28 Santa-Approved Dog Science Articles

Can’t believe so-and-so said that in front of everyone? Is it time for a break from members of your own species? The dogs are here to help.

2014 was a big year for canine science, although that’s not entirely true. Every year, particularly since the , has been a ‘big year’ for canine science — a booming interdisciplinary field exploring who dogs are, where they came from, and their cognitive and emotional lives.

Here are 28 of my favorite dog science pieces of 2014. A few themes stand out, and I hope they carry into 2015:

• Our bond with dogs is in our hearts, heads, and obituaries.

• Pay attention to dog welfare, whether it’s fear, appearances, or the beloved ‘guilty look.’

• When asked, dogs choose the journey, not just the treat at the end.

• There’s a good case for banning breed bans. Sadly, isn’t up on the latest research.

• Not all dog professionals (or dog products) are created equal. Expert opinions are informed.

• Dogs are not only phat, they are increasingly fat. Better to be just phat.

Some pieces are here on Dog Spies, while others will take you elsewhere on the world wide web. When you arrive, take a tour of these dog science friendly sites. Dogs will thank you (and your family can wait).

I. Interspecies Friendships

1. , 2. Observing behavior is not a serious matter, but it could be incredibly important.

3. A dog is not a child, but maternal attachments might still be at play.

4. , 5. In 2014, animal lovers and practitioners lost a vibrant teacher, and companion animals lost a tireless advocate. We are thankful that Sophia Yin’s legacy continues. Get to know Sophia Yin’s training and handling resources ( and ).

II. The Big W: Difficult to See, Even When It’s Right There

6. Serious topic made, dare I say, enjoyable. Obesity is a welfare issue.

7. Guide dogs are awesome. They are also working. There’s a good chance your dog doesn’t know that.

8. No, it’s not zombies, although that would be unexpected. A study found that fear of unfamiliar people predicted decreased dog lifespan. Complex topic with resources for decreasing social and asocial fears.

9. Find out why.

10. Not all “scaredy” dogs have been mistreated. Why it matters that something else could be going on.

11. Dog professionals are better than dog owners at identifying fear in dogs. It doesn’t have to be that way.

12. , 13. Problems of and solutions to dog breeds.

III. Here’s Looking at Who You Are

14. , 15. What do dogs make of other dogs’ urine? The quest continues!

16. , 17. How dogs do this remains an outstanding question.

18. , ), and Jamie Wolf (

IV. Put That Cold Wet One to Work

19. The answer in Cat Warren’s book, ‘What the Dog Knows: The Science and Wonder of Working Dogs’ (, ).

20. Another of life’s great truths to ponder as we move into 2015.

V. 9 to 5!21.

22.

VI. I’m a Dog! My Mind is an Open Box!

23. , 24. Experts discuss learning and training questions.

25. , VII. Are Looks Deceiving?

26. THIS is what a product review should look like. is a space to watch for behavior observation, welfare and training!

27. What does the research say about aggressive behavior and ‘dangerous’ dogs?

28. The national association of veterinary behaviorists came out in opposition of breed-specific legislation. Find out why.

VIII. Bonus Edition!“Research into cat welfare is rare, so it’s a shame when it’s misreported.” I agree entirely. Although not as rare, this statement is for dog science.

A must read (and must see).

——

Photo: Dressed for the season via Flickr Creative Commons.