We often believe we can accurately gauge our dogs’ emotions, yet recent studies indicate that many of us may be misunderstanding their feelings.
Researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) discovered that when individuals are in a good mood, they are more prone to perceive their dog as looking sad. Conversely, when experiencing mild depression, they are likely to view the same dog as happy.
This contrasts with how we interpret human emotions. In social interactions, we generally perceive others’ feelings as mirroring our own.
“I am continually fascinated by how people interpret emotions in dogs,” stated the study’s co-author, Clive Wynn. “We have only begun to uncover what is shaping up to be a significant mystery.”
The researchers believe these findings could greatly influence how we care for our pets.
“By enhancing our understanding of how we recognize emotions in animals, we can improve their care,” explained the first author, Dr. Holly Molinaro, who was a doctoral student at ASU focused on animal behavior at the time.
Dogs involved in the study, from left to right: Canyon, a 1-year-old Catahoula; Henry, a 3-year-old French Bulldog; and Oliver, a 14-year-old mongrel. The video background was black, ensuring only the dogs were visible. – Credit: Arizona State University
The research stemmed from two experiments with about 300 undergraduate students.
Participants first viewed images designed to evoke positive, negative, or neutral moods. They then watched a brief video featuring an adorable dog to assess its emotional state.
Those who saw uplifting images rated the dog in the video as sadder, while participants who viewed more somber images rated it as happier.
The video included three dogs—Oliver, Canyon, and Henry—depicted in scenarios reflecting cheerful, anxious, or neutral moods. Factors like snacks, toys, and the promise of visiting “Grandma” elevated their spirits, while a vacuum cleaner and a photo of a cat were used to bring them down.
Scientists are still puzzled about why humans misinterpret dogs’ emotions. “Humans and dogs have coexisted closely for at least 14,000 years,” Wynn noted.
“Over this time, dogs have learned much about cohabitation with humans. However, our research indicates significant gaps in our understanding of how dogs truly feel.”
With the holiday season around the corner and Black Friday on the horizon, one category gaining attention on gift lists is artificial intelligence-powered products.
This development raises important concerns about the potential dangers of smart toys to children, as consumer advocates caution that AI might negatively impact kids’ safety and development. This trend has sparked calls for more rigorous testing and government regulation of these toys.
“The marketing and functionality of these toys are alarming, especially since there’s minimal research indicating they benefit children, alongside the absence of regulations governing AI toys,” stated Rachel Franz, director of the US initiative Young Children Thrive Offline, Fair Play, which aims to protect kids from large tech companies.
Last week, these concerns were tragically exemplified when an AI-powered teddy bear began discussing explicit sexual topics.
FoloToy’s Kumma uses an OpenAI model and responded to queries about kinks. A concerning report from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) suggests themes of bondage and role-play as ways to enhance relationships, as detailed in the study.
“It took minimal effort to explore various sexually sensitive subjects and yield content that parents would likely find objectionable,” remarked Teresa Murray, who leads PIRG’s consumer watchdog group.
Products like teddy bears belong to a rapidly expanding global smart toy market, valued at $16.7 billion in 2023 according to market research.
China’s smart toy industry is particularly significant, boasting over 1,500 AI toy companies that are now reaching international markets, as reported by MIT Technology Review.
In addition to Shanghai’s FoloToy, the California-based Curio collaborates with OpenAI to create Grok, a stuffed toy reminiscent of Elon Musk’s chatbot, voiced by musician Grimes. In June, Mattel, the parent company of brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels, announced its own partnership with OpenAI to develop “AI-powered products and experiences.”
Before PIRG’s findings on unsettling teddy bears, parents, tech researchers, and lawmakers had already expressed worries about the effects of bots on minors’ mental health. October saw the chatbot company Character.AI declare a ban on users under 18 after a lawsuit claimed its bot exacerbated adolescent depression and contributed to suicide.
Murray noted that AI toys might be especially perilous because, unlike previous smart toys with programmed replies, bots “can engage in unfettered conversations with children and lack clear boundaries, as we’ve seen.”
Jacqueline Woolley, director of the Child Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin, warned that this could elicit sexually explicit discussions, and children might form attachments to bots over human or imaginary friends, potentially stunting their development.
For instance, it’s beneficial for a child to engage in disagreements with friends and learn conflict resolution. Woolley, who advised PIRG on its research, explained that such interactions are less likely to occur with bots, which frequently rely on flattery.
“I’m worried about inappropriate bonding,” Woolley commented.
Franz of Fair Play emphasized that companies utilize AI toys to gather data from children yet provide little transparency regarding their data practices. She noted that the lack of security surrounding this data could expose users to risks, including hackers gaining control of AI products.
“Children might share their innermost thoughts with toys due to the trust toys establish,” remarked Franz. “This kind of surveillance is both unnecessary and inappropriate.”
Despite these apprehensions, PIRG is not advocating for a ban on AI toys with potential educational benefits, such as those that assist children in learning a second language or state capitals, according to Murray.
“There’s nothing wrong with educational tools, but that doesn’t imply they should become a child’s best friend or enable them to share everything,” she stated.
Murray confirmed that the organization is pushing for stricter regulations on these toys for children under 13, though specific policy details have yet to be outlined.
Franz further underscored the need for independent research to validate the safety of these products for children, suggesting they should be taken off shelves until this research is completed.
“We require both short-term and long-term independent studies on the effects of children’s interactions with AI toys, especially regarding social-emotional and cognitive development,” Franz said.
Following PIRG’s report, OpenAI declared it would suspend FoloToy, and the company’s CEO informed CNN that they had withdrawn Kuma from the market and were “conducting an internal safety review.”
On Thursday, 80 organizations, including Fair Play, issued a statement: urging families to refrain from purchasing AI toys this holiday season.
“AI toys are marketed as safe and beneficial for learning, despite their effects not being evaluated by independent research,” the statement noted. “In contrast, traditional teddy bears and toys do not pose the same risks as AI toys and have demonstrated benefits for children’s development.”
Curio, the creator of Grok toys, informed the Guardian via email that after reviewing PIRG’s report, they were “proactively working with our team to address any concerns while continuously monitoring content and interactions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for children.”
Mattel stated that its initial products powered by OpenAI are “targeted at families and older users” and clarified that “the OpenAI API is not designed for users under 13.”
“AI complements, rather than replaces, traditional play, and we prioritize safety, privacy, creativity, and responsible innovation,” the company affirmed.
“While it’s encouraging that Mattel asserts its AI products are not for young children, scrutiny of who actually engages with the toys and who they are marketed to reveals that they are indeed aimed at young children,” Franz noted, alluding to prior privacy concerns with Mattel’s smart products.
Franz added, “We are very interested in understanding what specific measures Mattel will implement to ensure that its OpenAI products aren’t inadvertently used by the very children attracted to its brand.”
A dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and a wolf (canis lupus) can interbreed to create fertile offspring, but such occurrences are far less common than in domestic and wild populations of other species. In a recent study, researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the University of California, Davis, combined localized ancestry estimation with phylogenetic analysis of the genomes of 2,693 ancient and modern dogs and wolves. They discovered that 64.1% of contemporary purebred dogs possess wolf ancestry in their nuclear genomes, stemming from admixture that occurred nearly 1,000 generations ago, while all analyzed free-ranging dog genomes showed signs of ancient wolf ancestry.
German shepherd puppy. Image credit: Marilyn Peddle / CC BY 2.0.
“Modern dogs, especially those kept as pets, seem quite distant from the often vilified wolves,” states Dr. Audrey Lin, a postdoctoral fellow at the American Museum of Natural History.
“However, certain wolf-derived traits are highly valued in our current dogs, and we have intentionally preserved them in this lineage.”
“While this research focuses on dogs, it reveals much about their wild relatives, the wolves.”
Dogs evolved from a gray wolf population that faced extinction due to human influence during the late Pleistocene, approximately 20,000 years ago.
Though wolves and dogs inhabit overlapping areas and produce fertile offspring, instances of interbreeding are infrequent.
Aside from rare cases of intentional interbreeding, there is limited evidence of genetic exchange between the two groups following dog domestication, which separated their gene pools.
“Prior to this study, prevailing theories posited that for a dog to be classified as such, it would need to have minimal or no wolf DNA,” remarked Dr. Lin.
“Yet, upon examining the modern dog genome closely, we found wolf DNA present.”
“This indicates that the dog’s genome can incorporate wolf DNA to varying extents without losing its identity as a dog.”
The researchers scrutinized historical gene flow between dogs and wolves utilizing 2,693 publicly accessible genomes from wolves, purebred dogs, village dogs, and other canids from the late Pleistocene to the present, sourced from the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the European Nucleotide Archive.
The findings revealed that 64.1% of breed dogs possess wolf ancestry in their nuclear genomes, a result of crossbreeding occurring about 1,000 generations ago.
Moreover, all genomes from village dogs (free-ranging canines residing near human settlements) displayed detectable wolf ancestry.
The Czechoslovakian wolfdog and Saarlos wolfdog, which were purposefully crossbred with wolves, exhibited the highest levels of wolf ancestry, ranging from 23% to 40% of their genomes.
The breeds considered most “wolf-like” include the Great Anglo-French Tricolor Hound (4.7% to 5.7% wolf ancestry) and the Shiloh Shepherd (2.7% wolf ancestry).
The Shiloh Shepherd is the result of breeding efforts that included wolf-dog hybrids aimed at producing healthier, family-friendly sheepdogs in the U.S., while the origins of the significant wolf ancestry in the Great Anglo-French Tricolor Hound (the prevalent modern hunting dog in France) remain enigmatic.
The Tamaskan is another “wolf-like” breed that emerged in the UK during the 1980s by selectively breeding huskies, malamutes, and others to achieve a wolf-like appearance, containing roughly 3.7% wolf ancestry.
Researchers identified several patterns within the data. Larger dogs and those bred for specific tasks, such as arctic sled dogs, “pariah” breeds, and hunting dogs, exhibited higher levels of wolf ancestry.
Terriers, gundogs, and scent hounds typically have the least wolf ancestry on average.
While some large guardian breeds have wolf ancestry, others, such as the Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, and St. Bernard, showed no signs of wolf ancestry.
Interestingly, wolf ancestry was also detected in a variety of dog breeds, including the miniature Chihuahua, which has around 0.2% wolf ancestry.
“This shouldn’t surprise anyone who owns a Chihuahua,” Dr. Lin noted.
“What we’ve discovered is that this is actually common. Most dogs have a hint of ‘wolfishness’ in them.”
The authors also analyzed the frequency with which personality traits were assigned to breeds labeled with high versus low levels of wolf ancestry by Kennel Clubs.
Breeds with lower wolf ancestry were often described as “friendly,” followed by terms like “eager to please,” “easy to train,” “courageous,” “active,” and “affectionate.”
Conversely, dogs exhibiting higher wolf ancestry were more frequently characterized as “independent,” “dignified,” “alert,” “loyal,” “discreet,” “territorial,” and “suspicious of strangers.”
Traits such as “smart,” “obedient,” “good with kids,” “dedicated,” “calm,” and “cheerful” appeared with relative consistency across both groups of dogs.
The researchers clarified that these traits reflect a biased assessment of behavior and that it’s uncertain whether wolf genes directly influence these characteristics, though their findings lay the groundwork for future explorations in canine behavioral science.
Additionally, significant adaptations inherited from wolves were uncovered. For instance, the wolf ancestry in village dogs enhances their olfactory receptor genes, crucial for locating human food waste, and distributions of Tibetan wolf-like genes assist Tibetan mastiffs in surviving low-oxygen conditions on the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas.
“Dogs are our companions, but it appears that wolves significantly influenced their evolution into the beloved partners we cherish today,” commented Dr. Logan Kistler from the National Museum of Natural History.
“Throughout history, dogs have tackled numerous evolutionary challenges that arise from living alongside humans, such as thriving at high altitudes, foraging for food around villages, and safeguarding their packs. They seem to leverage wolf genes as part of their adaptive toolkit for an ongoing evolutionary success story.”
For more details, check the findings published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Audrey T. Lin et al. 2025. The legacy of genetic intertwining with wolves has shaped the modern dog. PNAS 122 (48): e2421768122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2421768122
Plant-based and meat kibbles might both be deficient in crucial nutrients
Snizhana Halytska/Alamy
To ensure a balanced diet, vegetarian and vegan dog foods need specific adjustments.
Research indicates that meat-free dry kibble fulfills dogs’ protein and fat needs but is typically short on iodine and vitamin B. With the right supplements or improved commercial options, plant-based dog foods can maintain pets’ health while minimizing the ecological footprint of the pet food industry Rebecca Broseyk from the University of Nottingham, UK.
“Provided they get all necessary nutrients from their food, dogs will thrive,” she explains.
Many vegans and vegetarians who have dogs often grapple with the ethics of feeding meat to carnivorous pets David Gardner at the University of Nottingham. In light of this concern, manufacturers are beginning to offer plant-based options.
Organizations such as the European Federation of Pet Food Industry and the American Association for Feed Management are advocating for standardized assessments of commercial pet foods and additives to guarantee nutritional adequacy. Nonetheless, most pet foods globally lack thorough nutritional evaluations by independent experts, according to Gardner.
Brociek, Gardner, and their team examined 25 types of commercially available dry foods for healthy adult dogs, of which 19 were formulated with either meat or plants. Among these, two were labeled vegetarian and four were vegan.
Researchers assert that although marketed as nutritionally complete, none of the official dog dietary guidelines were entirely met. However, all foods did manage to provide appropriate levels of protein, fatty acids, and essential amino acids.
The majority, including five out of six plant-based options, fell short on iodine, although seaweed served as a beneficial remedy for these deficiencies.
The vitamins were generally sufficient, except for vitamin B, which was especially deficient in plant-based options. Dogs lacking vitamin B can experience skin, nerve, and digestive issues, suggesting that manufacturers should bolster their formulations, the researchers state.
The results indicate a need for oversight in dog food production across all types, not just those that are plant-based. Andrew Knight from Murdoch University, Australia, stresses, “Consumers expect that if a product claims to be nutritionally healthy, it should be accurate, but that’s often not the case.”
“A vegetarian diet can be beneficial if nutrients lacking in plant sources are adequately replaced, similar to the considerations for humans choosing vegetarian diets,” says Lucia Casini from the University of Pisa, Italy, who adds that pet owners should refrain from making their own plant-based meals for their pets.
Dogs have evolved to consume a variety of foods, so a well-rounded plant-based diet can fulfill their nutritional needs, which can also lower the environmental impact associated with meat production, including greenhouse gas emissions, according to Gardner.
“They are genuine omnivores,” he remarks. “As many Labrador owners (myself included) will attest, they will eat just about anything.”
Feedback provides the latest insights into science and technology from New Scientist, showcasing recent developments. To share intriguing items you think our readers would enjoy, email us at Feedback@newscientist.com.
Computer vs Dog
Feedback often receives emails that start with striking statements. Elliot Baptist recently wrote, expressing curiosity about the comparison of well-trained New Zealand dogs to quantum computers.
Elliot referenced a Preprint paper by cryptographers Peter Gutman of Auckland and Stephen Neuhaus of Zurich’s University of Applied Sciences. This work documents efforts to develop quantum computers capable of factoring very large numbers, specifically identifying two numbers that multiply to a given target.
This is a significant concern because many encryption systems depend on large numbers that are hard to factor. If a quantum computer is built that can easily manage large numbers, it would compromise the security of numerous servers and transactions. There have been notable advancements; for instance, IBM created a computer capable of factoring 15 in 2001 (5×3, for reference) and upgraded to 21 (7×3) by 2012. In 2019, the startup Zapata claimed they could factor 1,099,551,473,989.
However, Gutman and Neuhaus remain optimistic about the future of encryption, noting that many of the quantum factors are engineered. “Like stage magic, when a new quantum factorization is announced, the fascination lies not just in the trick, but in discerning how it was achieved,” they state.
Consequently, we attempted to replicate quantum factorizations using advanced technology. I utilized a home computer for a detailed explanation, which I’ll leave to readers as an exercise. The Abacus method is simpler, but larger numbers necessitate an Abacus arranged in 616 columns.
Now, let’s consider the dog method. To replicate the factorizations of 15 and 21, researchers trained dogs to bark three times. “We took the recently proofed reference dog, depicted in Figure 6, and commanded it to bark together for both 15 and 21,” they wrote. “This task was more complicated than expected, as Scribble performed exceptionally well and hardly barked.”
Elliot admits that he “is not qualified to judge the discussion’s validity,” and remarks that the Feedback team might be even less so. Readers with a deep understanding of quantum computing and encryption are encouraged to write in and elucidate what is happening globally. Feedback may not grasp the explanation, but try presenting it to one of the cats and note their reactions.
Robot Response
Feedback received inquiries about next year’s “inspirational” conference focused on love and interactions with robots, slated to occur in Z Jiang, China.
Tim Stevenson pointed out that I failed to mention a critical detail: the attendance fee. Feedback thrives on diligence, so I revisited the conference website and discovered it costs $105.98 to register. I suspect the actual tickets could hold higher prices, but I didn’t want to register just to find out.
Meanwhile, Pamela Manfield weighed in, disagreeing with Feedback’s stance. However, she acknowledged the controversy, especially given the Trump administration’s cuts to research funding.
Seasonal Injuries
Nicole Golowski wrote to spotlight research from 2023 that may have flown under our radar. She remarked it was akin to “obvious findings.” The study on “Penis Fracture: Merry Christmas Price” exemplifies this notion, as Nicole puts it, “It speaks for itself.”
Using data from Germany between 2005 and 2021, researchers examined whether “tears of the tunica albuginea surrounding the corpora cavernosa” were more frequent during certain times of the year, particularly around the holiday season. The Christmas period (December 24th-26th) and summertime exhibited a higher incidence of such injuries, while unexpectedly, the New Year (December 31st to January 2nd) did not follow this trend. The researchers proposed that “Christmas may be a risk factor for penile fractures due to the heightened intimacy and joy associated with the festive season.”
The study concludes: “Last year’s Christmas penile fractures rose in frequency. This year, let’s avoid doing anything that leads us to tears.”
Apologies for any typos: Feedback noted that this section seemed to curl up defensively.
Have you shared your thoughts with Feedback?
Stories can be submitted to feedback@newscientist.com. Make sure to include your home address. Check our website for this week’s and past Feedback editions.
A closer look at the internet reveals numerous charming videos of dogs seemingly learning to “speak” with their owners by using electronic buttons pre-programmed to produce specific words, often referred to as soundboards.
Take, for instance, Labrador Copper. These Labradors press the “copper” and “eat” buttons when they’re craving cheese and tap “Where” and “Dad” when their owner is gone.
While it may seem impressive, the question arises: are these dogs truly communicating, or are they merely reacting to cues from their owners?
I was fascinated by Federico Rossano from the Department of Cognitive Sciences in San Diego, California, who enlisted the help of 59 dogs trained by their owners to utilize these soundboards.
While working from their homes, owners and researchers randomly pressed select buttons and recorded whether the dogs responded appropriately. For example, if the word “outside” was heard, dogs would likely approach the door after hearing a food bowl or another sound.
At least for some words, the answer was indeed “yes.” Dogs were significantly more likely to exhibit play-related behaviors upon hearing the word “play” and looked towards the door when they heard “outside.”
Are these dogs genuinely communicating, or are they simply reacting to their owners’ cues? – Photo credit: Aramie
Importantly, these responses were true regardless of whether the button was pressed by the owner or researcher; it didn’t matter who initiated the button press or verbalized the word.
This suggests that the dog isn’t merely reading body language from the owner but is actually processing the words themselves, according to Rossano.
So, is the debate settled? Not quite. The study indicates that dogs can recognize and respond to verbal cues (which we already knew), but critics argue that this doesn’t clarify what the words convey for dogs.
So when Bunny asks, “Where’s Dad?” and her owner replies, “He’s on a climbing trip now,” does she truly understand? For now, Bunny is the only one who knows.
This article answers the question posed by Hatty Kingston from Bristol: “Do dogs truly understand the words associated with soundboard buttons?”
Please email us to submit your questionsQuestion @sciencefocus.com or MessageFacebook,Twitter or InstagramPage (don’t forget to include your name and location).
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Tamat puppies are believed to be littermates and early domesticated canines, as indicated by their physical connections to slain mammoth bones and two permafrost-preserved late Pleistocene canids. However, recent comprehensive analyses suggest that these puppies were likely wolves inhabiting a dry, relatively warm environment with variable vegetation, consuming a varied diet that included woolly rhinoceroses.
AI impression of a Tumat puppy. Image credit: Gemini AI.
The Tumat puppy remains consist of two exceptionally well-preserved specimens found in northern Siberia, approximately 40 km from the nearest village named Tumat.
One specimen was unearthed in 2011, while the other was located in 2015 at the Syalakh site.
This puppy was discovered within a layer of ice-preserved soil, alongside woolly mammoth remains.
This discovery prompted scientists to speculate whether the site was once a location for mammoth slaughter carried out by humans, and whether puppies had any relationships with humans similar to those of early dogs and domesticated wolves that scavenged for food.
With neither puppy displaying visible signs of injury or attack, it is conceivable that they were resting after meals inside a burrow until a landslide trapped them.
The new research utilizes animal intestinal content and genetic data as well as various chemical “fingerprints” found in the bones, teeth, and tissues to decipher their life, diet, and the surrounding environment.
Both puppies had consumed solid foods, including woolly rhinoceros meat and small birds known as wagtails.
However, their remains also indicated signs of nursing, suggesting they were still receiving milk from their mother.
Notably, despite being found near human-associated mammoth bones, there was no evidence that the puppies had eaten mammoths. Fragments of woolly rhinoceros skin in their stomachs were partially undigested, indicating they died shortly after their last meal.
It is believed that the woolly rhinoceros was a young calf rather than an adult, likely hunted by an adult pack to nourish the puppies. Nonetheless, even a young woolly rhinoceros would have been significantly larger than the typical prey of modern wolves.
This leads researchers to propose that these Pleistocene wolves were possibly larger than present-day wolves.
Prior DNA testing indicates that the puppies are likely from a wolf lineage that ultimately became extinct and did not contribute to the ancestry of modern pet dogs.
“It is remarkable that the two sisters from this era were so well-preserved, and even more impressive, we can narrate many facets of their existence up to their final meal,” stated Anne Catlin Range, a researcher from York University.
“The initial assumption that Tumat’s puppies were dogs was also grounded on the fact that their black fur was presumed to be a mutation exclusive to dogs. Yet, the Tumat puppies challenge this theory as they lack any relation to contemporary dogs.”
“While many may be disappointed that these creatures are overwhelmingly wolves and not early domesticated dogs, they enhance our understanding of the past environment, their way of life, and how strikingly similar they are to modern wolves.”
“Additionally, it implies that the clue of black fur—once thought significant—was misleading since it appears in wolf cubs from a population unrelated to household dogs, leaving the evolution of pet dogs a curious mystery.”
Fossilized plant remnants found in the puppies’ stomachs indicate they thrived in a diverse environment with various plants and animals, including grasslands and leaves from shrub genera like dryas and willow twigs.
This suggests that their habitat comprised a range of environments capable of supporting a rich and diverse ecosystem.
“Grey wolves have existed for hundreds of thousands of years based on skeletal remains discovered at paleontological sites, and researchers have performed DNA tests to assess population changes over time.”
“The soft tissue preserved in Tumat puppies provides new access to examine wolves and their evolutionary pathways.”
“Their diet encompassed both animal flesh and plant matter, which bears resemblance to contemporary wolves, offering insights into their reproductive behaviors.”
“The duo are sisters, presumably raised in dens and nurtured by their packs—a behavior commonly observed in modern wolf pup rearing.”
“Though they are frequently larger today, it remains possible that Tumat’s puppies had a brother who survived their fate.”
“There may be additional cubs hidden in permafrost or lost to erosion.”
Hunting large prey like woolly rhinoceroses suggests that these wolves, even as pups, were larger than today’s wolves, yet they may have also targeted easier prey.
Survey results will be published in the journal Quaternary Studies.
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Anne Katlin Wiborg Lange et al. Multifaceted analysis revealed diet and relatives of late Pleistocene “Tamat puppies.” Quaternary Studies Published online on June 12th, 2025. doi: 10.1017/qua.2025.10
My wife and I will always cherish the day we brought home our miniature Schnauzer puppy. At just four weeks old, she fit snugly in my palm. During the ride home, I sat in the back seat with her, gazing down at her big, playful eyes as she cuddled against my knees.
In the subsequent weeks and months, we joked that it felt like a dress rehearsal for having a human baby.
Nowadays, a growing number of people embrace this sentiment, referring to themselves as “dog parents” and viewing their furry companions as stand-ins for children.
Recent research by European psychologist, Laura Gillette and Professor Enikő Kubinyi from Elte Etovas Roland University in Budapest, highlights this trend and raises important questions about its correlation with the global decline in human fertility rates.
Interestingly, my wife and I welcomed human twins a few years after we got our pup. But with rising living costs and a shift towards individualistic values, are many opting for dogs instead of children?
Rise in Puppy Ownership
In the UK, fertility rates are at a historic low: in 2023, the average was 1.44 children per woman (over 2 is needed to maintain the population), with just 591,072 births, the lowest since 1977.
In contrast, the number of pet dogs has surged by a million in the last decade, with 45% of owners being millennials. Many of us now treat our dogs like little humans, ordering Puppuccinos at local cafes and creating social media accounts for our pups.
According to Gillette and Kubinyi, our natural caregiving instincts, honed over thousands of years of domestication, push us toward nurturing our dogs. Their appealing features, such as large eyes and rounded faces reminiscent of infants, compel affection. In fact, many popular breeds exhibit “pedomorphism,” retaining baby-like traits into adulthood.
Research shows dogs have evolved to express more facial emotions than other animals, eliciting emotional responses from humans.
Moreover, many owners communicate with their dogs using a high-pitched, affectionate tone often employed when addressing babies, known as motherese.
Gillette and Kubinyi draw parallels between human parenting and dog ownership. Psychologists have long noted that children develop various attachment styles that correlate with their behavior, shaped primarily by emotional consistency from their parents.
There is also evidence that dog owners can experience something akin to postnatal depression. A 2024 study found that new puppy owners may feel “puppy blues”, characterized by emotional stress, anxiety about responsibilities, and challenges in adjusting to life with a new puppy.
If raising a puppy mimics many aspects of parenting, is opting for a dog over a baby a smart choice? It’s likely cheaper and less disruptive to your career. Personally, I’d argue that cleaning up after a puppy is easier than changing diapers, though neither option is exactly pleasant.
But does being a dog parent guarantee greater happiness than being a human parent? The answer is complex.
Early parent-child dynamics are often linked to high stress and sleep deprivation. Photo Credit: Getty
The Weight of Responsibility
Research shows that human-parent relationships can lead to short-term happiness declines. While parents experience moments of anticipated joy, they often face a drop in happiness during the initial years of parenting, likely due to the rigorous demands of their roles.
This happiness penalty tends to diminish over time, eventually returning to pre-parenting levels. These findings surprised many who believed parenthood was the pinnacle of joy in life.
Ultimately, how one measures happiness—whether through fleeting joy or long-term life satisfaction—matters. Many parents still regard having children as the most meaningful experience in their lives.
What about dog owners? Again, the findings are intricate. In large longitudinal studies focusing on pets, the benefits of ownership aren’t always as rosy as expected.
Much like stories about parenting, mixed results concerning pet ownership likely stem from the emotional challenges of caring for dogs, including the demands of training and concerns about safety.
Additionally, factors such as financial stability and societal influences play a significant role. Parental happiness is generally higher in nations with supportive child policies.
Age also influences satisfaction for both dog and human parents. For instance, parents in their 30s tend to report higher happiness compared to those who become parents in their early 20s. Notably, older dog owners often find that their furry companions help alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Having a dog also encourages more physical activity and facilitates social interaction with other dog owners.
Comparing the joys of babies and puppies might not be the right angle. Both offer unique rewards and teach us to celebrate the better aspects of human nature that we choose to embrace.
In the early hours of Donald Trump’s inauguration, a man wearing a long black cape and a face mask moved his cart on the Oregon sidewalk. He headed to the Tesla showroom in Salem, where his cart appeared to be packed with Molotov cocktails, according to court documents. He took out the handmade explosives one by one, set them on fire, and lobbed them at a glass wall dealer.
By the time Salem police arrived, the showroom windows had shattered, a fire had burned in front of the sidewalk, and a nearby Tesla sedan had flapped, and Vandal’s suspicions had fled. The entire scene was caught up in security footage, according to affidavits from special agents of the Alcohol Bureau, cigarettes, firearms, and explosives (ATF). The showroom’s general manager estimated $500,000 in damages, with seven vehicles struggling and one completely destroyed.
Above: There is a bullet hole left in the Tesla dealer window Bottom: Damaged Tesla Dealer Photo: Salem Police Station
The vandalism incident has been one of dozens of people struck the charging stations of Tesla dealers, cars, and electric car makers nationwide since Trump took office. Many have an explicit message in protest against Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and senior adviser to the president. Musk was the head of the informal so-called “Doctors of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), making it privileged to overhaul the federal government. It ordered tens of thousands of employees to be fired, cut agency budgets and eliminated the entire department. His hard-pressed approach, which aims to be institutions such as the National Weather Service, the Ministry of Education, and the Social Security Agency, has elicited backlash and criticism nationwide.
Thousands have taken part in peaceful protests at Tesla showrooms in cities and towns across the country. For the 54 days since the inauguration, these protests have grown into a wealth of demonstrations from a handful of people in cities like San Francisco, “Hey, hey, Ho Ho, Elon Musk have to go,” with live bands, Hitler’s outfits as musks, and the presence of a large police force. They are also across the Atlantic, demonstrating in the UK and Germany.
As protests have increased, so has vandalism against Tesla brick and more personal vehicles. The Guardian tracked at least three separate incidents, including Molotov cocktails. This is a coordinated theft of nearly 50 Tesla tires and spray-painted Swastica at Tesla facilities from New York to New Mexico. At nearly 20 Tesla showrooms and charging stations, dozens of owners have been giving birth to cars, poop, and hit with singles of craft cheese.
Like the protests, the dirt and destruction of the Tesla facility have also become international, with sedans and cyber trucks targeting at least five countries. In France, Toulouse authorities reported it A dozen cars were torched At the Tesla showroom earlier this month. Another showroom in the Netherlands It’s been doodled Slogans such as “Fuck Off Fascist” and other slogans that called the mask the Nazis. One destruction just as far away as Tasmania I wrote it “Want to drive a swasticar” across the dealer window?
Musk and Tesla did not reply to requests for comment. Musk, in response to police reports from Tesla Bandarism in Massachusetts Posted on x “AKA vandalism that damages another person’s property is not free speech!” Musk also reposted an interview with Valerie Costa, organizer of a non-violent Tesla Takedown demonstration, accusing her of “committing a crime.”
Earlier this week, Trump said he would label the violence against Tesla’s showrooms as domestic terrorist attacks as he was standing next to Musk in front of the White House. “I’m going to stop that,” Trump said. “Because they’re damaging a great American company.”
Trump and Musk will speak to the press from within Tesla in Washington, D.C., on March 11, 2025, in Washington, DC. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
A day later, House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the proposed designation. “Congress will investigate the sources of these attacks and help the DOJ & FBI to ensure that the responsible person is charged to the fullest extent of the law,” Johnson said. Posted on x owned by the social media platform mask.
Mask thanked Johnson with X, adding both a salute and an American flag emoji.
Throws Molotov and fires semi-automatic
He returned in Salem, a month after the suspect first threw a Molotov cocktail at a Tesla dealer. This time he was armed with what police believe to be a semi-automatic rifle.
At about 4am, surveillance footage shows him firing multiple rounds into an empty Tesla showroom, shattering windows again, and hitting a car parked inside the building. Investigators collected bullet fragments, recorded surveillance video and sent remaining Molotov cocktails to the FBI lab in Alabama for fingerprint dust. No one was injured.
ATF agents believe that both cases are linked to Adam Lansky, a Salem resident. Lansky’s lawyers did not reply to requests for comment.
In Loveland, a small town in Colorado, police rushed to Tesla’s showroom in response to a report of a cybertruck fire on January 29th. Under the vehicle they found a consumed Molotov cocktail.
Similar to the Salem case, the suspect in Loveland was returned to the scene, according to court documents. Four days later, the word “Nazi” was spray-painted on the dealer’s sign. Over the next few weeks, the showroom was targeted three more times with Molotov cocktails and graffiti. Lucy Grace Nelson, a resident of the nearby town, has been charged in a series of cases. Her attorney declined to comment on the case.
Police in North Charleston, South Carolina are also investigating vandalism that threw a Molotov cocktail at a Tesla charging station earlier this week, burning both it and itself, forcing staff to cut down on the station’s power. The word “Long Live Ukraine” was spray painted in red on the pavement next to the charging station. Associated Press. The incident was a move that Musk hugged after Trump rewind our support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
A man in black throwing a Molotov cocktail. Photo: Alcohol Bureau, cigarettes, firearms, explosives (ATF)
Also, careful fires have been set up at Tesla showrooms and charging stations across the United States, where Molotov is not available. Earlier this month, seven Tesla charging stations flare up overnight in Littleton, Massachusetts. According to CBS. Police found the first station thick with dark smoke and flames. The fire was also set up for a rural Tesla facility in New Mexico and an electric vehicle that owns an electric vehicle in Seattle, Washington this week.
The Seattle Fire Department informed the Guardian that it discovered four cyber trucks were engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene last Sunday around 11pm. Local news station KOMO News I flew a drone over the wreckage The film then took a photo where a single cyber truck was reduced to “more than a crumbed metal chunk.” According to Komo, the other was burning badly, so the windows melted. Seattle police declined to comment as an investigation is ongoing.
Reports of spray-painted Teslas, showrooms, and charging stations have been ramped nationwide. In Salt Lake City, local police say the word Swastika and the word “Nazi” was discovered both at Tesla Service Center and at another charging station. So did the black Swastika Painted on the charging station In Myers, a small mountain town in California. In Ithaca, New York, along with Swasticus, they were “every Hitler” and “Tesla is a fascist.” It is displayed on a supercharger.
At the Tesla facility in Lynwood, Washington, the vandals targeted a cluster of six cybertrucks, but no other vehicles were touched there.
“We observed red spray paint on each cyber truck,” reads Lynwood’s police report obtained by the Guardian. “The doodles wrote “Fuck Elon”
Humans and puppies share a special bond that inspires viral videos, artwork, and adoration. Despite this strong connection, it turns out that humans may not be as good at understanding dogs as they think.
Recent research from Arizona State University (ASU) has revealed that people often misinterpret dog emotions more frequently than previously believed. The study suggests that humans may not accurately perceive what their dogs are feeling.
According to researchers like animal welfare scientists Holly Molinaro and ASU Professor of Psychology Clive Wynne, people tend to focus on external cues rather than the actual emotions of dogs. This can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of dog behavior.
Through experiments involving positive and negative scenarios, researchers found that participants often misinterpreted dog emotions based on external factors rather than the dogs’ actual behavior. Context played a significant role in how people perceived dog emotions.
Despite these findings, many participants projected their own emotions onto the dogs, further complicating their ability to accurately assess dog behavior. Even dog owners were not immune to these biases, as personal experience showed that they too could misinterpret dog emotions.
To improve understanding of dog emotions, researchers recommend humility and careful observation of a dog’s individual behavior cues. Each dog is unique, and it is essential to pay close attention to their subtle cues to truly understand their emotions.
Our dogs may be happy when we play with them, but we judge this more about the situation and our own feelings than what our puppies do. – Credit: westend61 via Getty
Learning to interpret a dog’s emotions accurately takes time and practice. By paying attention to subtle behavioral cues and staying open-minded, dog owners can build a stronger bond with their furry companions.
About our experts:
Holly Molinaro is a doctoral student, former professor, and animal welfare scientist at Arizona State University’s Department of Psychology.
“Oreos were my best friend as a kid,” he says brian hair. Once Hare wanted to hone his baseball pitching skills, his Labrador eagerly took on fielding duties. If he decided to explore the nearby forest, Oreo was always happy to take him. But there was one place where the boy and the dog always parted ways. “Oreo has never set foot in our house. Not once,” Hare says.
Nowadays, the front door is not closed for most dogs in high-income countries, and many dogs spend their days relaxing on the couch or watching TV. You would think they would be in dog heaven. But Hare, an evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, believes development has kept them in a doghouse. For thousands of years, he says, we have relied on dogs to protect our property and protect our families at night. Now, we have different expectations. Not only do you want your indoor dog to be friendly to strangers and rest quietly throughout the night, but also to be toilet trained, avoid chasing other animals, and avoid getting dirty paws on upholstery. You also need to do so. “This is an evolutionary mismatch,” Hare says.
Fortunately, this problem is solvable. Many recent studies have shown that selective breeding and careful training can help dogs adapt to indoor life. Meanwhile, Hare and his team “Puppy Kindergarten” Their lab delves into necessary behaviors and sheds new light on the milestones of cognitive development in dogs. Even better, researchers have devised a technique…
dog. Love them as much as you want, but you can't stop them from rampaging all kinds of mud, slugs, stones, non-existent homework, and yes, poop. But have you ever wondered why do they eat anything? For example, why do dogs eat grass?
I'm glad you asked. This canine conundrum has some interesting answers. Well, at least in theory. Canine neuroscience is a growing field of research, but scientists have yet to uncover the exact motivation behind this mysterious behavior.
Dr Emily Blackwell, lecturer in companion animal behavior and welfare at the University of Bristol, explains: “The few studies that have investigated this question are inconclusive.'' “There are many possible reasons for dog herding, and there is more than one correct answer.”
That being said, what are the valid explanations for why dogs eat grass? Here's everything you need to know.
Why do dogs eat grass?
First, it is thought that eating grass can be a sign of anxiety or conflict in dogs, perhaps suppressing the urge to perform another behavior.
“It could be migratory behavior, which is what happens when animals have conflicting motivations,” Blackwell explains. “It's like when we're sitting in the dentist's waiting room. We might really want to escape, so we do something else, like bite our nails, to relieve our anxiety.”
Read more about dogs:
However, for many dogs, eating grass can be a way to chase you for affection.
“If the owner responds to this behavior, the dog quickly learns that it's a good way to get attention,” Blackwell says.
“Admittedly, this is not one of the most common attention-seeking behaviors, but it can develop for that reason. And if they don't get a response from you, they'll look elsewhere.” They may just be grazing because they don't have much to do.”
But what if your dog is feasting on your front lawn when you're not around? Surely that's not howling for attention, right? In fact, it could be because your dog is trying to supplement his diet.
“Some people have theorized that dogs do this to get more fiber in their diets,” Blackwell says. “But this is just a theory; it has not been tested whether dogs with less fiber are more likely to eat grass.”
Most dogs do not get sick from eating grass. – Photo credit: Getty
What about the most worrying possibility? Is your pup guzzling grass with an upset stomach?Again, potentially. After all, there's a theory that wolves also eat grass to get rid of parasites in their intestines.
But grass is unlikely cause Your dog gets sick. One 2008 study found that while 68% of dogs ate grass regularly; Only 22 percent of them subsequently become ill.. All in all, there's a pretty good chance you'll never have to remove dog vomit from your lawn.
And what if they were sick? Well, be thankful they didn't eat something even worse…
Why do dogs eat poop?
We are all friends here. It's okay to admit that you've seen your dog eat its own poop or the poop of other animals.
Fortunately, Blackwell says feces are unlikely to harm puppies unless they come from an animal with a serious illness.
But, unfortunately, just like with grass, we don't know exactly why dogs want to crawl into feces. However, dog behavior experts believe that doo-doo dining may be due to a dog's curiosity at a young age.
“Puppies are naturally exploratory and will taste everything,” Blackwell says. “Puppies don't find the taste or smell of feces as unpleasant as we do.”
But even if the taste isn't the selling point, you can inadvertently encourage your dog to eat feces when you're trying to prevent the behavior itself.
“Usually, this behavior results in the dog owner running up to the fecal area during a walk and trying to get there first to stop the dog. However, this is a signal that the fecal matter is important to the owner. “And that may make the dog more determined to get there before the owner.”
“So many dogs actually eat poop because it's mostly trained by their owners. It's all about how you react.”
Bottom line: If you spot an unsuspecting number two while walking in the park, the most important reaction is not to rush towards him. Especially if you don't have a dog (which will look really weird).
About Dr. Emily Blackwell
Dr. Emily Blackwell He is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Behavior and Welfare at the University of Bristol. Much of her research focuses on why our animals behave the way they do and how to improve their lives.
Charles Darwin observed that dogs exhibit a sense of humor in between their other activities like studying bird beaks or riding giant turtles.
In his work, The Origin of Man, Darwin recounted a dog playing a prank by dropping a stick near its owner, then running off with it when the owner tried to pick it up. Darwin suggested that the dog found this prank amusing.
This scenario is familiar to many dog owners, prompting the question of whether dogs are truly aspiring comedians or if there’s something else going on.
Dogs are descendants of wolves, which are highly social animals that live in packs, leading to dogs also being social creatures by nature.
It is instinctual for dogs to interact with humans and other animals in their group, attempting to elicit a response, whether through a playful bow, a wagging tail, or even attempting to open the fridge for a snack.
Human ancestors began domesticating dogs over 30,000 years ago, and selective breeding has further shaped their behavior, making them more playful and less timid compared to their wolf ancestors.
Dogs essentially remain forever young mentally, displaying a mischievous nature that stems from their lack of mental maturation.
Some dog breeds are more playful than others, with Irish setters and English springer spaniels considered more clumsy while Samoyeds and Chihuahuas are seen as more serious.
During play, dogs may exhibit “play panting” vocalizations and wag their tails, which can help alleviate stress.
This behavior has been described as a “dog laugh,” reflecting the pleasurable experiences that elicit laughter among humans. However, it does not necessarily mean that dogs possess a sense of humor or are intentionally trying to make people laugh.
If dogs engage in playful antics like stealing sticks, it’s likely for fun rather than intentional comedy. Dogs are adept at reading human emotions and social cues, understanding that laughter is positive. Consequently, if stealing a stick leads to laughter, the dog is more likely to repeat the behavior.
While it may seem like dogs are intentionally trying to be funny, they might simply be responding to the joy and reduced stress their actions bring to humans.
In the end, only the dog truly knows if it’s intentionally trying to make us laugh. Until we can communicate with dogs more effectively, the joke may remain on us.
This article is in response to a query from Joseph Bennett of Manchester: Is my dog intentionally trying to make me laugh?
If you have any inquiries, please contact the email address below.For more information, reach out to:Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (include your name and location).
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Charles Darwin observed that dogs possess a sense of humor when not preoccupied with other activities like studying bird beaks or riding giant turtles.
In his work, The Origin of Man, he recounted a dog playing a prank on its owner by dropping a stick and then grabbing it before the owner could. Darwin interpreted this as the dog enjoying the joke.
While many dog owners may have experienced similar antics, the question remains: are dogs truly aspiring comedians or is there a deeper motivation behind their behaviors?
Dogs, being descendants of wolves, are inherently social animals due to their pack-oriented nature. This sociability extends to interactions with humans and other animals within their social group, manifesting in behaviors like playful gestures, wagging tails, and curious exploration.
Human domestication of dogs over millennia, coupled with selective breeding practices, has further molded their behavior to be less timid and more playful. Essentially, dogs retain a puppy-like demeanor throughout their lives, a trait absent in their wolf ancestors.
Various dog breeds exhibit different levels of playfulness, with some like Irish setters and English springer spaniels being known for their exuberant antics, while others like Samoyeds and Chihuahuas seem more reserved.
Dogs also engage in “play panting” vocalizations and tail-wagging to initiate play and reduce stress, behaviors that have been equated to laughter due to their pleasurable nature. However, whether dogs possess a genuine sense of humor remains a topic of debate.
Despite this uncertainty, dogs are adept at interpreting human emotions and behaviors, often engaging in behaviors that evoke positive responses from their owners. So, while it may seem like dogs are purposefully trying to be funny, their actions are likely driven by a desire to elicit a positive reaction.
Ultimately, deciphering a dog’s intentions, especially regarding humor, remains a challenge without the ability to communicate with them directly. Until we bridge this communication gap, the humor in our interactions with dogs may remain a subjective experience.
This article addresses a question posed by Joseph Bennett from Manchester: Is my dog deliberately trying to make me laugh?
If you have any inquiries, please reach out to us via the provided contact information.
A spot robot equipped with a burner for weed removal
Song, Deok-jin et al. (2024)
Robot dogs equipped with burners could be used to prevent weeds from growing on farms, offering a potential alternative to harmful herbicides.
Even highly targeted herbicides can cause environmental problems and affect local wildlife, and “superweeds” are rapidly evolving resistance to the most common herbicides like glyphosate.
Looking for alternative solutions Song Deokjin Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a weed control system that uses short bursts of heat from a propane gas torch controlled by a robotic arm attached to a Boston Dynamics Spot Robot.
Rather than incinerating weeds, the robot is designed to identify and heat the core of the plant, which can stop weed growth for weeks, Song said. “It doesn’t kill the weeds, it just inhibits their growth, giving the crop a chance to fight them.”
Song and his team first tested the flame nozzle to see if it could accurately target the center of the weeds, then deployed the robot in a cotton field that was also planted with weeds, including sunflowers, which are native to Texas.Sun Flower) and giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifidaFive tests showed the robot could find weeds and focus an average of 95 percent of its flames on them to burn them down.
Song said a major limitation of the Spot robot is its battery life — in this setup it can only operate for about 40 minutes before needing to be recharged — but the team is working on upgrading to a longer-lasting device. They’re also considering equipping the robot dog with an electric shock device that can deliver more than 10,000 volts of current, which would stop weeds from growing for longer.
“With other machines, people use a fairly broad, inaccurate flame to kill weeds. That’s been around for a while, but I’ve never seen anything as precise as this.” Simon Pearson A researcher at the University of Lincoln in the UK said the robot’s success will depend on how precisely it can deliver the flames without damaging valuable crops.
Article updated on July 24, 2024
The article has been revised to more accurately describe battery life for burning tools and robots.
Robot dogs equipped with flame throwers could be used to prevent weeds from growing on farms, offering a potential alternative to harmful herbicides.
Even highly targeted herbicides can cause environmental problems and affect local wildlife, and “superweeds” are rapidly evolving resistance to the most common herbicides like glyphosate.
Looking for alternative solutions Song Deokjin Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a weed control system that emits short bursts of heat from a propane-powered flame thrower controlled by a robotic arm attached to a Boston Dynamics Spot Robot.
Rather than incinerating weeds, the robot is designed to identify and heat the core of the plant, which can stop weed growth for weeks, Song said. “It doesn't kill the weeds, it just inhibits their growth, giving the crop a chance to fight them.”
Song and his team first tested the flame nozzle to see if it could accurately target the center of the weeds, then deployed the robot in a cotton field that was also planted with weeds, including sunflowers, which are native to Texas.Sun Flower) and giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifidaFive tests showed the robot could find weeds and focus an average of 95 percent of its flames on them to burn them down.
Song said the Spot robot's biggest limitation is its battery life — it can only operate for about 40 minutes before needing to be recharged — but the team is working on upgrading it to a longer-lasting device. They're also considering equipping the robot dog with an electric shock device that can deliver more than 10,000 volts of current, which would stop weeds from growing for longer.
“With other machines, people use a fairly broad, inaccurate flame to kill weeds. That's been around for a while, but I've never seen anything as precise as this.” Simon Pearson A researcher at the University of Lincoln in the UK said the robot's success will depend on how precisely it can deliver the flames without damaging valuable crops.
As America celebrates the Fourth of July with flashing lights, barbecues, and parades, our furry friends may not find fireworks as enjoyable. Many dogs can be scared of fireworks, even if they are only hearing or seeing them from a distance.
If your dog is afraid of fireworks, there are ways to make the experience more relaxing. Dr. Zazie Todd, an animal behavior expert, shared some tips on how to keep your dog calm during a fireworks display.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Dogs have sensitive hearing, so loud sounds like fireworks can be particularly frightening for them. Without understanding the context of these sounds, dogs can become scared and anxious when they hear fireworks.
To help your dog feel more at ease during fireworks displays, there are some steps you can take.
Tips for keeping your dog calm during fireworks
Create a suitable environment for your dog
One way to protect your dog from the noise and light of fireworks is to draw the curtains and turn on the TV. However, being present to reward your dog when there are loud noises can be even more effective in calming them down.
Comforting your dog during fireworks is okay, as they look to you for support in stressful situations. Creating a safe and comforting space for your dog can also help them feel more secure.
Don’t be afraid to comfort them
Despite the idea that comforting a scared dog can make them more afraid, there is no scientific evidence to support this. It is important to offer comfort to your dog during stressful situations, such as fireworks displays.
Try desensitization training
Training your dog to be comfortable with loud noises, like fireworks, can be beneficial. Exposing puppies to quiet firework sounds during their socialization period can help prevent fear of fireworks in the future. Building a positive association with fireworks can also reduce fear and anxiety in dogs.
Going to the vet
If your dog suddenly becomes extremely frightened of fireworks, it may be worth seeking professional help from a vet. Getting your dog checked for any underlying issues causing fear of fireworks can be important for their well-being.
Get a prescription for medicine
If you don’t have time to train your dog or want immediate relief, your vet can prescribe medication to help your dog cope with fireworks. However, this should be used as a short-term solution, and long-term training is recommended for lasting results.
About our experts
Zazie Todd, author of Pet Psychology, is an expert in animal behavior and pet care. With a background in psychology and training, Todd provides science-based information on keeping pets happy and healthy.
Flashing lights, barbecues, parades, and red, white, and blue flags flying: Fourth of July celebrations have arrived in America, as Americans across the country come together to celebrate the nation’s independence.
But for our furry friends, fireworks may not be such a fun experience, especially as many dogs can find fireworks scary, even if they can only hear and see them from a distance.
Luckily, if your pup has an aversion to fireworks going off in the sky, there are ways to make the whole process a lot more relaxing. Dr. Zazie ToddWe spoke to an animal behavior expert for all the tips you need to keep your dog calm during a fireworks display.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
If you’ve ever whispered to your dog that you’re going for a walk, you’ll know that dogs have extremely good hearing — and this can be a problem when they encounter a particularly loud, scary sound like fireworks.
Without any context about what these sounds are, it can be a pretty frightening experience. “We know why there’s this loud explosion or this bright light going on, but dogs don’t,” explains Todd.
“If we don’t do anything to teach them that these sounds are OK, they’re likely going to get scared. And if they’re scared, they’re going to continue to get more scared every time they hear it.”
So how exactly can you teach your dog that loud noises outside aren’t a threat? Well…
Tips for keeping your dog calm during fireworks
Create a suitable environment for your dog
Drawing the curtains and turning on the TV is one way to protect your dog from outside noise and light, but while this may make the sound of fireworks less noticeable, it won’t block them out completely. “This helps, but it’s even more effective if you’re there to reward your dog when there are particularly loud noises,” says Todd.
“A room with closed blinds and soothing sounds is a dog’s happiest place, but that’s their choice. Tidy up the room, but don’t lock your dog in there. It won’t solve the problem, but it will help.”
Don’t be afraid to comfort them
It’s often said that you should not comfort a scared or anxious dog as this will make them more afraid, but there’s no scientific evidence to back this up.
“It’s perfectly OK to comfort your dog – in fact, you are important to them – and when they’re stressed, they’re looking to you for help and to make them feel better,” says Todd.
“Unfortunately, fireworks can be very frightening for them and even your comforts will make them difficult to cope with, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them.”
Fireworks are a traditional way to conclude Independence Day celebrations in the United States. – Image credit: Getty
Try desensitization training
It takes planning, but training your dog properly at a young age can set you up for a lifetime of peaceful firework enjoyment.
“Puppies have a sensitive socialization period from three weeks of age to around 12 to 14 weeks, and we recommend exposing them to quiet firework sounds during this time to prevent any fear of fireworks,” Todd says.
“This will give them a more positive experience and reduce stress for them in the future. They don’t have to be puppies, you can train them at any age, but it’s easier when they’re younger.”
But what if your dog is already afraid of fireworks? Although this exposure training can work, a different approach may be more effective. Rather than getting your dog used to loud noises and flashing lights, building a fun association with the experience can be a great way to reduce the fear.
“The idea with desensitization or counterconditioning is to give your dog a tasty treat that he’ll enjoy every time a loud noise is heard,” Todd says.
“Over time, you develop what’s called a conditioned emotional response. You might even learn to love the sound of fireworks!”
Going to the vet
In some cases, your dog may have had no resistance to fireworks for a long time and then suddenly become extremely frightened of loud noises – in this case it’s worth seeking professional help.
“Scientists at the University of Lincoln Your dog associates fear with pain. “If the fear of fireworks starts later in life, it’s well worth getting tested just to be safe,” Todd explains.
This could be due to a different experience, but it’s best to check with your vet first to be safe.
Get a prescription for medicine
Some of the strategies above require a fair bit of advance planning, but what if you don’t have the time to train your dog?
“Your vet can discuss medications and will often prescribe medication to help your dog survive the fireworks,” explains Todd.
Obviously, this is best used as a one-off technique and you’ll be better off approaching training your dog in the long term.
About our experts
Zazie Todd Author of Pet Psychologyis an award-winning blog that brings you the latest science on our pets and evidence-based pet care practices. Todd has a PhD in Psychology, a Certificate in Training and Counseling from the prestigious Dog Trainer Academy, and an Advanced Certificate in Feline Behavior from International Cat Care. She is the author of the following books: Wag: The science behind making dogs happy and Purring: The science behind making cats happy.
Our dogs have been our companions for thousands of years. Every wag of a tail, flick of an ear, and furrowed brow speaks volumes if you know how to interpret them.
Despite thinking we know our dogs well, research suggests that dogs are actually better than humans at reading body language. To help us understand dog communication better, we sought advice from experts in animal behavior, such as Dr. Zazie Todd. Learn more about the hidden meaning behind your dog’s behavior, from their nose to their tail, ears to paws.
Understanding Dog Facial Expressions
Humans often rely on facial expressions to understand each other, but can we do the same with dogs? Some dogs have very expressive faces, which can help us interpret their emotions. A relaxed jaw and slightly open mouth can be the equivalent of a “smile” in dogs, while a grinning dog may be signaling aggression. It’s important not to anthropomorphize too much, as dogs may have different expressions than humans.
In some cases, what may seem like a “guilty look” from a dog may actually be their fear of getting scolded. Research has shown that dogs may not fully understand their actions but are responding to the owner’s potential reaction. Eye contact and ear positioning can also reveal a lot about a dog’s feelings and intentions.
Signs of Stress in Dogs
While it’s easy to spot when a dog is happy, signs of anxiety or fear can be harder to detect. Yawning, licking lips, and other subtle cues may indicate stress in dogs. Understanding these signals can help prevent misunderstandings and improve communication between you and your pet.
Interpreting Dog Posture
Dog posture can reveal a lot about their emotions. A low, hunched body may indicate fear, while a playful “play bow” posture signals a desire to engage. Observing your dog’s body language can help you understand their intentions and mood better.
Decoding Tail Wagging
Tail wagging is a common form of communication for dogs. A big, loose wag can indicate happiness, while a stiff, vertical tail may signal stress or aggression. Pay attention to the direction of the wag to better understand your dog’s emotions. Research has shown that the direction of the wag can reflect the dog’s mood.
Understanding Vocalizations
Barking and growling are essential forms of vocal communication for dogs. Different sounds can convey various emotions or intentions. Research has shown that dogs can use growls to express their size and feelings honestly in different situations. Understanding your dog’s vocalizations can help you better respond to their needs.
About Our Expert
Zazie Todd is an animal behavior expert and award-winning author. She founded Pet Psychology in 2012 to explore how science can improve the happiness of cats and dogs. With over 50,000 monthly visitors, Companion Animal Psychology is a valuable resource for pet owners.
UUntil recently, visitors to New York essentially had two options. A hotel room or a short-term rental platform like Airbnb. But in September 2023, the city began enforcing a 2022 law that prohibits people from renting a home for less than 30 days (unless the host stays in the home with a guest).
Currently, hotel rooms are the only legitimate option for people visiting the city, but they are out of reach for many. Most Times Square hotels don’t have rooms for less than $300 a night. Searches on Thursday, May 2nd found Muse for $356, Hampton Inn for $323, and Hard Rock for $459 (but due to dynamic pricing, these can change regularly). They become more expensive. Hotel prices rose at twice the rate of inflation from the first quarter of this year to the first quarter of 2023, said Jan Freitag, an analyst at real estate data firm Coster Group.
Many visitors and New Yorkers are turning to the underground rental market, where Facebook groups, Craigslist posts, Instagram listings, and reviews have become the go-to for finding short-term rentals in the five boroughs.
If you have friends in New York, you’ve probably seen their Instagram stories. “Hello everyone! I’m renting out my room in my 5-bed apartment to him again for 4 days over Easter! I have to deal with a dog and a rude roommate! DM me if you’re interested!”
Other travelers headed to New Jersey, making the kaleidoscopic city across the Hudson the nation’s fastest-growing Airbnb demand market, according to analytics site AirDNA. Other companies are snapping up hotels, which are expected to become even more expensiven the coming years. For many tourists, a good answer to the so-called Airbnb ban has not yet been found.
Yoya Busquets, 56, had been considering an Airbnb in New Jersey, but she really wants to stay there when she visits from Barcelona with her husband and two teenage daughters in early September. . She took a quick peek at her Facebook, where she chatted on Messenger with some people advertising short-term rentals. The last time she visited New York was in 2012, when she stayed at an Airbnb in Brooklyn, and she hopes to have a similar experience. She might get lucky.
“I’ve been in contact with a girl who has a room available for a week, and it’s listed on Airbnb as in New Jersey, but when I contacted her, she said it was in Brooklyn,” she said.
The apartment happened to be close to the area she had previously stayed in and was within her $160 per night budget. Considering the cost of a hotel and the space her daughters needed to relax after a busy day, it was the best option she found. But that setup is probably in violation of the new law, which is why the apartment is listed in Jersey.
Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn. For a hotel, “you have to pay about $400 a night, and we don’t have that kind of money,” said one New Yorker who tried to accommodate his parents. Photo: Ryan DeBerardinis/Alamy
AirDNA, which tracks data from short-term rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, says listings for stays of less than 30 days have declined by 83% since August 2023, when the regulations began taking effect. At one time in New York City he had 22,200 short-term properties available. That number currently stands at just 3,700, according to AirDNA.
Tesin Parra, 24, was looking for a job that would allow her to continue living in the United States after completing her thesis and classes, while also looking for a place for her family to stay as she graduates from New York University in May. Program for Journalism.
“This is their first time in New York City, so I want them to have a good experience,” Para, who is originally from India, said of her parents and grandmother. “She wanted to do an Airbnb so she could also cook,” she said.So she was disappointed when she learned that short-term rentals weren’t really an option anymore.
Parra wants a place with space for her family to gather. As a sign of her gratitude and respect, she wants to cover the cost of her family’s accommodation and has budgeted around $200 (£160) per night for a week-long stay.
“I’m kind of stuck as to what to do,” Parra said. “Probably a hotel, but I’d have to pay about $400 a night, and I don’t have that kind of money.”
Now, with the double stress of finishing school and facing hotel bills she can’t afford, she’s at a crossroads. She either chooses a hotel, has her parents pay for it, or rents something short-term, which is technically impossible in New York. Legal?
Without the accountability and protection that platforms like Airbnb offer, avoiding scams when searching for short-term rentals has become the norm. So Pala skipped scanning his Craigslist altogether. Currently, she is considering booking an Airbnb in New Jersey, but she worries that the local PATH train traffic will be an inconvenience for her grandmother.
This regulation was passed with the goal of keeping rent prices in check for New Yorkers by putting apartment inventory back on the market, but it is often important for New York renters and homeowners who lived in apartments while still living in apartments. It also cut off a major source of income. Where they were when they were out of town. Some New Yorkers are still looking for ways to bring in funds.
Kathleen, whose last name is withheld for privacy reasons, only recently began renting an East Village apartment on the underground rental market. The 29-year-old travels frequently for her personal finance job and to visit her family in North Carolina. According to her, she’s out of town for about four months a year, and of course, she still has to pay $2,600 a month in rent while she’s away. To make up for some of her lost money, she started connecting with undocumented people through Facebook groups.
In 2015, Airbnb protesters gathered at New York City Hall. Photo: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
“I thoroughly vetted a lot of people,” she said, voicing concerns about how her space would be treated given the lack of protection that short-term rental platforms offer hosts. I made it. She has two guests: her. One is a weekend visitor, the other stays at her apartment for three weeks in the summer. They pay her $50 a night.
“I always have a side hustle,” she said. “If I can make extra money, why not make extra money? I live in a great place. I thought it would be a nice, cute place.”
This is the spot where a visitor like Juan José Tejada could become a champion. Tejada, a wellness influencer from Bogotá, Colombia, is visiting New York for nine days in July with his best friend. He began his location search by looking at hotels, but he soon realized they were too expensive.
“I’m 25 years old. I’m traveling with my best friend. And, you know, we don’t have that much of a budget,” he said. At the suggestion of a cousin who lives in the city, Tejada used Facebook to search for short-term rental properties. What he discovered was four times his budget of $100 to $200 per night. But that wasn’t the only problem.
“When I was looking for short-term rental properties, the payment situation was a little tough,” Tejada said. Not in Colombia. “
Tejada and her friend ended up booking a hostel called Hi New York City on the Upper West Side, which cost about $55 a night for a bunk room with a shared bathroom. was. Tejada said she considered Airbnb, which has an on-site host, but couldn’t find a suitable option. It’s not the apartment he dreamed of breezed in and out of as if he were a local, but it’s good enough.
People are coming up with their own solutions for short stays. On Instagram, there are accounts like Book That Sublet NYC, where over 4,000 followers tune in to frequently posted daily and weekly sublets, as well as endless “sublets.”Book my apartment!“, or an apartment exchange callout shared on Instagram Stories. And there are long-standing apartment exchange sites like HomeExchange and HomeLink that offer visitors another way to get their foot in the door of a city apartment.
Supporters of the new regulations thought that limiting short-term rentals would bring long-term rentals back onto the market and perhaps help lower rents in the notoriously expensive city. Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA, said after nearly seven months, there was still no widespread impact.
Jonathan Miller, CEO of appraisal firm Miller Samuel, said that although a small number of apartments have returned to the rental market since the law was changed, mortgage rates remain high and mortgage rates are declining. He explained that this is because it has been gradually increasing since its inception. In 2017, prospective buyers refrained from making purchases for the time being, and rents rose.
Parra, a New York University student, doesn’t think the regulations are the most effective way to address New York’s housing crisis. “I don’t understand how this regulation makes sense. Not in terms of relieving the burden of the number of Airbnbs, but considering that New York City is an immigrant city. ‘Is it fair?’ she said.
But Busquets, who will be visiting in September, has seen firsthand the impact of tourism and short-term rentals on the world-renowned destination.
“I come from a city where the Airbnb craziness is actually displacing local residents and people who have lived there for years,” she said. “The owners wanted to keep people who were there just for short-term rentals because it was more profitable.”
Busquets said Airbnb made Barcelona uninhabitable and she eventually left for the suburbs herself. She added: “It’s changed. It’s not the same city it was 10, 15 years ago.”
Owning a dog can bring happiness, but recent research suggests that spending time with your furry friend can also have a positive impact on your brain function, enhancing focus and creativity.
Various studies have explored the connection between mood, hormone levels, and interactions with dogs. This new study delved deeper by using electroencephalography (EEG) scans to monitor brain activity while participants engaged with their dogs, resulting in unexpected findings.
During the study, participants interacted with a trained 4-year-old poodle that had a “compatible personality.” Researchers from Konkuk University in South Korea found that participants experienced increased brain wave activity when engaging with the dogs. The study, published in the journal Pro Swan, involved 30 participants who performed various activities with the poodles.
The researchers noted that activities like walking or playing with the dogs strengthened alpha-band brain wave oscillations, indicating a state of relaxation. On the other hand, activities such as grooming and gentle massages led to increased beta-band vibrations, associated with improved concentration.
Even participants without pets experienced these benefits, suggesting that interacting with dogs can positively impact brain activity regardless of pet ownership. However, it’s worth considering that the participants likely had an existing interest in dogs, potentially influencing the results.
Researchers hope this study will spark further investigation into using service dogs to provide physiological benefits like reducing anxiety in various environments. They see potential for animal-assisted interventions to improve well-being in places like hospitals and schools.
“This study offers valuable insights into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of animal-assisted interventions,” stated the researchers.
A machine learning model figured out how to keep the robot stable on three legs while opening a door with one leg.
Philip Arm, Mayank Mittal, Hendrik Kolvenbach, Marco Hutter/Robot Systems Laboratory
The robot dog can open doors, press buttons, and pick up backpacks with one leg while balancing on its other three legs.
Quadruped robots like Spot, the star of Boston Dynamics' viral video, typically require arms attached to their bodies to open doors or lift objects, which adds significantly to their weight. This can make it difficult for the robot to maneuver through tight spaces. .
philip arm Researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland used a machine learning model to teach an off-the-shelf robotic dog to perform tasks using one of its legs while remaining stationary or moving with the other three. I taught you to do it.
“We can't do everything with our legs that we can do with our arms. We're much more dexterous with our hands at the moment. But what's really important is making this work in applications where there are mass constraints, or in robots. “The idea is to make this work in applications where you don’t want the added complexity, such as space exploration, where every kilogram counts,” Arm says.
To train the dog, the ANYmal robot from ANYbotics, Arm and his team gave the machine learning model the goal of finding a specific point in space on one of the robot's legs. The model then took control of his remaining three legs and independently worked out how to keep the robot balanced when standing and walking.
Arm and his team can now remotely control the robot to perform actions such as picking up backpacks and putting them in boxes, or collecting rocks. Currently, the robot can only perform these tasks when controlled by a human, but Arm hopes future improvements will allow the dog to autonomously manipulate objects with its paws.
An analysis of more than 580,000 dogs in the UK found that small dogs with long noses, such as miniature dachshunds and Shiba Inu dogs, lived the longest. On the other hand, medium-sized dogs such as English bulldogs and Shih Tzus have the shortest lifespans.
“Despite the UK being a nation of dog lovers, we don't have a good handle on the dog population in general and the expected lifespan of dogs in particular,” he says. Kirsten McMillan At the British welfare charity Dogs Trust.
To create a comprehensive analysis of dog lifespans, McMillan and his colleagues collected data from a variety of sources, including veterinarians, pet insurance companies, and animal welfare charities. The data included 584,734 dogs belonging to 155 breeds, of which 284,734 died.
The average lifespan of dogs was 12.5 years. Female dogs had a slightly longer life expectancy at 12.7 years compared to 12.4 years for male dogs.
When the researchers divided dogs into categories based on size and facial shape, they found that small, long-nosed dogs had the highest life expectancy of both sexes, living an average of 13.3 years. Male and female medium-sized flat dogs fared worst, with expected lifespans of just 9.1 and 9.6 years, respectively.
“Many flat-faced breeds, both small and large, such as French bulldogs, St. Bernards, and Presa Canarios, do not perform well,” says McMillan.
Flat-faced dogs are known to face a variety of health problems, including breathing, digestion, and even sleeping problems, which may explain their short lifespans. there is.
One of the most surprising findings was that purebreds had a longer life expectancy than mutts: 12.7 years compared to just 12 years.
“Due to the concept of hybrid vigor, it has long been believed that mixed-breed dogs live longer than purebred dogs,” he says. audrey rule from Virginia Tech was not involved in the study. This refers to the idea that hybrid animals and plants may be healthier because of their genetic diversity, but Lupul says this needs to be investigated further.
“We hope that this study will spur further research into the exact reasons why some breeds die at a young age, ultimately improving the lifespans of our dogs.” McMillan he says.
Researchers studied the lifespans of 500,000 dogs to determine which species live the longest. The answer? Whippets, or dogs shaped like whippets. Research indicates that small dogs with long noses have an average lifespan of 13.3 years (source).
Another study looked at data from over 580,000 individual dogs in the UK, classified as purebreds or mixed breeds, to find out more about the lifespan of different dog breeds.
In addition to breed, the researchers collected data on the dogs’ sex, date of birth, and, if applicable, date of death. This data helped determine mortality rates as well as calculate the median life expectancy for different categories of dogs.
The study found that small, long-nosed dogs have the highest average lifespan at 13.3 years. Conversely, medium-sized short-nosed dogs, especially males, had the shortest average lifespan at 9.1 years.
Interestingly, purebred dogs generally lived longer than mixed breeds, and Labradors were found to have the highest life expectancy at 13.1 years.
The researchers hope that these results will help dog owners better understand the factors that influence their pets’ health and longevity, and they also suggest that future studies should investigate designer breeds due to their different genetic diversity levels.
Dr. Kirsten McMillan, one of the authors of the study, believes that future research should not simply classify dog breeding into pure and mixed categories and emphasizes that this is a complex issue.
Dr. Kirsten McMillan is a DataSEA (Science Engineering and Analysis) Manager at Dogs Trust, and her research has been published in various scientific journals.
Many dogs have been seen in the night sky, but the most famous is Canis Major, also known as the Great Dog. To locate it, start by finding its master, the constellation Orion, specifically the three bands of stars at the center of that constellation. Extend the line downward and to the left (southeast) to reach the alpha star Sirius in the constellation Canis Major.
Sirius, also referred to as the Dog Star, is relatively close to the sun, 8.6 light years away (a light year is the distance light travels in a year, approximately 10 trillion kilometers).
It is the brightest star in the night sky due to its close proximity to Earth. Its light is affected by atmospheric turbulence, causing flickering and variations in color.
Canis Major represents the dog, with a lively animal imagined as running towards Orion. Sirius appears as a pointed head at the top left (northeast), a distorted rectangular body slanted to the bottom left, and even a small tail, but its appendages and hind legs are very low in the sky when viewed from England. Using binoculars, look below (to the south) of Sirius just below the field of view to find the beautiful open star cluster Messier 41 (M41) inside the dog’s body, if the sky is clear and dark.
How to identify the stars of the Big Dog (Canis Major) and the Little Dog (Canis Minor). – Source: Pete Lawrence
To find Canis Minor, also known as the little dog and relative of Canis Major, look upward (north) from Sirius and to the left (east) to a relatively sparsely populated area of the sky with only one bright star, Procyon. This constellation is not often identified as a dog and is basically formed by only two stars, Procyon and Gomeisa.
If your dog can distinguish between toys and doesn’t destroy them, then it may be a genius. That’s according to scientists who have identified a unique type of genius dog and have found that it all depends on how well they know their toys. You can read more about it here.
The dogs referred to by the researchers behind this study are known as gifted word learner (GWL) dogs. They know the names of their toys and can retrieve them on command. In fact, they can learn words very quickly and have been found to be incredibly rare.
One of the first organizations to closely examine the characteristics of these dogs, using a sample of 41 dogs from nine countries, was the Eötvös Lorand University (ELTE) in Hungary. The results showed that the genius dogs knew the names of 29 toys on average, but many of them knew over 100 of their toys by the end of the study.
Max, one of the genius dogs studied, knows the names of over 200 toys. Max, a 5-year-old male border collie, is from Hungary. – Photo credit: Ildiko Gyenes
To confirm that these dogs were real, the researchers first asked owners to send in videos of their dogs retrieving toys by name. After this stage, the researchers met with owners in a “virtual lab” to test the toy retrieval in more controlled conditions.
The study conducted by ELTE revealed that GWL dog owners reported that their talented pups were able to learn the names of new toys within 30 minutes. It became clear that certain breeds, such as Border Collies, were more likely to have this talent than others. However, no special training is required to own a GWL dog.
These dogs are so rare that it took researchers five years to find 41 dogs in nine countries using social media. You can watch their experiments here.
“GWL dogs are so rare that until now we only had anecdotes about their background.” – Professor Adam Miklosi, head of the Department of Animal Behavior at ELTE
Scientists who study non-human animals do not use the word “love” in their published papers. Ironically, most animal behavior scientists were initially drawn to this topic due to their profound and enduring interest in animals.
However, researchers have traditionally been trained not to use anthropomorphic terms such as “love” to describe the emotions of non-human animals. Instead, they use terms like “temperament” and “positive cognitive bias” to avoid anthropomorphism. Though this strict stance on using human terminology for non-humans is starting to soften, due in part to the usefulness of certain terms in describing animal behavior and strong evolutionary reasons to believe that non-human animals are not completely dissimilar to humans.
Observing dog behavior makes it clear that dogs are deeply in love with humans, although some may refer to it as “hypersocial” or “socially obsessed.” There are also questions about how to recognize and define “love” in non-human animals who lack the linguistic capabilities to communicate their emotions.
Various studies have examined dogs’ sensitivity to human emotional states and physiological responses, such as separation anxiety and heart rate changes. These studies shed light on the complex relationship between dogs and humans and suggest that dogs may indeed experience emotions similar to love.
Credit: Justin Padgett
On the other hand, some behaviors that appear affectionate may be vestigial or instinctual rather than expressions of genuine affection. For example, wolves, dogs’ closest ancestors, use behaviors such as “kissing” as part of their natural interactions. Physiological research on heart rate, hormones, and brain activity provides further evidence of the bond between dogs and humans.
Furthermore, fMRI images of dog brains show activity in the reward center when dogs are near their owners, suggesting a positive emotional response. This evidence, combined with dogs’ ability to form associations and respond to human cues, implies a deep emotional bond between dogs and humans.
The next game in the popular “The Last Of Us” series has been cancelled.
Developer Naughty Dog said it had made an “incredibly difficult decision”, recognizing that the scope of the project would negatively impact other future titles.
The studio said in a blog post that it knows “this news will be tough” for fans and added that they are “equally devastated.”
Unlike previous releases, playstation The studio is known for single-player, story-driven blockbusters, but the canceled game was an online multiplayer experience.
Similar to titles like call of duty and fortnite updated regularly to keep players coming back.
Naughty Dog said it is “enthusiastic about the direction” of the project, but that supporting it post-launch risks “significantly impacting the development of future single-player games.”
It said such a game, such indiana jones-Like the Uncharted series, it “defined the Naughty Dog tradition.”
A studio committed to single-player roots
The studio has dabbled in multiplayer in the past, but only as an additional play mode.
First released in 2013, The Last Of Us had a popular online experience called Factions that pitted players against each other in competitive shooting matches.
It was also slated to be part of 2020’s The Last Of Us: Part II before Naughty Dog decided to spin it off and release it as a separate release, but it’s now canned .
“I’m extremely proud of everyone at the studio who worked on this project,” the blog post added.
“The technology learnings and investments from this game will be reflected in our project development and will be invaluable in the direction we are heading as a studio.”
read more: The real ‘zombie’ germ behind ‘The Last Of Us’ The Last Of Us is the most Googled TV show of 2023 Bella Ramsey talks about ‘bizarre’ homophobic backlash to The Last of Us
What’s next?
Naughty Dog’s next release is the PlayStation 5 re-release of The Last Of Us: Part II, scheduled for January.
The company’s games have been well-received by critics, but the company has released three versions of the original between 2013 and 2022, and has been criticized for milking the post-apocalypse Zombies series.
There is no doubt that they are trying to capitalize on the popularity of . HBO TV animationarrived earlier this year.
But the company’s blog post said it was also developing “several ambitious, ally-new single-player games.”
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