All Dogs Go to Heaven

Ethics and Morality

Exotic-Pet Keeping as a Form of Human Predation

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on August 10, 2023

According to a new study, pet keeping is one of the most significant forms of human predation, accounting for roughly half of exploited species.

According to a new study, pet keeping is one of the most significant forms of human predation, accounting for roughly half of exploited species.

Ethics and Morality

Animal Welfare Science May Not Benefit Animals

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on July 31, 2023

A recent study found that research published in animal welfare journals often ignores the intrinsic value of animals.

A recent study found that research published in animal welfare journals often ignores the intrinsic value of animals.

Animal Behavior

How Hot Is Too Hot When Leaving Your Dog In the Car?

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on July 11, 2023

By staying informed, planning ahead, taking preventive measures, and using a conservative approach to “safe car temperature” we can ensure the safety of our four-legged friends.

By staying informed, planning ahead, taking preventive measures, and using a conservative approach to “safe car temperature” we can ensure the safety of our four-legged friends.

Punishment

Silencing Bark Deterrents

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on July 7, 2023

Personal Perspective: It is time to acknowledge the negative impacts of ultrasonic bark deterrents and take a stand against their use.

Personal Perspective: It is time to acknowledge the negative impacts of ultrasonic bark deterrents and take a stand against their use.

Animal Behavior

Provide Your Dog With Daily Microadventures

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on July 6, 2023

Microadventures offer a gateway to imaginative and enriching experiences for our furry friends.

Microadventures offer a gateway to imaginative and enriching experiences for our furry friends.

Ethics and Morality

The Ethics of Canine Care

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on June 23, 2023

The new status of dogs as beloved members of human families has not yet been integrated into animal protection laws and veterinary practice. A moral update is needed.

The new status of dogs as beloved members of human families has not yet been integrated into animal protection laws and veterinary practice. A moral update is needed.

Relationships

Can Dogs Intentionally Create Social Conflict?

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on June 16, 2023

A new book asks whether dogs are capable of willfully managing, even disrupting, human relationships to further their own interests.

A new book asks whether dogs are capable of willfully managing, even disrupting, human relationships to further their own interests.

Grief

Should Pet Euthanasia Appointments Be Recorded?

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on June 7, 2023

The audio and video recording of pet euthanasia appointments raises important ethical concerns related to privacy and consent.

The audio and video recording of pet euthanasia appointments raises important ethical concerns related to privacy and consent.

Animal Behavior

Dogs Demystified: A Delightful Guide to All Things Canine

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on May 31, 2023

This new encyclopedic and easy-to-read book is a must for becoming fluent in “dog” and for bettering the dog-human relationship.

This new encyclopedic and easy-to-read book is a must for becoming fluent in “dog” and for bettering the dog-human relationship.

Ethics and Morality

Why Do We Love Dogs Who Suffer?

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on May 17, 2023

A new study sheds light on why people buy flat-faced brachycephalic dogs despite their poor welfare, short life expectancy, high veterinary costs, and caregiving burden.

A new study sheds light on why people buy flat-faced brachycephalic dogs despite their poor welfare, short life expectancy, high veterinary costs, and caregiving burden.

Creativity

The Creative Lives of Dogs

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on December 3, 2022

A new book on the creative lives of animals invites us to observe more closely, and nurture, the creative process in our canine companions.

A new book on the creative lives of animals invites us to observe more closely, and nurture, the creative process in our canine companions.

Stress

Is It Ethical to Crate a Dog?

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on November 7, 2022

The familiar practice of "crating" pet dogs may not be such a good idea, unless the door is always open.

The familiar practice of "crating" pet dogs may not be such a good idea, unless the door is always open.

Fear

Protecting and Helping Fearful Dogs

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on October 12, 2022

Fear-based behavioral issues in dogs can be complex, and compassionate response often involves nuanced, long-term interventions undertaken with the help of professionals.

Fear-based behavioral issues in dogs can be complex, and compassionate response often involves nuanced, long-term interventions undertaken with the help of professionals.

Fear

Hold Still! Physical Restraint in Caring for Companion Animals

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on August 30, 2022

Physical restraint in our care of pets has the potential to inflict fear and can have long-term negative psychological fallout.

Physical restraint in our care of pets has the potential to inflict fear and can have long-term negative psychological fallout.

Oxytocin

Does Your Dog Cry Tears of Joy When You Get Home?

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on August 25, 2022

A new research study shows that being reunited with their human after a prolonged separation brings dogs to tears.

A new research study shows that being reunited with their human after a prolonged separation brings dogs to tears.

Diet

Beyond the Bowl: Feed Your Furry Friend’s Belly and Soul

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on August 23, 2022

Over the past several years, considerations about feeding dogs have expanded to include behavioral and social needs related to food.

Over the past several years, considerations about feeding dogs have expanded to include behavioral and social needs related to food.

Diet

Vegan Dog Food and Ideological Force-Feeding

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on August 22, 2022

We are all imposing lifestyle choices and ideological commitments onto our dogs—no matter what we eat ourselves and what we feed our dogs.

We are all imposing lifestyle choices and ideological commitments onto our dogs—no matter what we eat ourselves and what we feed our dogs.

Anxiety

Dogs, Eating, and Emotions

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on August 8, 2022

How we feed our canine companions is emotionally complicated for us and for them.

How we feed our canine companions is emotionally complicated for us and for them.

Ethics and Morality

Dogs, Food, and Human-Dog Power Relations

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on August 6, 2022

It is worth considering what dogs have lost in the transition to intensive food captivity and what human control over access to food resources does to human-dog relations.

It is worth considering what dogs have lost in the transition to intensive food captivity and what human control over access to food resources does to human-dog relations.

Stress

Rethinking How to "Walk the Dog"

Jessica Pierce Ph.D. on May 24, 2022

Rather than “take the dog for a walk”—which suggests a human-directed task—a subtle shift in emphasis might expand our expectations and create opportunities to make our dog happy.

Rather than “take the dog for a walk”—which suggests a human-directed task—a subtle shift in emphasis might expand our expectations and create opportunities to make our dog happy.