Project summary

This project explores and documents a novel Boolean communication system developed with a Great Pyrenees, aimed at creating a binary language framework for human-canine interaction. The system enables dogs to respond to complex queries and convey needs or emotions through structured yes/no signaling. The outcomes of this project will provide a replicable framework for broader application across diverse dog breeds, enhancing human-animal communication, improving training techniques, and fostering better relationships between humans and their canine companions.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

Goals:

1. Document the existing boolean communication system: Create a comprehensive guide detailing the methods, cues, and training processes used.

2. Validate scalability across breeds: Conduct trials with other dogs to assess adaptability.

3. Disseminate findings: Publish results as an open-access research paper, training materials, and interactive resources for the public and professionals.

How:

• Phase 1: Refine the Boolean communication system and document it in a replicable format using detailed visual and textual resources.

• Phase 2: Partner with canine behaviorists, trainers, linguists, and animal psychologists to conduct trials across diverse breeds and settings.

• Phase 3: Analyze collected data, identify trends, and create high-quality training resources, including workshops, webinars, and publications.

How will this funding be used?

• Equipment: Purchase cameras, storage devices, and software for recording and analyzing human-canine interactions.

• Personnel: Collaborate with trainers, canine behaviorists, linguists, and animal psychologists to ensure scientific rigor and scalability.

• Testing: Conduct structured trials involving multiple dogs and owners in diverse environments.

• Publishing: Design and distribute comprehensive research papers, how-to guides, and tutorials.

• Outreach: Host webinars, workshops, and interactive demonstrations to educate the public and professionals.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

Benjamine B Berg: Project lead with hands-on experience in developing and implementing the Boolean system with a Great Pyrenees, achieving measurable results.

Additionally if possible I will consult with other experts in the field.

• Canine Behaviorists: Experts assisting in validating and refining the system.

• Dog Trainers: Professionals helping to scale and adapt the framework.

• Linguists: Specialists in analyzing the structure and patterns of communication systems, ensuring the Boolean framework is linguistically sound and adaptable across contexts.

• Animal Psychologists: Experts in canine cognition and behavior, helping to understand the psychological mechanisms that facilitate communication and ensuring humane and effective practices are employed.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

Causes of Failure:

1. Difficulty adapting the system to dogs with differing temperaments, training histories, or cognitive capacities.

2. Insufficient participation or data collection during trials.

3. Challenges in replicating results across breeds or settings.

Outcomes:

1. The project may produce a framework limited to certain breeds (working dog breeds) or contexts but still valuable for targeted use.

2. Insights gained could inform future inter-species communication research, providing a foundation for further innovation.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

$0.