Brains On! Science podcast for kids Do dogs know that they're dogs?
Nov 18, 2025
Canine cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz dives into the intriguing world of dog awareness. She discusses whether dogs realize they’re a different species and reveals findings about their olfactory mirrors for self-recognition. Alexandra also clarifies misconceptions about dog memory and explores how they dream, complete with unique sleep patterns. Plus, she touches on how dogs express different 'languages' through barks, making it clear that their perspective is as fascinating as it is different from ours.
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Dogs Categorize Each Other
- Dogs recognize other dogs as a single category despite huge breed differences.
- Alexandra Horowitz cites studies where dogs reliably pick dog faces over other animals.
Smell, Not Sight, Is Dogs' Mirror
- The mirror test fails for dogs but that doesn't prove lack of self-awareness.
- Horowitz created an "olfactory mirror" and dogs noticed changes to their own scent.
Win A Dog By Paying Attention
- Pay consistent attention to your dog to become their favorite person.
- Take walks, play, and feed them to increase closeness, Alexandra Horowitz suggests.