Dr. Brian Hare, co-author of “The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think”

Dr. Brian Hare—associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University, internationally-recognized expert on dog cognition, and co-author, with Vanessa Woods, of “The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think”—discusses his longtime interest in exploring how dogs think. By way of elaborating, he recounts how as a whippersnapper undergrad at Emory University, he adapted an experiment that was part of his studies—the pointing test—for his dog Oreo, proving Hare’s canine-oriented premise and launching an academic and scientific career. He also  describes Dognition, the website Hare and some colleagues have created whereby dog owners can test their dog’s cognition and other traits, learn more about their pets, and provide Hare and company with a wealth of canine data along the way. Dealing with various points raised—and studies cited—in “The Genius Of Dogs,” as well as listener e-mails and calls, Dr. Hare addressed an array of topics including whether dogs experience guilt, the myths and misconceptions surrounding pit bulls and the pitfalls of drawing conclusions about breeds, a new study that effectively debunks the notion that there are hypoallergenic dogs, and more. (http://brianhare.net, http://dognition.com)

ALSO: We spoke briefly with David Kirby, investigative journalist and author, whose book “Death At SeaWorld: Shamu And The Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity” was recently issued in paperback—and is the literary counterpart to the new documentary “Blackfish.”       (www.deathatseaworld.com)

COMEDY CORNER: Dave Attell’s “Parrott”  (http://www.daveattell.com)

MUSIC: Rebekah Pulley’s “Talking Animals Theme,” instrumentals

NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE:  The Doors’ “Twentieth Century Fox”

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