Why are Dogs so Loyal? | Dog Edition #70
11/01/22 • 27 min
Most of us think dogs are loyal to us humans because we provide them with creature comforts: food, shelter, belly rubs. But that’s not the full story.
Loyalty is deeply ingrained into canine DNA. Close bonds with humans were a crucial part of their evolution from wolves, and it’s one of the most prevalent features of dogs today.
In this episode, guests Dr. James Serpell, Professor Anne Burrows, and Amanda Matoske shed light on the science behind dog loyalty.
Spoiler alert: when a human gazes into a dog’s eyes, and the dog gazes back, both species release the same hormone: oxytocin. That’s the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone” that forms deep bonds!
James and Clare also share stories of two of history’s most loyal dogs, Fido and Hachiko.
About James Serpell
James Serpell is professor Emeritus of Ethics and Animal Welfare at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He does research in anthrozoology and specializes in the behavior and welfare of companion animals.
About Anne Burrows
Anne Burrows is a biological anthropologist and professor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She is an expert on the unique relationship between humans and dogs and regularly teaches a course on this subject.
About Amanda Matoske
Amanda Matsoke is a professional dog trainer whose work carries on the legacy of the late, great Kevin Behan, world-renowned dog trainer and best-selling author.
Other Show Links:
https://naturaldogtraining.com/
About Dog Podcast Network (DPN)
DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them.
Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows:
The Long Leash where we rescue tasty scraps from the editing room floor in an unscripted interview show
Dog Cancer Answers which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most of us think dogs are loyal to us humans because we provide them with creature comforts: food, shelter, belly rubs. But that’s not the full story.
Loyalty is deeply ingrained into canine DNA. Close bonds with humans were a crucial part of their evolution from wolves, and it’s one of the most prevalent features of dogs today.
In this episode, guests Dr. James Serpell, Professor Anne Burrows, and Amanda Matoske shed light on the science behind dog loyalty.
Spoiler alert: when a human gazes into a dog’s eyes, and the dog gazes back, both species release the same hormone: oxytocin. That’s the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone” that forms deep bonds!
James and Clare also share stories of two of history’s most loyal dogs, Fido and Hachiko.
About James Serpell
James Serpell is professor Emeritus of Ethics and Animal Welfare at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He does research in anthrozoology and specializes in the behavior and welfare of companion animals.
About Anne Burrows
Anne Burrows is a biological anthropologist and professor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She is an expert on the unique relationship between humans and dogs and regularly teaches a course on this subject.
About Amanda Matoske
Amanda Matsoke is a professional dog trainer whose work carries on the legacy of the late, great Kevin Behan, world-renowned dog trainer and best-selling author.
Other Show Links:
https://naturaldogtraining.com/
About Dog Podcast Network (DPN)
DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them.
Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows:
The Long Leash where we rescue tasty scraps from the editing room floor in an unscripted interview show
Dog Cancer Answers which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode
Hope’s Story: An 8,000-Mile Odyssey | Dog Edition #69
When the pandemic ground the world to a halt, Emma was studying in France, an ocean and a continent away from her home. Returning to Oregon to be closer to her family, she did what many other Americans did that year: adopt a puppy.
Hope was a rescue from Texas: a sweet, traumatized Pitbull. Despite the pandemic restrictions’ and wildfire season’s best efforts, Emma and Hope formed a quick, intense bond.
Hope turned out to be Emma’s great love, and so she never considered leaving her behind when she was offered a place in Glasgow to continue her studies. But Hope was terribly afraid of loud noises, and would never get on a plane. What to do?
Perhaps a trip on the Queen Mary 2 was in order. It’s the only ship that carries animals across the Atlantic. But, wait: it turns out that Hope’s breed is banned in the UK!
How was this girl going to get this dog into that country? Emma turned to her mother, Lucy, for help, and the two of them planned a truly epic itinerary.
Today we hear their story, and talk to Dr Sam Gaines of the RSPCA about the Dangerous Dogs Act, which has prohibited Pitbull ownership in the UK since 1991.
Episode Links
The RSPCA’s campaign to end Breed Specific Legislation
The UK government’s rules about banned breeds
About Dog Podcast Network (DPN)
Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows:
The Long Leash where we rescue tasty scraps from the editing room floor in an unscripted interview show
Dog Cancer Answers which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode
From the Titanic to Queen Mary 2: Transatlantic Dogs | Dog Edition #71
Ocean liners, the majestic hotels of the sea, have never been built just for humans. Since their invention in 1840, they have accommodated many other species.
In the early days, the animals who voyaged were fresh food for human passengers, so they didn’t quite complete the crossing. But that changed around the turn of the century, when passengers started asking to bring their pets on the trip. Shipping operators figured out how to let companion animals make themselves at home at sea.
The most memorable ocean liner, the Titanic, was perhaps the most infamous of the ships to accommodate pets. She left Southampton for her maiden voyage with over 2000 passengers and crew ... and twelve dogs on board. The dogs lived in luxury for a few days ... until the ship hit the iceberg. What happened to the dogs? Ian Murphy at Liverpool’s Maritime Museum and Janette McCutcheon, author of several books about ocean liners, tell us about each ... including an incredible tale of owner loyalty.
Make sure you have your handkerchief in hand!
By the 1930’s, ships were attracting movie stars, businesspeople, and other wealthy and glamorous passengers. And yes, they wanted their animals with them on the crossing. Who were the crew members tasked with looking after the dogs?
Today only one ocean liner is left in service: the Queen Mary 2. Perhaps it’s the law of supply and demand that explains why the wait list for kenneled passengers is two years ... but is it waning supply, or increasing demand? Humans choose to cross on Queen Mary 2 for a variety of reasons, from cost savings to phobia avoidance to health concerns. We speak to passengers who’ve made the trip and report how their dogs liked being on ship in a confined space with a strict diet. Was it a floating spa, or something ... else?
Episode Links
Travelling on the Queen Mary 2 with pets
Michelle Binkley’s YouTube channel
About Dog Podcast Network (DPN)
Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows:
The Long Leash where we rescue tasty scraps from the editing room floor in an unscripted interview show
Dog Cancer Answers which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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