Can you learn to communicate with your dog like a world champion athlete?
In short: World champion dog agility competitor Jennifer Crank demonstrates how to bridge the communication gap between humans and dogs. By showcasing her border collie navigating an obstacle course, she reveals techniques for effective interaction that apply to any audience.
In this presentation recorded at TEDSports Indianapolis on September 11, 2025, Jennifer Crank uses her experience in high-stakes agility competitions like Westminster to illustrate the mechanics of interspecies communication. The session highlights how precise cues and clear signals allow a handler to guide a dog through complex obstacle courses at high speed.
Crank suggests that the principles used to train and direct a canine partner are transferable skills for engaging with human audiences. By observing the partnership between handler and dog, viewers can gain insight into the fundamental requirements for clarity, timing, and responsiveness in any form of communication.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Communicate with Your Dog, from a Westminster Champion | Jennifer Crank | TED
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