Details
- Date: Friday, October 6, 2023
- Time: 8:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
- Location: The Inn at Swarthmore
- Organizing Committee: Drs. Montserrat Anguera (Chair), Matthew Atherton, Charles Bradley, Anna Massie, Michael May, Andrew Modzelewski, Louise Moncla, Mary Robinson, Phillip Scott
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Robert R. Marshak Keynote Lecture

Brian Hare, Ph.D.
Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology
Duke University
Is cognition the secret to dogs' success?
Dogs have more jobs than ever, but the demand for the best trained dogs far exceeds the supply. The challenge is identifying dogs that are most likely to succeed with working dog training. Here I will present data on individual differences in dog psychology that demonstrate that dogs have different types of cognition and these abilities vary independently. I will then explain how the existence of cognitive profiles in dogs has the potential to enhance the selection, breeding and rearing of working dogs. To tell the story I will share what we have learned so far about puppies, service dogs, pets, and even some wolves. The ending we are working toward is one where 1) we can train dogs for jobs they are most likely to succeed in and 2) more people in need can benefit from the help a dog can provide. On the way we will continue translating what we learn so it is relevant to the well-being of all dogs – including our family dogs. I will conclude by sharing how we are currently working toward these goals.
About Dr. Hare
Dr. Brian Hare is a core member of the Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, a Professor in Evolutionary Anthropology, and Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University. He received his PhD from Harvard University in 2004, and in 2005, following his work at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig was awarded the Sofia Kovalevskaja Award; Germany’s most prestigious award for scientists under 40. In 2009, after arriving at Duke University, he established the Duke Canine Cognition Center. Hare has published over 100 scientific papers including in Science, Nature and PNAS. He has received external support from NIH, NSF, ONR and a number of private foundations. He co-authored The Genius of Dogs a New York Times Bestseller and Survival of the Friendliest an international bestseller with his wife Vanessa Woods. Their third book together, The Puppy Kindergarten, will be out summer 2024 from Random House.
About the Robert R. Marshak Lectureship
The Robert R. Marshak Lectureship was established in 1993, in honor of Dean Emeritus Robert Marshak, the ninth dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Abstract and Poster Guidelines and Printing Options
ABSTRACT AND POSTER INFORMATION
Poster printing will still be available from the
Vitale Digital Lab, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library, during that time.