Duke University's Puppy Kindergarten: Researching Canine Cognition and Training Future Service Dogs

At Duke University's Biological Sciences Building, students typically delve into the complexities of cellular biology, genetics, or evolution. However, one classroom takes an intriguing turn as it welcomes a unique cohort - puppies. These four-legged learners are part of a research initiative known asDuke Puppy Kindergarten, which seeks to understand dog development.

The Canine Component

Every semester, a fresh batch of puppies from Canine Companions, a nonprofit firm specializing in service dog training, joins the program. Over a span of 12 weeks, these playful pups engage in a range of activities aimed at evaluating their temperaments and cognitive skills. The ultimate aim is to identify and nurture dogs capable of undertaking tasks such as aiding children with disabilities or supporting veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Research Leadership

The project is spearheaded by Brian Hare, an evolutionary anthropologist and cognitive scientist at the helm of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. This innovative initiative merges the worlds of academia and animal training, shedding light on the formative experiences that shape dogs into capable service animals.

Duke Puppy Kindergarten exemplifies the intersection of academic exploration and real-world application, as it endeavors to decipher the behavioral and cognitive development of dogs destined for vital roles in assisting individuals with disabilities.