The Truth About Cats and Dogs

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cats-and-dogs

Introduction

### Course Review: The Truth About Cats and Dogs on Coursera If you’ve ever wondered what your feline friend is trying to tell you with that gentle purr or what your canine companion really means when he wags his tail, then "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" is the perfect course for you. Offered on Coursera, this insightful MOOC dives deep into understanding the behavior and communication of our beloved pets. With a comprehensive syllabus and enriching content, it equips pet owners with the knowledge to foster stronger bonds with their furry companions. #### Course Overview This five-week course is designed to help pet owners, animal lovers, and enthusiasts unravel the complexities of cat and dog behavior. Each week focuses on a distinct topic that builds a foundation of understanding, allowing you to appreciate your pet’s unique perspective. 1. **The Appliance of Science:** The journey begins with an overview of animal behavior through the eyes of your cat and dog. You’ll explore the characteristics of different breeds and engage in reflections about what your pets mean to you. By the end of week one, you will have a solid grasp of the foundational concepts, reinforced by a graded quiz to test your knowledge. 2. **Ethology:** Diving into the scientific study of animal behavior, week two explores the nuances of ethology and how these behaviors manifest in natural conditions. The course encourages a discussion about the impact of selective breeding on behavior, giving you a broader context to understand your pets. 3. **Sense and Sensibility:** Understanding how your pets perceive their world is crucial. In week three, you’ll learn about their extraordinary sensory capabilities and how these senses inform their communication with us and each other. This week’s insights are pivotal for recognizing the underlying motivations of your pet's actions. 4. **Living with Humans:** One of the most enjoyable aspects of this course is its practical approach to living with pets. Week four addresses the challenges that arise in a domestic environment and the unrealistic expectations often placed on cats and dogs. This segment sheds light on behavioral issues like anxiety and frustration, helping you to develop a compassionate understanding of your pet's experiences. 5. **Can We Do Better? Improving Pet Quality of Life:** The final week is a reflective journey aimed at enhancing your pet’s life quality. You’ll explore strategies for creating a more enriching environment through training, appropriate care, and understanding your pet's needs through all life stages. It’s an empowering conclusion that leaves you with actionable insights. #### Course Format and Learning Experience The course is structured in an easily digestible format, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned pet owners. Each week consists of video lectures, readings, and quizzes to reinforce learning. The instructors present information in an engaging manner that is both informative and enjoyable. The quizzes act as an effective tool for consolidating your understanding and ensuring you're keeping pace with the material. #### Recommendation I highly recommend "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of pet behavior. Whether you’re a new pet owner or have had your furry friends for years, the knowledge shared in this course will profoundly impact how you interact with and care for them. The course creates a bridge between human and animal communication, enhancing your relationship with them and significantly improving their quality of life. Enrolling in this course not only benefits you but also enriches the life of your pets, enabling a happier and healthier living situation for all. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and discover the secrets behind your pets’ behaviors—after all, understanding them better will lead to more fulfilling companionships!

Syllabus

The Appliance of Science

In week 1, we provide 'an insight into cats and dogs behaviour: through their eyes'. We will explore cats and dogs of the world and ask you what you cat and dog mean to you, as well as what you feel is important to your cat and dog. At the end of the week, you will be able to complete the first of the graded quizzes. We hope you enjoy the MOOC as much as we have enjoyed making it!

In week 2, we will we explore ethology, which is the scientific and objective study of non-human animal behaviour, rather than human behaviour, and usually with a focus on behaviour under natural conditions. There will also be an opportunity to look at different breeds of cats and dogs and some of the possible issues that arise from breeding. At the end of the week, you will be able to complete the second of the graded quizzes.

In week 3, we aim to explore cat and dog sensory capabilities and how they interact with their world. We will explore how our cats and dogs communicate with us and each other. We will also examine how their specific senses work and how they use these to operate effectively such as to solve problems, hunt, and play. At the end of the week, you will be able to complete the third of the graded quizzes.

In week 4, we explore the domestic environment and how our cats and dogs adjust to this (or not). We will also discuss what behaviours may arise due to the unrealistic expectations that we may impose on our pets. The videos this week, will help you recognise the signs of fear, frustration, and anxiety, as well as other behavioural problems in cats and dogs. At the end of the week, you will be able to complete the fourth graded quiz.

In the final week of the course we want to reflect on what we have learned so far and start to consider how we can make changes. In doing so, improving our beloved cats and dogs lives for the better, for example through enriching their environment, training, and appropriate care at all stages of their lives (from kittens/puppies through to old age). At the end of the week, you will be able to complete the fifth and final of the graded quizzes.