Tasmanians are invited to attend a Q&A forum to be hosted by the Royal Guide Dogs Tasmania
(RGDT) where they can learn about canine intelligence, human-canine bonds and whether their dogs
are smarter than the rest, on Thursday, 15 March 2012

‘Good Dog’ forum presenter and veterinarian and animal behaviourist Dr Katrina Ward said the
value of dogs in our society was well documented, ranging from the service and therapy they
provide to the emotional value of their companionship.

“Statistics show 40 per cent of Australian households have a dog and 75 per cent of these consider
their pet to be an integral part of their family,” Dr Ward said.

“The depth of the human-canine bond is often under-appreciated, and it is not until an
environmental disaster threatens to disrupt this bond that the social implications of such bonds are
recognised.

“The types of relationships people share with their dogs also vary greatly, ranging from looking at
the dog as if it were a furry human, to considering it only for its function, creating a paradox which is
mirrored in most animal-human interactions.”

CEO of RGDT Dan English said the Good Dog public forum would explore the intelligence and
behaviour of dogs, including the implications of the human-canine bond, relationships, the history of
dogs and human settlements and the eternal question of what is in it for the dogs?

“Other Good Dog speakers include Professor of Psychology Dr Pauleen Bennett from La Trobe
University and Professional of Wildlife Conservation Dr Chris Johnson,” Mr English said.
“Key note speaker Dr Pauleen Bennett is recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in this field
and we are very excited to be welcoming her to Tasmania.

“The Good Dog forum will be held in the Derwent Room at Wrest Point on Thursday, 15 March from
6.45pm-9.30pm and all are welcome. Tickets costs $35 with all proceeds going towards RGDT work
in Tasmania.

“Forum attendees will also get the chance to get up close and personal with adorable Guide Dog
puppies.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for Good Dog, visit www.royalguidedogs.com.au, phone
1800 484 333 or visit the RGDT Hobart office at 164 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.
Royal Guide Dogs Tasmania