‘Imagine you are a Dog’ : embodied learning in multi-species research

Based upon a multi-species ethnography of companion dog training in the UK, this paper examines the training class as a site of inter-species communication through which dogs and their humans are mutually affected and transformed. We argue that dog training represents an important form of multi-species learning in which participants (human trainer, trainee and canine) shape one another, jointly if asymmetrically, through the performance of particular tasks and challenges. Successful training requires ‘attunement’ to the haptic and sensory experiences of another species and the creation of shared embodied languages through which relationships of trust and reciprocity are formed. Responding to calls for less human-centred methods we examine the possibilities of visual and ethnographic methods for capturing the ‘animal’s point of view’ and explore how deep ethnographic involvement of the researcher’s own body can draw attention to the everyday complexities of embodied inter-species communication. We consider the importance of our own embodied learning in decentring the human in the research process, engendering a corporeal understanding of the multi-sensory nature of inter-species interaction and transforming ourselves in the process. Through the use of ethnographic vignettes, photos and video stills we highlight the importance of body language, sound, touch, smell and training atmospheres in the creation of shared knowledges. In doing so we explore the possibilities of such methods for evoking the affective dimensions of human-canine interactions and attending to the complex and multiple actors and sensibilities which comprise multi-species training relationships

Responding to Dogs

This essay explores the author’s significant experiences with canine companions Tom and Sugi, and the day-to-day events that led to interspecies collaborative art productions. The essay asks, can ethics of care be integrated into aesthetic processes with more-than-human others, specifically dogs? The investigation weaves interpersonal relatings and respectful human-canine discussion into an argument for communication ethics. Interspecies communication is explored for its response potential—compassionate action based on sensing and feeling, combined with respect for difference. The essay focuses on the creative processes of EPIC_Tom (2014-16), a performance and installation project carried out with the participation of the dogs. Their vocal and gestural communications are explored using new media forms, and music and sound-making methods, such as deep listening, call and response, and musicking. The project proposes methods that allow for the relinquishment of human-centric authorship for potentials offered by interspecies creativity.Peer reviewedfinal article publishe

Towards Intelligent Playful Environments for Animals based on Natural User Interfaces

Tesis por compendioEl estudio de la interacción de los animales con la tecnología y el desarrollo de sistemas tecnológicos centrados en el animal está ganando cada vez más atención desde la aparición del área de Animal Computer Interaction (ACI). ACI persigue mejorar el bienestar de los animales en diferentes entornos a través del desarrollo de tecnología adecuada para ellos siguiendo un enfoque centrado en el animal. Entre las líneas de investigación que ACI está explorando, ha habido bastante interés en la interacción de los animales con la tecnología basada en el juego. Las actividades de juego tecnológicas tienen el potencial de proveer estimulación mental y física a los animales en diferentes contextos, pudiendo ayudar a mejorar su bienestar. Mientras nos embarcamos en la era de la Internet de las Cosas, las actividades de juego tecnológicas actuales para animales todavía no han explorado el desarrollo de soluciones pervasivas que podrían proveerles de más adaptación a sus preferencias a la vez que ofrecer estímulos tecnológicos más variados. En su lugar, estas actividades están normalmente basadas en interacciones digitales en lugar de explorar dispositivos tangibles o aumentar las interacciones con otro tipo de estímulos. Además, estas actividades de juego están ya predefinidas y no cambian con el tiempo, y requieren que un humano provea el dispositivo o la tecnología al animal. Si los humanos pudiesen centrarse más en su participación como jugadores de un sistema interactivo para animales en lugar de estar pendientes de sujetar un dispositivo para el animal o de mantener el sistema ejecutándose, esto podría ayudar a crear lazos más fuertes entre especies y promover mejores relaciones con los animales. Asimismo, la estimulación mental y física de los animales son aspectos importantes que podrían fomentarse si los sistemas de juego diseñados para ellos pudieran ofrecer un variado rango de respuestas, adaptarse a los comportamientos del animal y evitar que se acostumbre al sistema y pierda el interés. Por tanto, esta tesis propone el diseño y desarrollo de entornos tecnológicos de juego basados en Interfaces Naturales de Usuario que puedan adaptarse y reaccionar a las interacciones naturales de los animales. Estos entornos pervasivos permitirían a los animales jugar por si mismos o con una persona, ofreciendo actividades de juego más dinámicas y atractivas capaces de adaptarse con el tiempo.L'estudi de la interacció dels animals amb la tecnologia i el desenvolupament de sistemes tecnològics centrats en l'animal està guanyant cada vegada més atenció des de l'aparició de l'àrea d'Animal Computer Interaction (ACI) . ACI persegueix millorar el benestar dels animals en diferents entorns a través del desenvolupament de tecnologia adequada per a ells amb un enfocament centrat en l'animal. Entre totes les línies d'investigació que ACI està explorant, hi ha hagut prou interès en la interacció dels animals amb la tecnologia basada en el joc. Les activitats de joc tecnològiques tenen el potencial de proveir estimulació mental i física als animals en diferents contextos, podent ajudar a millorar el seu benestar. Mentre ens embarquem en l'era de la Internet de les Coses, les activitats de joc tecnològiques actuals per a animals encara no han explorat el desenvolupament de solucions pervasives que podrien proveir-los de més adaptació a les seues preferències al mateix temps que oferir estímuls tecnològics més variats. En el seu lloc, estes activitats estan normalment basades en interaccions digitals en compte d'explorar dispositius tangibles o augmentar les interaccions amb estímuls de diferent tipus. A més, aquestes activitats de joc estan ja predefinides i no canvien amb el temps, mentre requereixen que un humà proveïsca el dispositiu o la tecnologia a l'animal. Si els humans pogueren centrar-se més en la seua participació com a jugadors actius d'un sistema interactiu per a animals en compte d'estar pendents de subjectar un dispositiu per a l'animal o de mantenir el sistema executant-se, açò podria ajudar a crear llaços més forts entre espècies i promoure millors relacions amb els animals. Així mateix, l'estimulació mental i física dels animals són aspectes importants que podrien fomentar-se si els sistemes de joc dissenyats per a ells pogueren oferir un rang variat de respostes, adaptar-se als comportaments de l'animal i evitar que aquest s'acostume al sistema i perda l'interès. Per tant, esta tesi proposa el disseny i desenvolupament d'entorns tecnològics de joc basats en Interfícies Naturals d'Usuari que puguen adaptar-se i reaccionar a les interaccions naturals dels animals. Aquestos escenaris pervasius podrien permetre als animals jugar per si mateixos o amb una persona, oferint activitats de joc més dinàmiques i atractives que siguen capaces d'adaptar-se amb el temps.The study of animals' interactions with technology and the development of animal-centered technological systems is gaining attention since the emergence of the research area of Animal Computer Interaction (ACI). ACI aims to improve animals' welfare and wellbeing in several scenarios by developing suitable technology for the animal following an animal-centered approach. Among all the research lines ACI is exploring, there has been significant interest in animals' playful interactions with technology. Technologically mediated playful activities have the potential to provide mental and physical stimulation for animals in different environmental contexts, which could in turn help to improve their wellbeing. As we embark in the era of the Internet of Things, current technological playful activities for animals have not yet explored the development of pervasive solutions that could provide animals with more adaptation to their preferences as well as offering varied technological stimuli. Instead, playful technology for animals is usually based on digital interactions rather than exploring tangible devices or augmenting the interactions with different stimuli. In addition, these playful activities are already predefined and do not change over time, while they require that a human has to be the one providing the device or technology to the animal. If humans could focus more on their participation as active players of an interactive system aimed for animals instead of being concerned about holding a device for the animal or keep the system running, this might help to create stronger bonds between species and foster better relationships with animals. Moreover, animals' mental and physical stimulation are important aspects that could be fostered if the playful systems designed for animals could offer a varied range of outputs, be tailored to the animal's behaviors and prevented the animal to get used to the system and lose interest. Therefore, this thesis proposes the design and development of technological playful environments based on Natural User Interfaces that could adapt and react to the animals' natural interactions. These pervasive scenarios would allow animals to play by themselves or with a human, providing more engaging and dynamic playful activities that are capable of adapting over time.Pons Tomás, P. (2018). Towards Intelligent Playful Environments for Animals based on Natural User Interfaces [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/113075TESISCompendi

Seven Years after the Manifesto: Literature Review and Research Directions for Technologies in Animal Computer Interaction

As technologies diversify and become embedded in everyday lives, the technologies we expose to animals, and the new technologies being developed for animals within the field of Animal Computer Interaction (ACI) are increasing. As we approach seven years since the ACI manifesto, which grounded the field within Human Computer Interaction and Computer Science, this thematic literature review looks at the technologies developed for (non-human) animals. Technologies that are analysed include tangible and physical, haptic and wearable, olfactory, screen technology and tracking systems. The conversation explores what exactly ACI is whilst questioning what it means to be animal by considering the impact and loop between machine and animal interactivity. The findings of this review are expected to form the first grounding foundation of ACI technologies informing future research in animal computing as well as suggesting future areas for exploratio

Lessons from a Multispecies Studio: Uncovering Ecological Understanding and Biophilia Through Creative Reciprocity

A highly original book in which the author proposes an expanded field of aesthetics, guided by her philosophy and approach to working, through the ways that philosophy can be manifested in art. She demonstrates the depth and complexity that she brings to her work through a sustained and committed relationship to working with animals across multiple projects. The book tells real-world stories about the author's creative encounters – with animals, plant life, mineral beings and forest ecosystems – in her Vancouver-based interspecies art practice, Animal Lover, and how they shifted her outlook on the Earth and all of life. Each chapter presents a weaving together of personal reflection, interdisciplinary research, critical thought and art methods. The threads converge on this main point: the need to move away from anthropocentrism and towards ecological understanding, reciprocity and biophilia. The local journeys in each chapter are guided by more-than-human ways of knowing which provide an expanded sense of the world and an understanding of the imperative for action. This book is an invitation to readers to step into more-than-human worlds, re-sense life, and re-think their relationship with the planet and all its inhabitants. It asks readers to slow down, look around and listen – and feel. Love for life is practised by all beings in their lively projects. It is what joins us together in the relational flourishing that is the vital wondrous complexity of the Earth. The Anthropocene is a term used to describe the geological era in which we live, marking the realization that humans have become such a force that we are affecting the Earth's air, lands, oceans, climate. At its core, in the modern Eurocentric societies that typify this era, is an entrenched worldview of nature as a means to fuel global capitalist-colonial systems. This anthropocentric worldview justifies the colonization and exploitation of ecosystems and nonhuman life, seen as ‘resources' available for human expansion and prosperity, and readily available as free labour. The consequential outcomes are manifest in today's climate emergency and ecological degradations including animal slavery, industrial farming, over-fishing, deforestation and habitat loss, and the coming environmental collapse with its sixth mass extinction. Within recent decades, the sustainability of anthropocentric views have been called into question across disciplines. Lessons from a Multispecies Art Studio joins with these movements, and offers new applied approaches – from interspecies art – to help shape and evolve human outlooks, emotions and actions. Primary readership will be research-creation academic artists working with animals, and researchers working around animals; more-than-human-animal activists; artists and emerging artists, as well as to art theorists and to those with a strong interest in environmental values. -- publisher"Authors and contributors can deposit their post-print file in institutional repositories or on a personal website. We define post-print as the version of the work after peer-review, with revisions having been made but before copy-editing and typesetting have taken place. This is subject to an embargo period of 12 months." -- publisher policy on self-archivingReciprocityPeer reviewe

A View to a Kill: A Multi-Species Ethnographic Enquiry of Dogs Used for Hunting in Cyprus

A critical enquiry into the lives of hunting dogs and their relationships with humans in Cyprus provides insights into many aspects of canine experiences; lives which are governed by hunting practices on the island. A combination of critical animal studies and feminist care ethic theoretical frameworks were used to engage in an ethical reflection on the relationships between humans and non-human animals and deepen the emic understanding of dogs impacted by the human practice of hunting. This work examines canine agency, experience, needs and acts of resistance, using a dog-centric perspective, and as such contributes to a growing body of scholarship that is concerned with bringing in other animals to social science research

Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationBoundary violations between the human and the more-than-human serve as unruly "crossings" that queer and rewild the world as we know it. Animate Rhetoric, Queer Beasts: Rewilding Domesticity explores such puncturings of our everyday worlds. Specifically, I am interested in how animals challenge and transform naturalized human boundaries and barriers. How do animals breach the boundaries surrounding anthroponormativity? Animal crossings at unsanctioned intersections have the power not simply to disrupt, but to animate the world. This project challenges the essentialist claim that rhetoric is the domain of humans, and puts forward the concept of animate rhetoric. Animate rhetoric expresses the potential that everything might be speaking: mountains conversing with wind, rain, sun and pica; chickens clucking in soil and fussing with insouciant Scrub Jays; rivers churning against asphalt and whispering amongst tree roots. Animate rhetoric does not claim that everything is speaking or that it is speaking to us, merely that there is the possibility of such engagement. Such an approach opens up a vibrant, multivocal space for encounters with animal others, rather than silencing them or forcing them to speak in human terms. These discursive productions are events which encourage us to reconsider the world as perceived from the animal's perspective. Social media present unique avenues to consider these multiple worlds. Disruptive animals who rewild the screen reveal the importance of looking at animals, not as mere spectacle, but as animate agents who challenge humans and our own perspective of the world. These productions can challenge the boundaries surrounding the human and spark possibilities for new relationships where borderlines are incoherent and unstable. Linking images of animals together produces an unruly force that plays a role in shaping realities and serving as unexpected sites for resistance. Using case studies that span a range of species, we encounter animal others who bound into our domestic sphere via the digital screen

“I Do Have a Softer Side”: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Prisoner-Dog Relationship in the Canine Partners for Life Training Program

This qualitative study investigated the relationship between incarcerated dog handlers and the service dogs they trained. Six men at a large northeastern prison were interviewed during the summer of 2017; all were current or former dog trainers in the Canine Partners for Life (CPL) training program. The men were serving prison sentences ranging anywhere from several years to life without parole. The interviews focused on their lived experience, rasing and training puppies for a period up to eighteen months. The qualitative data consisted of approximately thirteen hours of transcribed interviews, which were then interpreted using the phenomenological psychological method developed in the Psychology Department at Duquesne University (Giorgi, 1970, 1985a,1985b). Eleven themes were identified as being common to all participants. The data revealed that the relationship between a trainer and his dog was a transformative one. In this relationship, a new world unfolded, which did not previously exist in the prison environment. Participants who had previously felt like failures and lived essentially fearful and lonely existences, now experienced a sense of purpose and solidarity within the dog training community. Not feeling judged and simultaneously feeling loved by their dogs, gave the participants in this study hope. By experiencing their dog’s unconditional love for them, the trainers began to understand that they could comport themselves in new ways toward others. For example, participants now understood the value of being more patient with people and taking time to communicate with them. The trust between the trainer and his dog was mutually reinforcing and facilitated a sense of a shared world. Additionally, a sense of accomplishment and worth derived from the fact that others now looked to the trainers as people who could speak knowledgeably about a valuable skill: training dogs. Each handler in this study self-identifified as someone whose purpose in life now was to help another human being and potentially save a life – to “give back” and even be “redeemed”. All of the men spoke of their dogs as being like babies or children for whom they felt an immense responsibility, and who - despite the incredible commitment and months of hard work – like children also provided welcomed moments of ineffable joy and lightness. A final theme was one of mourning and loss as participants had to relinquish the dog at the end of the training program. Suggestions are also offered for future research, as well as some reflections on the role and experience of the researcher with a population such as this. Odysseus is recognized by Argus after an absence of 20 year

The Terrain of the Self and the Other: A Phenomenological Study of Animals as Cartographic Teachers and Healers

ABSTRACT Title of Dissertation: THE TERRAIN OF THE SELF AND THE OTHER: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF ANIMALS AS CARTOGRAPHIC TEACHERS AND HEALERS Debra L. Goulden, Doctor of Philosophy, 2004 Dissertation directed by: Dr. Francine H. Hultgren, Professor Department of Education Policy and Leadership Using the metaphor of a journey, the phenomenon of companion animal caregiving is opened for appraisal. Companion animals are revealed as metaphoric cartographers or mapmakers, creators of guides of caring. Through these guides, we are called to care through the task of exploration of the inner terrain of the Self as well as the intimate terrain of the Other. Hermeneutic phenomenology as the mode of inquiry for this study uses the framework of six methodological guidelines described by van Manen (1990). The voices of six nurse educators provide narratives of the lived experiences of being-with a companion animal. These narratives are generated through the use of various texts for examination: conversations, art or photographs, and written life stories. Developed from narratives, significant themes of companion animals are identified. These themes are viewed as the lived language of soul, a felt connection to the Other, an ontological communion or attunement that reveals mystery, spirit, and an enhanced awareness. This experience of soul in its essence reveals the terrain of the Self and the Other. These themes of soul become known through the lived existentials of spatiality, corporeality, temporality, and relationality (van Manen, 1990). These intertwined themes are manifested as animal love, generated through deep connections or soul-mates; senses of animal soul by which intimate terrains are revealed through touch, vision, and hearing thereby offering an authentic knowing by the heart of a companion animal; animal courage, the terrain in which we are tended and mended through presence and compassion; and animal havens, a felt terrain of homecoming. Companion animal caring with the soul is sustained as insights from the conversations are examined in view of current pedagogical practices within the arena of nurse education. Lastly, the journey concludes with the invitation to dwell in a pedagogy of companionship, a pedagogy emulated by companion animals in which we are gathered into this newly created sacred place of being-with the Other, an authentic place in the circle of life