Canine cognition expert Alexandra Horowitz dives into the amazing minds of dogs. She reveals how what we often see as misbehavior is just their way of communicating in a human-centric world. The conversation highlights essential aspects of canine communication, emphasizing empathy for deeper connections. Horowitz also explores the sensory world of dogs, showcasing their extraordinary abilities and suggesting enriching activities, such as 'smell walks,' to enhance their happiness. Get ready to rethink your furry friend's actions!

Alexandra Horowitz takes us inside the mind of a puppy. James Bridle introduces us to slime mold that can outwit the best human engineers. Justin Gregg makes the case that thinking like an animal is the key to living a good life. And Tom Mustill explains how a near-death encounter with a 30-ton whale led him to the scientists who are building Google Translate for animal languages.---Download the Next Big Idea app to hear the Book Bites sampled in this episode: nextbigideaclub.com/app

Alexandra Horowitz, a dog-cognition expert and author of "Inside of a Dog," teams up with Tejal Rao, a New York Times restaurant critic known for her sensory-driven food writing. They explore the fascinating interplay between dogs and humans, highlighting how dogs perceive the world through smell. The discussion includes the impactful roles of conservation canines in wildlife research and the emotional ties between memory and scent, both humorous and poignant. The new segment 'Off Leash' invites listeners to embrace curiosity in understanding canine behavior.

On this special episode of Design Matters, Debbie Millman features brilliant writers Alexandra Horowitz, Rick Rubin, and Kevin Kelly. They discuss topics such as white rhinoceros behavior, dog interactions, inclusion of artists with disabilities, and changing perceptions. They also touch on religious experiences, the impact of life-threatening situations, and appreciating ordinary experiences.

Kate Summerscale, a writer known for her thorough insights in "The Book of Phobias & Manias," dives into the fascinating world of phobias. She discusses unusual fears like popcorn and explores their origins. Alexandra Horowitz, a leading researcher in dog cognition and author of "The Year of the Puppy," reveals how dogs perceive the world, debunking myths about their emotions and intelligence. Together, they illuminate the complexities of human fears and our furry companions' minds.