awesome course available.
by VBAug 29, 2019
WOW...what a surprise this course offered in regards to what cognition is, what it means, and the impact it can have on our understanding how dogs learn and evolve with themselves and humans.
by NCSep 17, 2015
Everybody who loves animals and who wants to understand better his/her pet should take this course. When you discover all your dog's potential you will be a better owner and a better person.
by EEJun 20, 2018
This was a great introductory course for dog evolution and cognition. I hope there will someday be a part two to this - presenting more insights into dog cognition as more research is done.
by MCSep 22, 2018
Absolutely brilliant!!! I am a veterinarian and very into dogs so no surprised I liked it, but I think this could be just the course for anyone that has a dog or is thinking of getting one.
by ORJun 30, 2016
This course was engaging and informative. Dr. Hare picked a great line of work, as he kind of reminds me of a friendly puppy himself. I look forward to more research from these experiments!
by HWDec 31, 2015
Thought provoking. Different cultural attitudes toward dogs a little unsettling - given number of bites and attacks, resources devoted to dogs rather than to humans, is a serious question.
by KEOct 14, 2015
Interesting insights about how dogs think and what we perceive through their behavior. Taken purely for personal enrichment. Wish I'd had more time available to work with the lab material.
by JSMay 20, 2016
Excellent. Maybe my favorite course on Coursera ever. Full of useful, compelling, new information. Instructor super friendly and a great communicator. Obviously he learned from his dog.
by JMNov 16, 2015
Such a great and interesting course! I'm really learning so much from this and feel it's really well put together. Great work from Brian Hare et al - keep up the good work you're doing!
by CFFeb 2, 2020
This really helped with my dog training business to better understanding individual dog's and what they need based on their strengths and weaknesses shown with the cognitive profiling!
by MKOct 12, 2015
I like that is not only about dogs, but also on apes (including humans).\n\nEasy to listen to.\n\nWould love more articles or other reading materials in this course besides the book.
by IWJun 16, 2019
I loved this course! It opened my mind to thinking about animals in far different ways than I normally would. It was very interesting, and I am now going to read The Genius of Dogs!
by YCJul 7, 2017
Great course, learnt a lot of new and interesting things as someone who loves dogs. Hope to use some of the material I learnt in my MOOC on the relationship between humans and dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
Will I receive a transcript from Duke University for completing this course?
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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