Dog Emotion and Cognition Course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course from Duke University explores the emotional and cognitive abilities of dogs, offering a scientific understanding of how they think, learn, and form bonds with humans. Over six modules, each designed to take approximately one week, learners will spend about 3-4 hours per module watching lectures, engaging in hands-on observations, and completing reflective activities. No prior knowledge is required, making it ideal for dog owners, aspiring trainers, or anyone curious about canine minds. Lifetime access ensures you can learn at your own pace and revisit material whenever needed.

Module 1: Introduction to Dog Cognition

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Overview of canine cognition
• Domestication theory
• Foundations of dog behavior
• Reflective quiz on dog behavior patterns

Module 2: Evolution and Domestication

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Genetic evolution from wolves to dogs
• Key domestication hypotheses
• Behavioral changes during domestication
• Compare behaviors of dogs and wild canids

Module 3: Seeing Through a Dog’s Eyes

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Dog visual perception
• Olfactory (smell) capabilities
• Auditory (hearing) sensitivity
• Observe and report sensory responses in your dog

Module 4: How Dogs Learn

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Classical and operant conditioning
• Imitation and social learning
• Trial-and-error learning
• Conduct a simple at-home learning test

Module 5: Emotion in Dogs

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Emotional expression in dogs
• Attachment theory in human-dog relationships
• Social behavior and emotional cues
• Analyze emotional cues through video or real-life interactions

Module 6: Human-Dog Bond

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Social cognition in dogs
• Communication between dogs and humans
• Cooperative behavior and mutual understanding
• Practice communication techniques with your own dog

Prerequisites

• No prior knowledge of dog behavior required
• Access to a dog is helpful but not mandatory
• Basic understanding of English

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain the cognitive abilities of dogs based on scientific research
• Identify emotional states in dogs through behavioral cues
• Apply learning principles to train or interact with dogs more effectively
• Understand how domestication shaped dog behavior and cognition
• Deepen your relationship with your dog using evidence-based insights