Explain It to Me Can we ever know our dogs?
16 snips
Jun 29, 2025 
Join Alexandra Horowitz, a leading expert in canine cognition, and Holly Molinaro, a passionate dog researcher, as they explore the complexities of understanding our furry friends. They discuss the pitfalls of anthropomorphism and share hilarious insights on how dogs express emotions. From the unique perspective of a dog's sense of smell to the nuances of canine communication, they advocate for a deeper appreciation of dogs beyond our human projections. Their engaging anecdotes and research findings will make you rethink how you relate to your pets!
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Jared's Dog Communication Experience
- Jared Martin shares how he interprets his dog's unique sounds and behaviors to communicate.
- He senses different emotions and intentions through Enzo's varying vocalizations and body language.
Context Shapes Perception of Dog Emotions
- People interpret dog emotions based heavily on the visible context, not just the dog's expression.
- Without context, observers struggle to distinguish a dog's positive or negative feelings.
We Misread Our Dogs' Emotions
- We often overestimate our ability to understand dogs' emotions and behaviors.
- Recognizing this can encourage us to observe our dogs more attentively and avoid simplistic interpretations.