Testimonials
Dogs for Good, UK leading Charity bringing people and dogs together to make life possible for people with disabilities through strong human-dog relationships, are a key collaborator on the Dogosophy project. Here is what Duncan Edwards, Strategy and Quality Assurance Manager at Dogs for Good, Assistance Dogs International (ADI) board member & assessor, and Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) Education Committee chair, says:
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"Dogs for Good is delighted to be working with The Open University to find new ways to strengthen the bond between people and dogs. The approach, called Dogosophy, focuses on helping strengthen the bond between people and dogs and help each understand each other better.
One result of our collaboration has been the Dogosophy button — a new tool designed to make communication between people and dogs easier and more connected. By combining our experience in training assistance dogs with The Open University’s research into how animals think and interact, we hope to help individuals and families to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with the dog in their life.
This project reflects our mission to create a world where dogs help people live more independent, fulfilling lives. This project supports our mission to help people live more independent and fulfilling lives with the support of dogs. We’re excited to continue developing this work with The Open University and to share what we learn with the wider community."
Petplan Charitable Trust, whose mission is to work with charities and vets in practice to promote the health and welfare of animals in the UK and beyond, have been a major sponsor of the Dogosophy project. Here is what David Simpson, the Charity's Founder and Chair of Trustees says:
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“The Petplan Charitable Trust awards grants to welfare organisations in the UK and overseas in order to make a positive difference for animal, humans and the human-animal bond. We are proud to have partnered with The Open University’s Animal-Computer Interaction Laboratory to develop a device that can support both dogs and people and help strengthen their bond in the process. We are thrilled to see that the Dogosophy Button, whose development our grant has made possible, is now available as a product on the UK market.”
"This is a brilliant example of qualitative research producing practical tools that will benefit thousands. The Petplan Charitable Trust is proud to have funded such important work.”