The Science of Dog Behavior: Full Presentation

Have you ever wondered why your dog behaves a certain way? Have you ever wished you could communicate with your canine friend better? Patricia McConnell is here for you.
Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is known worldwide as an expert on canine and feline behavior and dog training, and for her engaging and knowledgeable dog training books, DVDs and seminars. Patricia has seen clients for serious behavioral problems since 1988, and is an Adjunct Professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
NOTE: Due to some technical difficulties, our usual second camera was out on this night. We apologize for less-than-stellar image quality and a few sound syncing glitches. Bear with it, because Patricia put on an informative and entertaining show!

[@Tori_TLCR]

6:12 is the start time. I didn't find a hero, so I became one.

[@VeriousSmithIII]

Thanks!

[@Arthurmaiabm]

tks, hero

[@apetty1207]

Not the one we deserve, the one we need..

[@amalrafeeq7892]

Give this man a cape

[@savannahbell5674]

Yes, indeed you are a hero for this time stamp

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

I agree with the dog outside barking as an announcement of I'm here. Sam ( my dog) would go out the hill and bark facing up the hill until one particular dog barked back. Then he would wag his tail and lay down.

[@samwell707]

Ive always said, Sam’s a dog’s name.

[@DavidEVogel]

We talk about dog behavior in human terms because we do not speak "dog." Dog behavior is in its DNA: Security, roam, a pack member, procreate. 90% of dog behavior is based on these factors. I allowed 10% for "goofy" because it doesn't fit.

[@jacquiehumphrey3701]

Thank you for sharing your brilliant insights, have all your books, great reading and so much to learn.

[@joaniealice4343]

Beautiful presentation ❤

[@fireballfitness170]

30:00.. dogs reactive in car.. 39:43... Are dogs self-aware 51:15... The first 12 weeks... 56:10... Mirror for dog, may give comfort... may think it's another dog... 58:55... American veteran with PTSD... Looking into her eyes centered him... Also Molly would know before he does if someone's coming to close to him.... 1:04:00 It was the pepperoni, if you smelled like pepperoni the dog would be aggressive because Pizza man delivering a pepperoni pizza had kicked the dog. 1:10:30... Tendency to punish which teaches the dog not to park or grow instead just goes to bite... Better option... Reward dog when another dog comes for its ball... 1:26:30... Sometimes you manage the behavior or situation rather than modify it

[@daniellecavallari7226]

This was great

[@chrisfitzgerald2460]

Great insight

[@HillariDenny]

Regarding dogs and self awareness - Alexandra Horowitz argues that the mirror test (which dogs fail) isn't relevant in determining dog self awareness because their primary sense is smell and not vision, and the mirror test is biased towards vision-oriented animals. She goes on to describes an experiment in which a dogs own smell is altered (not their appearance) and then presented to the dog. In the tests, most dogs spend the most time smelling their own scent that has been altered. An argument for self awareness? Perhaps...

[@kimanchy]

I absolutely appreciate your delivery! Your amazing!

[@ozarkoracle7389]

She is great!

[@chilijeczkalily]

amazing woman, thanks for opportunity to watch

[@jonhohensee3258]

What's amazing about her?

[@TeslaNick2]

The research Patricia McConnell has done in interspecies communication is exceptional.

[@jonhohensee3258]

How?

[@TeslaNick2]

Jon Hohensee Just look up her work and see for yourself.

[@buildmotosykletist1987]

Tesla Nick. Having precised McConnell's paper her methods worry me, the paper shows she used methods counter to current standard scientific practices. Much of her more recent work is duplicating other research carried out under more rigorous and stringent scientific practices, rendering it redundant. The observations she quotes in this speech are mostly anecdotal. And, I question any scientist who needlessly sticks whoo woo needles into any animal.

[@nancyk3615]

My lab mix suddenly one day decided to stay close to me during livestock feeding chores when normally he runs around doing his routine rambling with his buddies checking in occasianally. I wondered if there was earth tremors or something that the others didn't sense. ( Texas)

[@porcoddiogesubastardo9669]

Your lab mix is wanted by the fbi for two double homicides and several rapes in Louisiana

[@moirhann]

She is incredible. I have all of her books except from the last "shelter" book.. She is one of my heroes.

[@tombobtail7706]

If she was incredible, she wouldn't have to walk to her door to placate her border collie and would just issue a command to stop its barking.

[@christopheclugston]

@@tombobtail7706 you of course are the self appointed authority that is recognized by no one

[@tombobtail7706]

@@christopheclugston Well I don't need to walk to my door do I? I've often noticed that University appointed "experts" are often last to the party. Having been to university and retired filthy rich by 28 years old, I think that I am more than qualified to laugh at you.

[@christopheclugston]

@@tombobtail7706 no you're an ultracrepidarian making claims that you haven't been able to evidence. As for your cognitive ability you've proven its Marianna Trench level. But thanks for confirming you're a nobody. Continue your no accomplishment life

[@tombobtail7706]

@@christopheclugston A deep and profound cognitive level, thank you.

[@Allen75000]

Thumbs up

[@lorettalewis2886]

I have a 3 year old dog female. She likes cats and will play with them while being gentle with them. Yet when she's around another dog she tries to attack instantly. Any ideas on how to stop this. She has been this way since she was 8 months old.

[@drivenhome7840]

Yes you can spoil a dog. It simply means the dog is rewarded for anything it does or doesn't do. This does not happen in the canine world and it confuses the dog. Dogs, like children, need consistency to grow and to relax and trust in their owners. Trust is huge. There is a story of a man who died 500 miles away from his 2 dogs, that evening they cried and howled at the door. It was not a soul connection or some mystery. The dogs were used to having that man home every day at a certain time to be greeted, fed and walked. Dogs groove with consistency. Consistency also means a dog that fits your lifestyle, that is a must.

[@drivenhome7840]

Taking a 10 year old cat into a new surrounding is like taking your grandmother with dementia to Disney Land and ride all the rides. It's unconscionable.

[@jrgharlow3]

does them being in a car have anything to do with horse drawn coaches and the breeding they went through that period

[@samwell707]

I wonder if they ever got that dog park

[@Kate98755]

i labeled the hug, cuddle, i don't squeeze, and it's brief

[@drivenhome7840]

House training a dog is easy for the dog, not easy for the owner. Because it's work, timing and consistency. It's an added stress on the owner, not the dog. A toy with a few bells attached, tied to one exterior door. Ring the bell using the dogs paw, take out dog, wait for dog to do it's thing, return immediately inside. For a puppy every hour, even in the night (like I said, it's work) Ring the bell using the dogs paw, take out the dog, wait for the dog, return immediately inside. No treats, no praise. No confusion. One day, you must wait for that day.... the dog will ring the bell. Voilla, success, open the door, go out with the dog, wait for the dog, return immediately inside. DONE. Also place various food bowls with a few morsels around the home in corners. Dogs will not. I did not say, might not. I said will NOT mess where they eat.

[@drivenhome7840]

A dog who has traveled 1000 A to B miles has actually traveled twice that distance. Picking up a scent here and there. Many dogs have not been successful, that is why it rarely gets in the news. Lucky dog with owners who have been in and out of a car often enough to leave a scent trail.

[@andrewbutler881]

Discussion begins @ 6:20

[@cherylmillard2067]

How the hell does a shelter rehome an unaltered male, this is sheer stupidity on the shelter's part for many reasons. @21:09

[@melindariley1138]

Pls help my male pit bull who is huge and alpha welcome in another dog temp as im caring for a shelter dog.

[@chalky5206]

We have two Pitbulls and a Chihuahua, the Chihuahua will suddenly bark and run toward the dog door, the two pit bulls will run right past her and through the dog door into the backyard barking like crazy, the Chihuahua burns a U back to us and sits pretty for a treat.

[@pittymama4500]

She knows exactly what she's doing... I know one person with a Chihuahua that has two pit bulls and I know another person that has two min pins and two pit bulls and both houses are run by the smallest guy!

[@isabellopez-xv4hp]

My GSD would bring me "gifts" (dead possums) thaaaaanks? Lol!

[@restinwalken]

At least it was dead. Mine was deadas excited to show he caught non dead one, like thanks.

[@Noahsark17]

Dogs have pack awareness.

[@leeboss373]

My dog defenately recognises himself in the mirror 💯%

[@Meji742]

If I could ask one question. It would be: Why do all dogs attach themselves to me?

[@slopsec2358]

All dogs don't. Get over yourself.

[@patriciaroper8828]

I have read that dogs prefer people who dont show their teeth when they smile. I don't know if it is true but it does make some sort of sense.

[@Meji742]

@@slopsec2358 smells like jealousy... have a nice day.

[@slopsec2358]

@@Meji742 Like I said, get over yourself.

[@kevinmatthews9469]

I generally love this woman, however, I am a little surprised at promoting a dog park, considering the potential problems. I have yet to watch, so maybe I'll change my mind.

[@Kate98755]

dog parks can be a potential problem...my lab was kicked by another owner

[@annexton3795]

No puppies at dog parks or dog shows. They can pick up viruses.

[@christinestill5002]

Oh great, my school.

[@carolblenkin8176]

😊😢😊

[@user-dk7jk1uz3l]

5+

[@traderparkboy4274]

KZbin has been around for so long , and the intros just keep getting longer and longer . for the love of good people , 10- 15 seconds is good enough . Pass me a gun before it goes any longer . My God lady .

[@KayLee-lw5iv]

This wasn't made for youtube though. This is a presentation/discussion for a group of people who are expected to participate.

[@traderparkboy4274]

@@KayLee-lw5iv it was not made for youtube, but there is no reason why the person who uploaded it couldnt have edited it. We have the technology .

[@tombobtail7706]

Patricia McConnell is supposed to be a genius dog trainer, yet has given up on teaching a dog to stop barking at nothing. I was sent here by links hating on Cesar Milan, I choose to read/view everything then decide for myself. I would have to say that I find her website and video's extremely underwhelming. I would call having to walk to the door and placate the dog, giving up. I am on my first puppy that I alone have owned. Having done basic research and using a little logic and intelligence I solved this problem myself by 6 months old, one week after barking started. I created the command "Bark" to go with the action using treats. Teaching the dog to bark with the right tone on command is the first step. Once word association is learned, the action can be controlled. I taught the command "No" to prevent any current action. I have taught the dog "Good" as a positive re enforcement when she barks at someone correctly and notifies me that they are at the house. I then tell her "No Bark", if she continues to bark. She then stops. I find it unbelievable that this woman is credited with so much scientific insight, yet can't teach what is usually recognized as the smartest dog breed, when to bark using simple commands.

[@wilkesgm1]

Tom, you have discovered that her knowledge is limited by her philosophy. It's a simple question that she (and the vast majority of trainers and behaviorists) can't answer. 'How do you stop a single behavior, immediately?' So they deflect their ignorance with 'alternate' behavior strategies. Their philosophy assumes that 'nice' is good, no matter the results. Likewise, punishment is bad, regardless of outcome. That isn't logical because it is a philosophy called normative hedonism. If you believe that inhibiting a behavior is evil you will obviously not know how to do it.

[@raegancowles6539]

I love to hear her talk about animals body language. But this video was boring..

[@ericjensen4974]

Dog parks are the worst thing for today's dogs!

[@jamiehollaway5430]

It wouldn't be so bad if the average dog owner understood good canine social skills, when dogs are lacking those skills, and how to build confidence in dogs instead of encouraging bullying. Bullying is the reason I don't go to my local park anymore. This one woman lets her dog "play" with dogs that obviously want their own space. It's insanely stupid. When the other dog isn't rough housing back it's not playing, but the lady just didn't understand. I felt like was speaking another language to her or something. If her dog learned how to back off, my dog would have played too. But according to her, MY dog doesn't belong in a dog park. I kinda gave up on her and "let her win." For my dog's sake, we just have doggie play dates with friends. Looking back on it now, I think I know where the dog gets it from!

[@KayLee-lw5iv]

Wow this is just weird story time

[@coriolisse]

She sure threw Jose under the bus when she exposed him as a drug dealer... I mean, some of the jockeys and trainers who introduced you to him still know who he is. Way to say 'thank you' to someone who helped you get the research done, lady!

[@derrith1877]

That was her PhD research - years and years ago before this talk given after her retirement. How do you know she didn't change the name? I think there are some unwarranted assumptions here.

[@jennifery809]

roof

[@garylowery6216]

She's going to make that lady's Lab bark more commen since her dogs going to say hum I go out and bark I get a treat of chicken I need to go out and bark more for more chicken I got it now.

[@ryanwilson2909]

Sorry to offend anyone but, I learned nothing in this talk/discussion. It is maybe/I don’t know/nobody knows. 25 years of study and she told me that everything I thought about dogs....maybe true and nobody really knows. Not worth the time, sorry again

[@ismellrudolph]

this woman is great, i want her to be my aunty

[@ericj1731]

Every time she takes off the scientist hat this just gets painfully bad.

[@xxxxxx726]

When the first man domesticated the k9, did they use this woman's philosophy? There you go. Go train your dogs!. Hahahahahahaha.

[@mauriciotorresleon]

You speak of dogs as if they were machines. Dogs are living beings, not machines that you can programme with treats. Dogs react when in cars, when they have no manners.

[@melbournechurch234]

Hello please can you tell history of dogs We're dogs created by God dogs or created by man through other animals?

[@jamiehollaway5430]

Just FYI, a swiss army knife won't do much in means of self-defense...(Best, cheap self-defense knife on the market: box cutter.) And feeling scared because a guy bought a few beers and lit a joint is just laughable. I understand being nervous around someone you don't know, but I sense some racial tension is her choice of words.

[@itsjustbree9267]

It's not laughable and it has nothing to do with race. She experienced a lot of trauma and abuse earlier in her life and so naturally was cautious and anxious around men because of it.

[@susanhawkes2519]

Spoken like someone who has never been raped.

[@Dominion-je7ev]

TRUMP IS MY COMMANDER AND CHEIF!

[@kaizenk9943]

This lady literally has no clue

[@nealhinerman6374]

No, she has a lot of clues. She just has a different focus than you do. Your dogs are trained to hurt people. Her dogs aren't. You create war dogs. She creates family dogs. Just because you have different ways of training dogs, doesn't mean one of you is wrong and the other is right. MWD are a phenomenal tool, but not every family needs a MWD.

[@DougHinVA]

stupid presentation in a lottle club trying to act smart. there is no dog handling information in this.

[@StephanieSoressi]

You couldn't stay sober for a university presentation? It's really embarrassing hearing you slur your words, and getting so solicitous with people. Twelve steps. Get 'em.

[@StephanieSoressi]

And then to mention another science conference where you had too many martinis, and to say you need another drink now! Just -- WOW. Can you say, 'unprofessional'?

[@natalieroy4849]

Stephanie Soressi triggered much. Such a harsh, unprovoked attack on a complete stranger. What are you getting out of this? Does it make you feel better about yourself? Sad.

[@LorettaLaz]

I guess when your perfect its easy to judge other ppl. My grandfather had to leave school in grade 4 to work to feed his family after his father went blind, he never learned to write anymore than making an X to sign his name. When I was 14 he had built one of the largest construction companies in our city and some of his best friends who used to play crib at our kitchen table in our tiny apt (no one would ever have known he had any money) were lawyers and huge business owners. I dont know how many knew he couldn't read or write but many did, they didn't care they called him FRIEND. My uncle had a cleft pallet but after his surgery you couldnt tell from looking at him but his speech was so bad it sounded like he was drunk or disabled - he worked as a postal carrier for over 30 yrs. New ppl would turn their nose up at him in judgement but when he died of bowel cancer over 500 people showed up at his funeral, so many wanted to tell stories of how he changed their lives... ppl on his route came and told stories of his bringing shut in's groceries, shoveled the walks of the old ppl instead of ticketing them.. mowed their lawns... HE WAS BELOVED BY ALL WHO GOT TO KNOW HIM. PPL like those above will never put themselves into the shoes of any other person, the first thought is to criticize and attack. How sad is that.

[@patsyharris]

Hey Steph lighten up they are at a brewery, don't be such a bitch

[@christopheclugston]

@@StephanieSoressi get back to therapy you're projecting

[@ramonalee1832]

Profoundly boring.