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.
Expert in One Welfare and Animal Welfare Education
Professor Nat Waran is a prominent academic serving as the Professor of One Welfare at the Eastern Institute of Technology in New Zealand. Formerly the Jeanne Marchig Chair of Animal Welfare Education at the University of Edinburgh, she has dedicated her career to advancing animal welfare through education and research. Nat earned her Zoology degree from Glasgow University and completed her PhD at Cambridge University Vet School with support from the British Veterinary Association’s Animal Welfare Foundation. In 1990, she established the first postgraduate master's program in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare at Edinburgh, which remains highly regarded. After moving to New Zealand in 2005, she held various leadership roles, including Head of the School of Natural Sciences at Unitec Institute of Technology. Since returning to Scotland in 2011 to lead the Jeanne Marchig Centre, Nat has continued to influence animal welfare policies and practices. She teaches courses such as Animal Behaviour and Welfare and The Truth About Cats and Dogs, focusing on improving the quality of life for animals through education and advocacy.
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Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.