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Animal Emotions

Do animals think and feel?

Sleep
Why So Many People Let Their Dogs Into Their Beds

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on September 24, 2022

A new survey shows that 76 percent of respondents allowed their dog to sleep with them and 33 percent of married pet owners say they sleep best when sharing their bed only with their dog.

A new survey shows that 76 percent of respondents allowed their dog to sleep with them and 33 percent of married pet owners say they sleep best when sharing their bed only with their dog.

Trust
Trust and Cooperation are Widespread Among Diverse Animals

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on September 21, 2022

Anthropomorphism and anthropocentric human exceptionalism have outlived their explanatory utility based on solid research on the cognitive, emotional, and moral lives of animals.

Anthropomorphism and anthropocentric human exceptionalism have outlived their explanatory utility based on solid research on the cognitive, emotional, and moral lives of animals.

Environment
Grooming Dogs: What's Good and Bad From Their Point of View

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on September 16, 2022

A discussion about the hidden emotional sides—the ups and the downs—of what it's like for a dog to be groomed, the importance of consent, and how to do it mindfully and right.

A discussion about the hidden emotional sides—the ups and the downs—of what it's like for a dog to be groomed, the importance of consent, and how to do it mindfully and right.

Relationships
Why It's Essential to Rewild the World Before It's Too Late

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on September 12, 2022

Millie Kerr's book "Wilder" offers a panoply of much-needed global rewilding projects—ranging from personal efforts and local projects to changing entire ecosystems.

Millie Kerr's book "Wilder" offers a panoply of much-needed global rewilding projects—ranging from personal efforts and local projects to changing entire ecosystems.

Psychology
Wild Horses, Reverence, and the Psychology of Awe

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on September 9, 2022

A new book considers what it is like to be a wild horse and to see them in their homes and the importance of awe, reverence, and wonder for human psychology and well-being. 

A new book considers what it is like to be a wild horse and to see them in their homes and the importance of awe, reverence, and wonder for human psychology and well-being. 

Environment
The Vegan Evolution: Transforming Diets and Agriculture

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on August 29, 2022

A new wide-ranging book by Gregory Tague clearly shows that a vegan ethic isn't a radical idea and only about food, but also about cultural evolution, food justice, and economics.

A new wide-ranging book by Gregory Tague clearly shows that a vegan ethic isn't a radical idea and only about food, but also about cultural evolution, food justice, and economics.

Masturbation
How Monkeys Pleasure Themselves and Horses Use Tools

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on August 28, 2022

Two research projects reveal eye-opening behaviors—the use of sex toys in wild macaques and horses using tools. Data are not as robust as popular media report but are very useful.

Two research projects reveal eye-opening behaviors—the use of sex toys in wild macaques and horses using tools. Data are not as robust as popular media report but are very useful.

Friends
The Worlds of Animals Through the Eyes and Heart of a Vet

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on August 19, 2022

In a new book, veterinarian Sean Wensley explains how to lovingly connect with all animals so that, for example, pet rabbits have companionship and horses have the 3Fs—friendship, freedom, and forage.

In a new book, veterinarian Sean Wensley explains how to lovingly connect with all animals so that, for example, pet rabbits have companionship and horses have the 3Fs—friendship, freedom, and forage.

Politics
The Psychology of Breedism and the Politics of Dogs Revived

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on August 13, 2022

A landmark 1990 essay raises important questions about the mindset underlying the on-going production of dog breeds for human desires, rather than for a dog's quality of life.

A landmark 1990 essay raises important questions about the mindset underlying the on-going production of dog breeds for human desires, rather than for a dog's quality of life.

Health
The Welfare of Thailand's Captive Elephants and Their People

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on August 12, 2022

A new book explores the health of elephants used for tourism and entertainment, deforestation, and the lives of mahouts who work closely with these magnificent mammoths.

A new book explores the health of elephants used for tourism and entertainment, deforestation, and the lives of mahouts who work closely with these magnificent mammoths.