By Becky Ferreira October 2, 2025 New research finds new puppy parents sometimes struggle with time management and other issues. We asked experts for tips to ensure that all members of a household thrive. Getting a new puppy may sound like a recipe for cuddles, playtime, and a loyal companion. But a study  published recently  in  PLOS ONE  reminds us that puppy ownership comes with significant challenges, including small bites, chewed-up furniture, sleep disruptions, and sche

We think of them as pets, but the vast majority of the world’s dogs live free-range in the environment. Understanding them could be key to helping urban wildlife thrive. Story by Brian Owens Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years as wary scavengers, hunting partners, and close companions. They are so ubiquitous in our lives that most people seldom consider the oddity of their proximity—they’re just part of the scenery, or part of the family.  But that famili

The growing field of dog cognition explores what makes the human-canine bond so special Key points Psychologists are probing the unique relationship between dogs and humans to learn how social and cognitive skills evolve. Brain scanning and other techniques are revealing how memory, language, and aging function in dogs. Large-scale studies of dog rearing suggest how to optimize training and maintain positive bonds between dogs and humans. The companionship of dogs has added m

For one, they definitely don’t mind getting spoiled. by Laura Bradley September 11, 2025 There’s nothing quite like grandma’s house. The cozy decor, the nostalgia-inducing smells, the little treats…  For humans, at least, our grandparents’ house can be a home away from home. And if TikTok and YouTube are any indication , some dogs get just as excited for a day of fun, games, and pampering. But how, exactly, do our pups think of these relationships — and is there a chance th

Clive D.L. Wynne is a professor of psychology and director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University. Holly Molinaro recently completed her PhD at Arizona State. Most of us have powerful intuitions about how our dog is feeling — starting with that flag attached to their rear end, the tail. Tail wagging: dog happy. Tail tucked: dog sad or scared. And yet the scientific literature is surprisingly quiet about whether we are actually good at reading a dog’s

People interpret a dog’s emotions based on its situation and have “a big blind spot” for the actual animal, a new study found. By Emily Anthes