This lecture will provide attendees with a better understanding of why dogs accept some verbal cues, and why they may ignore them in the presence of over-riding environmental cues. Barbara Handelman and Ken McCort will discuss whether “Intelligent Disobedience” is a myth with regard to activities of service dogs working for people with a wide range of disabilities. This talk will examine why highly trained dogs will, in certain situations, disregard commands, and if they do so because they know that handler and/or the dog would be in danger if commands were followed. During this lecture, Barbara define "intelligent disobedience” and how dogs learn a hierarchy of cues, and apply them when multiple cues are present. In addition, she will discuss the types of environmental cues that dogs recognize and follow, despite having been given a contradictory verbal directive. Ken will discuss how intentionality affects a dog’s response to verbal cues in the presence of contradictory environmental cues. He explain basic understanding of a dog’s “Theory of Mind” or “Consciousness” – the ability to perceive himself in relation to his surroundings and the canine’s capacity for intentionality. .

Sponsor:E-training for dogs
Speaker(s):Barbara Handelmand and Ken McCort

Contact: Cheryl Aguiar
 Email: Cheryl@e-trainingfordogs.com
 Phone: 970-231-9965
 Web: http://www.http/e-trainingfordogs.com/