������ϲʿ������

An Uncommon Course

������ϲʿ������'s Canine Learning and Behavior course offered through the university's psychology program took the spotlight in August  in an online web series featuring  unconventional approaches to teaching.

Dr. Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg, Associate Professor of Psychology at ������ϲʿ������, was invited to write an article for the "Uncommon Courses" column of "The Conversation." The article, titled "Canines go to college in this class that seeks to give shelter dogs a fresh start," features an inside look at ������ϲʿ������'s Canine Learning and Behavior course.

In the article, Dr. Flaisher-Grinberg explains, "The course teaches students how to apply behavioral analysis and modification techniques toward the training of shelter dogs. Students work with dogs on learning to follow cues such as “sit,” “down,” “stay” and “come”; perform tricks such as “high-five,” and “roll over”; and complete agility courses made of tunnels, hoops and weaving poles."

In addition to the physical training aspect of the course, Dr. Flaisher-Grinberg states that the course also provides students the opportunity to explore the "emotional, psychological, and physiological benefits of the human-animal bond." 

When asked what a critical lesson from the course is, Dr. Flaisher-Grinberg responded, "Working alongside our animal shelter community partners, and under the direction of my co-instructor, talented dog trainer Megan Mills, students learn that they can make a true and visible impact on society, one dog at a time."