My Pet World: Emotion plays a big part in animal behavior, expert attests
Bekoff's 2000 book, "The Smile of a Dolphin: Remarkable Accounts of Animal Emotions," documented work on animal emotions for the general reader.
"Today, the discussion isn't so much about whether or not a very wide range of animals have emotions, but instead studying what advantage these emotions have. The time has come to debunk the myth of human exceptionalism ; it's hollow, shallow and we know simply untrue. We're simply not alone as the only emotional beings on the planet."
Pet owners have known for centuries that dogs and cats enjoy play, but so do many other animals on the planet. Bekoff is a pioneer for scientifically studying play behavior, and it turns out that many animals, ranging from deer to crows to some fish to chimpanzees, play.
"Typically, animals play when they are relaxed and in a good mood," Bekoff says. But do animals really experience good or bad moods? "Of course," he says.
"Play is fun, but there are also physical, social and cognitive benefits. And play is an effective way to learn, for crows to humans," Bekoff adds.
In "Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed" -- which is filled with nearly 100 short essays -- Bekoff notes that play is a great way to train dogs. It's interesting that some dogs begin to play far less as they reach middle-age. Is it about the dogs becoming more grown up?
"Not necessarily," Bekoff says. "I think it's about their owners disciplining dogs who are just having a good time, just being dogs. Perhaps their people are on the phone or busy and the people are sometimes just too serious, without time to play, which is the problem. Given the opportunity, many dogs will play even as they age. I think the dogs have got it right. I don't think you can play too much."
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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.
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