Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites and Other Registration Restrictions: Companion Animals in Society (11:067:102) or Companion Animal Science (11:067:250); Sophomore or higher standing.
Required Texts:
- "Don’t Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training" by Karen Pryor, 2006, ISBN-10: 1860542387 (~$5)
- "How Dogs Learn" by Mary Burch, 1999, ISBN-10: 1630260398 (~$7)
- "Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson, 2012, ISBN-10: 1617811122 (~$8)
Format: Synchronous online, two 80-minute lectures per week.
Description: This course will explore the science and application of canine behavior and learning. Students will become familiar with Pavlovian and operant conditioning, various schedules of reinforcement and punishment, extinction, stimulus control, and establishing operations and their effects on canine behavior. Additionally, students will learn to apply the most efficient and humane behavior modification plans to teach basic obedience and manners to dogs. Students will work with a dog during the semester to practice the mechanics of training.
Examinations/Grading:
- Exams: There will be four noncumulative Canvas exams. The exams will cover all of the lecture and discussions for each of the four modules. Exams will be timed, and students will only be allowed to complete the exam in one sitting. The exams are to be closed book and no notes. Respondus LockDown Browser will be utilized.
- Discussions: Students will participate in discussion board threads on Canvas that are related to required readings and research literature and engage with fellow peers. The instructor will ask specific questions to probe each student’s understanding of the topic on the discussion board thread. Each discussion has a corresponding mini lecture that is posted asynchronous on Canvas.
- Training Video and Plans: Students will videotape themselves training a dog using techniques discussed in the course. Students may use their personal dog, a friend/family member’s dog, or a dog at a shelter. If using and handling a dog at the shelter, a waiver must be signed prior to training and handling the dog. This waiver can be found on Canvas. In addition, students will submit written training plans that will be evaluated for completeness and accuracy.