Exploring Taboos
Dogs are hailed as “man’s best friend,” but this is not entirely accurate. When a dog starts humping a toy or sniffing a visitor’s crotch, the dog quickly becomes man’s annoying and embarrassing house guest.
But what do these seemingly taboo behaviors mean for dogs? This talk explores scientific research into those behaviors that just don’t sit well with humans, such as humping and “inappropriate” sniffing.
Humping is not a behavior that simply falls from the sky or comes out of nowhere. Humping is performed for a myriad of reasons and must be examined in each specific context and for each unique individual.
Sniffing body parts also need not have a negative connotation. Scientific research reveals that dogs follow particular trends in how they sniff other dogs and humans.
Instead of feeling embarrassed or annoyed by our dogs’ behavior, owners can refocus their attention on what the behavior means for their dog.
“Exploring Taboos” helps us assess behavior from the dog’s perspective, as opposed to through the lens of human social norms.
Join us in our newest Live Online webinar!
Exploring Taboos
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
8:00-9:30 PM EST; 11:00 PM GMT
Will be recorded and available OnDemand after the lecture.
Cost: $25.00
Speaker: Julie Hecht, MSc