Animal Emotions

Do animals think and feel?

Marc Bekoff Ph.D.

Support Animals Aren't a Waste of Time or a Panacea

Emotional support animals can't always keep doctors away, but can work wonders for some people. If their support works for you, find an animal who also benefits from their work.

Dog Parks Can Be Fun Places To Go, But The Dog Has To Agree

Some people love dogs parks and some dislike them, but it's what a dog feels that really matters. If a dog doesn't enjoy them, don't go even if you like them, or go on your own.

How Dogs View The World: Brain Scans Tell Us What They See

Dogs recognize happy or sad faces and neuroimaging (fMRI) tells us how they do it and how similar it is to how humans do it. Negative emotions are more difficult to distinguish.

A Veterinarian's Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope

The new book, "My Patients and Other Animals," is a gem. In this inspirational work, we read about a doctor's personal journey as a caregiver for animals in need.

Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do

Data and stories of how dogs sense the world, play, dominance, peeing, cognition, emotions, and discussions of dog-human and human-human interactions at dog parks and elsewhere.

Marmosets Surprise Researchers By Sharing Food in Private

It appears as if these monkeys truly care about the well-being of youngsters by sharing food when no other individuals see them do it. This is called a "reverse audience effect."

Murdering Animals: A Book About Social and Species Justice

A thought-provoking interview with criminologist Piers Beirne about his book "Murdering Animals: Writings on Theriocide, Homicide and Nonspeciesist Criminology."

Cuddly Pandas Are "Cuteness Crack" Says British Zoologist

In a recent essay Lucy Cooke discusses the un-cuddly truths about pandas. "In their shrinking natural habitat, the bears are tough, sexually potent survivors" not hapless bunglers.

Seeing Species: A New Book Looks at Animals in Media

Debra Merskin brings together sociological, psychological, historical, cultural, and environmental ways of thinking about nonhuman animals and our relationships with them.

Secrets of the Snout: A Dog's Nose Is a Work of Art

An interview with Dr. Frank Rosell about his fascinating book, "Secrets of the Snout," in which we learn what dogs' noses know and how they work.

Animal Assisted Play Therapy: An Integrative Approach

An interview with Risë VanFleet and Tracie Faa-Thompson about their book "Animal Assisted Play Therapy" which adds lightness and the animals' well-being to the therapeutic process.

It's a Ghastly Time to Be a Bunny in New Zealand

Rabbits will be killed with a hemorrhagic virus and die horrific deaths, while a teacher involved in educating kids to kill admits she's running a propaganda campaign.

Cecil the Lion: His Life, Death, and Effects on Conservation

An interview with field researcher Andrew Loveridge, author of "Lion Hearted: The Life and Death of Cecil & the Future of Africa's Iconic Cats," who knew Cecil well.

"Grandville's Animals" Foretells Research on Animal Minds

The French artist's whimsical caricatures satirize animal behavior, politics, and social inequalities and show his deep knowledge of the cognitive and emotional lives of animals.

It's National Puppy Day So Give Them All the Love You Can

When you choose to bring a young dog, or dog of any age, into your life, you're their lifeline.

New Study Shows Importance of Understanding Dog Behavior

A new study shows how important it is to carefully observe dogs and know them as individuals, because how they respond to different noises may be an indicator of undiagnosed pain.

"My Own Dog Is an Idiot, but She’s a Lovable Idiot.”

A dog researcher's quote raises numerous important questions about animal intelligences. It may sound humorous, but it's belittling and also pointless to call a dog an idiot.

Should Young, Old, and Sick Dogs Be Banned From the Bedroom?

An essay called "Out of the Doghouse, Into the Bed" is very human-centered, and suggests that dogs in need be banned from bedding down near or with their human companions.

Q&A With Stephen Kuusisto, Author of "Have Dog, Will Travel"

"Telling your dog every hour that she’s a really good dog makes you realize that goodness is a thing to be honored."

Tactical Explosive Detection Dogs Finally Get Love They Need

Dogs used in war work very hard, yet when they return home they're mistreated as if they're disposable objects. The Department of Defense agrees and positive changes are planned.

Baby Talking "Good Dog" Works For Building Social Bonds

New research shows adult dogs prefer high-pitched dog-relevant words spoken rhythmically and emotionally. This sort of dog-speak improves dogs' attention and may influence bonding.

Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives

Hope Ferdowsian tells us about Phoenix Zones, sanctuaries where great care is given to creating peace, strength, and hope and where humans and nonhumans are treated with dignity.

I Can't Stop Loving You So I'll Clone You to Keep You Around

The pricey cloning industry preys on our love for dogs, turning something beautiful into something ugly. We rarely here about the heavy price donor dogs pay to make more of them.

Sniffing Dogs Have Expectations of What They're Looking For

Research shows that when dogs track a scent, they have future thoughts and expectations of what they'll find at the end of the trail, regardless of their education.

Larry and Harry Are Rescued Dogs and No Quirkier Than Yours

Dogs rescued from shelters, abusive homes, pet shops, and other situations have many redeeming qualities. They offer many wonderful lessons about the value of hard work and love.

How In Tune Are We With the Needs of Our Canine Companions?

A comprehensive RSPCA report offers very important data about how we relate to dogs. While there's some good news, many people still don't use what they know on their dog's behalf.

Malay Hunter-Gatherers Are Better Smellers Than Rice Farmers

A fascinating study of hunter-gatherers and rice farmers shows how cultural differences influence smell detection and the vocabulary that is used to refer to different odors.

Need a Date? Please Don't Use a Dog to Sell Yourself

An essay "Need a Date? Get a Dog," says nothing about the dog's well-being. It extols how dogs can be used, but ignores what's in it for the dogs. Dogs aren't bargaining chips.

Ants Show Organized Healthcare and Treat Wounded Comrades

Matabele ants treat wounded nest-mates by assessing the damage and then licking their injuries. This is the first observation of nonhuman animals routinely caring for others.

Is Everything in a Dog’s Life Really "Pretty Short-Lived"?

I was surprised to read a quote, "But everything in a dog’s life is pretty short-lived. It’s over quickly." This is not so. When they say, "Not today, please" they really mean it.

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