December 8, 2023
by dave
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Do goats rival dogs on social smarts?

When I write about cognition and domestication, I’m almost always writing about cats and dogs. But this year I had a unique opportunity to write about farm animals. In the fall, I visited the  Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) … Continue reading

July 28, 2022
by dave
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Can your dog read your mind?

You have a remarkable skill you’re probably not aware of: You can read other people’s minds. No, you’re not a telepath, but you do have a general sense of what someone else is thinking. If someone approaches you with a … Continue reading

March 18, 2021
by dave
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Scientific mystery? Puppies to the rescue!

Point at an object, and, chances are, your dog will look at it. This seemingly simple ability–critical to our relationship with our canine companions–eludes most animals, including our closest relatives, chimpanzees. But it’s been hard to tell whether this skill … Continue reading

October 25, 2011
by dave
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Can Cats Count?

When I began writing the chapter in my book about how new scientific discoveries are blurring the line between pet and person, I knew it was going to be tough to find anyone studying the feline mind. As the owner … Continue reading