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Animal Emotions

Do animals think and feel?

Attention

Alpha Wolves and Alpha Dogs Aren't Myths

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on March 27, 2023

Being an alpha wolf or dog is not synonymous with being highly aggressive, violent, or domineering; research shows there are domineering personalities in wolves and other animals.

Being an alpha wolf or dog is not synonymous with being highly aggressive, violent, or domineering; research shows there are domineering personalities in wolves and other animals.

Animal Behavior

The Mind-Blowing Lives of Amazing Bees

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on March 23, 2023

Matt Kracht's latest book is "a first of its kind: a celebratory, funny, and lighthearted illustrated compendium honoring the little guys that preserve humanity as we know it."

Matt Kracht's latest book is "a first of its kind: a celebratory, funny, and lighthearted illustrated compendium honoring the little guys that preserve humanity as we know it."

Relationships

The Difficulty of Being a "Cute" Dog

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on March 14, 2023

Many of the attributes that make dogs part of the "cute economy" such as the "lazy sit" distort our relationships with them and compromise their quality of life.

Many of the attributes that make dogs part of the "cute economy" such as the "lazy sit" distort our relationships with them and compromise their quality of life.

Animal Behavior

Why Consenting Cats Are Happier Cats

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on March 12, 2023

Allowing cats to have their say supports their need for safety, security, and trust, and enhances the social bonds you form with each other.

Allowing cats to have their say supports their need for safety, security, and trust, and enhances the social bonds you form with each other.

Career

Getting a Second Dog Doesn't Always Double the Fun

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on March 3, 2023

Getting a second dog will only work if it fits into the mindsets and personalities of both dogs and your own—it's not necessarily "the more the merrier."

Getting a second dog will only work if it fits into the mindsets and personalities of both dogs and your own—it's not necessarily "the more the merrier."

Animal Behavior

Dogs Do Zoomies Because It's Fun

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on February 24, 2023

Dogs love to zoom around, often recklessly, or sometimes with a plan, and when we zoom in on zoomies and take fun seriously, science tells us that they do it because they enjoy it.

Dogs love to zoom around, often recklessly, or sometimes with a plan, and when we zoom in on zoomies and take fun seriously, science tells us that they do it because they enjoy it.

Environment

The Sacred Depths of Nature

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on February 15, 2023

Biologist Ursula Goodenough discusses the origins of life and offers spiritual reflections about the complexity of nature and reverent wonder.

Biologist Ursula Goodenough discusses the origins of life and offers spiritual reflections about the complexity of nature and reverent wonder.

Career

Veterinary Medicine: Compassion, Empathy, and Social Work

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on February 11, 2023

Respecting and honoring the importance of the animal-human bond is a crucial part of veterinary medicine and achieving positive psychological outcomes for all involved.

Respecting and honoring the importance of the animal-human bond is a crucial part of veterinary medicine and achieving positive psychological outcomes for all involved.

Stress

Bad Science Adversely Affects Animals' Emotions and Reality

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on February 9, 2023

Researchers' arrogance can cause fear and stress, compromise well-being, and make results less reliable. There may be diminishing returns for learning about animals.

Researchers' arrogance can cause fear and stress, compromise well-being, and make results less reliable. There may be diminishing returns for learning about animals.

Environment

Why Animals Enjoy Living in Trees, and Trees Like Them, Too

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on February 7, 2023

James Nardi's new book is an eye-opening account of the hidden lives of trees—the diverse animal companions who live in treetops and root tips—and how they and the trees benefit.

James Nardi's new book is an eye-opening account of the hidden lives of trees—the diverse animal companions who live in treetops and root tips—and how they and the trees benefit.

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March 2023 magazine cover
March 2023
The Male Psyche

Men have long been silent and stoic about their inner lives, but there’s every reason for them to open up emotionally—and their partners are helping.

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