The Truth About Cats and Dogs: Understanding Pet Behavior
Explore cat and dog behavior, communication, and welfare. Learn to interpret pet body language and improve your relationship with your furry friends.
Explore cat and dog behavior, communication, and welfare. Learn to interpret pet body language and improve your relationship with your furry friends.
Discover the fascinating world of cats and dogs in this comprehensive course from the University of Edinburgh. Led by a team of expert instructors including Hayley Walters, Dr. Heather Bacon, Professor Nat Waran, and Dr. Amy Miele, this program offers an in-depth exploration of pet behavior, communication, and welfare. Through engaging video lectures, readings, and interactive quizzes, you'll gain a scientific understanding of how cats and dogs perceive the world and interact with humans. The course covers a wide range of topics, from the evolutionary history of cats and dogs to modern challenges in pet ownership. You'll learn to interpret pet body language, understand their sensory capabilities, and recognize signs of fear, anxiety, and contentment. The curriculum also addresses common behavioral myths, the impact of breeding on animal welfare, and strategies for enriching your pet's environment. By the end of the course, you'll have a deeper appreciation for your furry companions and be equipped with practical knowledge to enhance their quality of life.
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What you'll learn
Understand the evolutionary history and domestication of cats and dogs
Interpret cat and dog body language and vocalizations
Recognize signs of fear, anxiety, and contentment in pets
Explore the sensory capabilities of cats and dogs and how they perceive the world
Understand the impact of breeding on animal behavior and welfare
Identify common behavioral problems and their potential causes
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
4.28 Hours PreRecorded video
14 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 5 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of cat and dog behavior, communication, and welfare. The curriculum is divided into five modules covering various aspects of pet ownership and animal behavior. Students will learn about the evolutionary history of cats and dogs, their sensory capabilities, and how they communicate with humans and each other. The course addresses common misconceptions about pet behavior and explores the challenges faced by cats and dogs in modern domestic environments. Through scientific lens, participants will gain insights into interpreting pet body language, recognizing signs of stress or contentment, and understanding the impact of human expectations on animal welfare. The program also covers practical aspects of pet care, including training techniques, environmental enrichment, and strategies for improving the quality of life for cats and dogs at different life stages. By combining scientific knowledge with practical advice, this course aims to help pet owners and animal lovers develop a deeper understanding of their furry companions and enhance their relationships with them.
The Appliance of Science
Module 1 · 3 Hours to complete
Ethology
Module 2 · 4 Hours to complete
Sense and Sensibility
Module 3 · 2 Hours to complete
Living with humans
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
Can We Do Better? Improving Pet Quality of Life
Module 5 · 2 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructors
Advocate for Animal Welfare Education at the University of Edinburgh
Heather Bacon is the Veterinary Welfare Education and Outreach Manager at the University of Edinburgh’s Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE). She lectures internationally on welfare issues concerning companion animals and captive wildlife, and teaches courses in two postgraduate MSc programs at the university. With extensive experience in dog and cat welfare globally, Heather previously served as the Veterinary Director at the Animals Asia Foundation, an NGO focused on ending the bear bile trade in Asia. She holds a veterinary degree, a BSc (Hons) in Conservation Medicine, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Postgraduate Certificate in Zoological Medicine.
Senior Veterinary Nurse in Animal Welfare at The University of Edinburgh
Hayley Walters is a dedicated Senior Veterinary Nurse specializing in animal welfare at The University of Edinburgh. She qualified as a veterinary nurse through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1999 and initially spent seven years in mixed animal practice in Derbyshire. In 2006, she joined the animal welfare charity Animals Asia, where she worked with Asiatic black bears rescued from the bile farming industry in China and Vietnam and managed dog shelter projects for animals displaced by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. In 2012, Hayley transitioned to Scotland to become a Welfare and Anaesthesia veterinary nurse at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, where she trained veterinary students and nurses in anaesthesia, inpatient care, and pain management. Additionally, she has taught animal welfare and clinical skills to veterinary students in low- and middle-income countries through the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education. Hayley currently works remotely for the University of Edinburgh while also serving as a student liaison officer at Bottle Green Training and as a locum for Vets Now. Her contributions to veterinary education and animal welfare have been recognized with several awards, including an MBE from the Queen in 2018 for her services to the field. Hayley teaches courses such as Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal Welfare in the Clinic, and The Truth About Cats and Dogs, focusing on enhancing understanding and practices related to animal welfare.
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4.8 course rating
2,319 ratings
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