073 | What Dogs See, Smell, and Know with Alexandra Horowitz

 

Dr. Alexandra Horowitz is a cognitive scientist keen on understanding a dog’s mind. She is Professor of Nonfiction Writing at Barnard College, Columbia University, where she also teaches seminars in canine cognition creative nonfiction writing, and audio storytelling. In addition to teaching, Dr. Horowitz is a Senior Research Fellow and heads the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard. Her books, Inside of a Dog and Our Dogs, Ourselves, explore what it’s like to be a dog—and our relationship as humans to these lovable creatures.

Dr. Horowitz joins me today to discuss how dogs see and smell the world. She describes the extraordinary anatomy of dogs’ noses and how they smell in ‘stereo.’ She illustrates the relationship between humans and dogs. She discusses the history of dog breeding and explains why a dog’s breed doesn’t necessarily determine their personality and behavior. She also highlights humanity’s place in nature and shares her advice for people who have, or are thinking of having, dogs

“Dogs can be a lens through which we are reminded of the reality of all these non-human others around us.”
- Dr. Alexandra Horowitz

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

  • The first time I adopted a puppy and how I came across Dr. Horowitz

  • The young Alexandra Horowitz, how she became a lexicographer at Merriam-Webster, and her journey to becoming a scientist

  • What led Dr. Horowitz to study cognition in graduate school

  • Studying play behavior in dogs and the wonder and marvel of dogs’ noses

  • How dogs perceive the world

  • Our relationship with dogs and the many ways humans treat dogs as property

  • The relationship between a dog’s breed and their behavior

  • The history of purebred dogs

  • Society’s perception on pitbulls and other maligned dog breeds

  • The impact of spaying or neutering dogs

  • Humans’ responsibility over dogs and how dogs help us be more empathetic

  • The interconnectedness of beings in the world

Resources Mentioned:

Our Favorite Quotes:

  • “Dogs are not just objects we consider property; they’re sentient beings who are meaningful in human life.” - Dr. Alexandra Horowitz

  • “Dogs can bring out a lot of empathy in humans, automatically, in a way that’s hard to feel with other people..” - Dr. Alexandra Horowitz

Connect with Alexandra Horowitz:

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

 
Guest InterviewKathy SullivanCareer and Leadership, Creativity