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.
Dog Emotion and Cognition
Duke UniversityAbout this Course
237,345 recent views
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
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 12 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Croatian
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
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 12 hours to complete
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
TOP REVIEWS FROM DOG EMOTION AND COGNITION
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 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 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 RRMay 19, 2020
This course was very informative and interesting. Even people without dogs as pets and having an interest towards pets can take up this course. By doing so, we get to understand ourselves better.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
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?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
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.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
