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Many pet owners have stories of their dog growling at a seemingly friendly stranger, barking at an empty corner of a room, or acting as a furry barrier between them and another person. This leads us to the fascinating and spine-tingling question, can dogs sense evil? If you want to learn more on this topic, […]
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Welcome to the deep dive, the place
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Welcome to the deep dive, the place
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Welcome to the deep dive, the place where we take the universal, the
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where we take the universal, the
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where we take the universal, the strange, and uh the slightly uncanny,
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strange, and uh the slightly uncanny,
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strange, and uh the slightly uncanny, and put them under the highest powered
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and put them under the highest powered
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and put them under the highest powered microscope. Today, we are wrestling with
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microscope. Today, we are wrestling with
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microscope. Today, we are wrestling with a concept that every single person who
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a concept that every single person who
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a concept that every single person who has ever lived with a dog has pondered,
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has ever lived with a dog has pondered,
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has ever lived with a dog has pondered, usually in a dark corner of their house
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usually in a dark corner of their house
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usually in a dark corner of their house at 300 a.m.
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at 300 a.m.
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at 300 a.m. >> We're talking about those gut-wrenching,
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>> We're talking about those gut-wrenching,
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>> We're talking about those gut-wrenching, puzzling moments when your loyal
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puzzling moments when your loyal
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puzzling moments when your loyal companion seems to see, hear, or just
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companion seems to see, hear, or just
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companion seems to see, hear, or just know something you absolutely cannot.
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know something you absolutely cannot.
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know something you absolutely cannot. We're exploring those classic scenarios,
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We're exploring those classic scenarios,
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We're exploring those classic scenarios, aren't we? The low, guttural growl
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aren't we? The low, guttural growl
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aren't we? The low, guttural growl directed not at a shadow, but at a
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directed not at a shadow, but at a
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directed not at a shadow, but at a seemingly friendly smiling stranger.
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seemingly friendly smiling stranger.
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seemingly friendly smiling stranger. >> Exactly. Or the intense focused barking
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>> Exactly. Or the intense focused barking
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>> Exactly. Or the intense focused barking at an empty stretch of hallway.
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at an empty stretch of hallway.
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at an empty stretch of hallway. >> Yeah. Or maybe the most powerful one
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>> Yeah. Or maybe the most powerful one
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>> Yeah. Or maybe the most powerful one when your dog just plants itself
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when your dog just plants itself
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when your dog just plants itself directly between you and another person
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directly between you and another person
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directly between you and another person acting as this, you know, rigid furry
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acting as this, you know, rigid furry
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acting as this, you know, rigid furry barrier, hackles raised,
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barrier, hackles raised,
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barrier, hackles raised, >> declaring completely non-verbbally
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>> declaring completely non-verbbally
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>> declaring completely non-verbbally danger approaches. Mhm.
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danger approaches. Mhm.
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danger approaches. Mhm. >> These anecdotes, they all point us
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>> These anecdotes, they all point us
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>> These anecdotes, they all point us toward this fascinating and let's be
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toward this fascinating and let's be
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toward this fascinating and let's be honest, slightly chilling question. Can
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honest, slightly chilling question. Can
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honest, slightly chilling question. Can dogs sense evil?
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dogs sense evil?
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dogs sense evil? >> And our deep dive today is going to
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>> And our deep dive today is going to
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>> And our deep dive today is going to treat this question with the seriousness
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treat this question with the seriousness
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treat this question with the seriousness it deserves.
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it deserves.
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it deserves. >> We're not, you know, resorting to
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>> We're not, you know, resorting to
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>> We're not, you know, resorting to sensationalism. We're synthesizing the
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sensationalism. We're synthesizing the
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sensationalism. We're synthesizing the robust science of K9 perception with
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robust science of K9 perception with
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robust science of K9 perception with millennia of observed instinct.
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millennia of observed instinct.
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millennia of observed instinct. >> Our mission is centered on honoring the
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>> Our mission is centered on honoring the
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>> Our mission is centered on honoring the truly remarkable depth of of their
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truly remarkable depth of of their
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truly remarkable depth of of their perception and that protective bond we
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perception and that protective bond we
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perception and that protective bond we share.
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share.
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share. >> Right. We've pulled together research
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>> Right. We've pulled together research
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>> Right. We've pulled together research touching on um neurology, endocrinology,
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touching on um neurology, endocrinology,
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touching on um neurology, endocrinology, social behavior
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social behavior
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social behavior >> to really try and unravel this
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>> to really try and unravel this
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>> to really try and unravel this phenomenon.
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phenomenon.
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phenomenon. >> But we have to clarify something right
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>> But we have to clarify something right
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>> But we have to clarify something right up front, don't we?
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up front, don't we?
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up front, don't we? >> We do. Evil is a uniquely human moral
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>> We do. Evil is a uniquely human moral
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>> We do. Evil is a uniquely human moral construct. Dogs don't attend philosophy
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construct. Dogs don't attend philosophy
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construct. Dogs don't attend philosophy class,
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class,
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class, >> right? They don't assess intent in terms
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>> right? They don't assess intent in terms
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>> right? They don't assess intent in terms of good versus bad or right versus
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of good versus bad or right versus
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of good versus bad or right versus wrong. It's not like that.
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wrong. It's not like that.
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wrong. It's not like that. >> Not at all. But what they do detect are
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>> Not at all. But what they do detect are
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>> Not at all. But what they do detect are these subtle physiological shifts that
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these subtle physiological shifts that
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these subtle physiological shifts that signal danger or aggression or acute
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signal danger or aggression or acute
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signal danger or aggression or acute stress in another being. And these are
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stress in another being. And these are
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stress in another being. And these are signals that are completely invisible to
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signals that are completely invisible to
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signals that are completely invisible to us.
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us.
1:53
us. >> So that instinctual reaction to a
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>> So that instinctual reaction to a
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>> So that instinctual reaction to a threat, that's what our human brains
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threat, that's what our human brains
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threat, that's what our human brains translate into this idea of sensing
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translate into this idea of sensing
1:58
translate into this idea of sensing evil.
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evil.
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evil. >> Precisely. It's an awareness born of
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>> Precisely. It's an awareness born of
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>> Precisely. It's an awareness born of thousands and thousands of years of
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thousands and thousands of years of
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thousands and thousands of years of co-evolution. Their sensory input is so
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co-evolution. Their sensory input is so
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co-evolution. Their sensory input is so vast, so refined that they are and
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vast, so refined that they are and
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vast, so refined that they are and they're our most powerful allies in
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they're our most powerful allies in
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they're our most powerful allies in detecting threats that exist just
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detecting threats that exist just
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detecting threats that exist just outside our own perceptual boundary.
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outside our own perceptual boundary.
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outside our own perceptual boundary. >> They're like the non-verbal canary in
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>> They're like the non-verbal canary in
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>> They're like the non-verbal canary in the coal mine.
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the coal mine.
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the coal mine. >> That's a great way to put it. Yeah.
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>> That's a great way to put it. Yeah.
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>> That's a great way to put it. Yeah. tuned specifically to human emotional
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tuned specifically to human emotional
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tuned specifically to human emotional volatility.
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volatility.
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volatility. >> And if you listen to nothing else today,
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>> And if you listen to nothing else today,
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>> And if you listen to nothing else today, this is the core idea we need to unpack.
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this is the core idea we need to unpack.
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this is the core idea we need to unpack. Your dog's nose knows more than just
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Your dog's nose knows more than just
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Your dog's nose knows more than just treats and walks. It might actually be
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treats and walks. It might actually be
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treats and walks. It might actually be able to sniff out hostile intent.
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able to sniff out hostile intent.
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able to sniff out hostile intent. >> Let's get into exactly how that's
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>> Let's get into exactly how that's
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>> Let's get into exactly how that's chemically possible.
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chemically possible.
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chemically possible. >> Okay, so where do we start?
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>> Okay, so where do we start?
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>> Okay, so where do we start? >> We absolutely must begin with olfaction
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>> We absolutely must begin with olfaction
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>> We absolutely must begin with olfaction with smell
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with smell
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with smell >> because the scientific data supporting
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>> because the scientific data supporting
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>> because the scientific data supporting their sensory superiority is just it's
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their sensory superiority is just it's
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their sensory superiority is just it's staggering.
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staggering.
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staggering. >> Right? When people talk about a dog's
2:48
>> Right? When people talk about a dog's
2:48
>> Right? When people talk about a dog's sixth sense, they're often just, you
2:50
sixth sense, they're often just, you
2:50
sixth sense, they're often just, you know, completely underelling the power
2:52
know, completely underelling the power
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know, completely underelling the power of their first sense.
2:53
of their first sense.
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of their first sense. >> And the numbers really bear this out. I
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>> And the numbers really bear this out. I
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>> And the numbers really bear this out. I mean, we are talking about dogs
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mean, we are talking about dogs
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mean, we are talking about dogs possessing up to 300 million olfactory
3:00
possessing up to 300 million olfactory
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possessing up to 300 million olfactory receptors,
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receptors,
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receptors, >> right? And just to put that in
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>> right? And just to put that in
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>> right? And just to put that in perspective for you, a human typically
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perspective for you, a human typically
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perspective for you, a human typically manages around what? 6 million.
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manages around what? 6 million.
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manages around what? 6 million. >> 6 million. It's a 50fold difference in
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>> 6 million. It's a 50fold difference in
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>> 6 million. It's a 50fold difference in just the sheer hardware.
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just the sheer hardware.
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just the sheer hardware. >> It is. And it goes deeper than just the
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>> It is. And it goes deeper than just the
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>> It is. And it goes deeper than just the number of receptors, though. It's about
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number of receptors, though. It's about
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number of receptors, though. It's about how that data is processed. Yeah,
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how that data is processed. Yeah,
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how that data is processed. Yeah, >> consider the actual architecture of the
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>> consider the actual architecture of the
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>> consider the actual architecture of the canine brain. The part of their brain
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canine brain. The part of their brain
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canine brain. The part of their brain that's dedicated to analyzing odors, the
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that's dedicated to analyzing odors, the
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that's dedicated to analyzing odors, the alactory bulb, is proportionally about
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alactory bulb, is proportionally about
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alactory bulb, is proportionally about 40 times larger than it is in us.
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40 times larger than it is in us.
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40 times larger than it is in us. >> Wow. 40 times.
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>> Wow. 40 times.
3:29
>> Wow. 40 times. >> Their entire world is built around
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>> Their entire world is built around
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>> Their entire world is built around scent.
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scent.
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scent. >> So, their neural processing power for
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>> So, their neural processing power for
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>> So, their neural processing power for smell is just immense. But I read that
3:35
smell is just immense. But I read that
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smell is just immense. But I read that they have a secondary dedicated scent
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they have a secondary dedicated scent
3:38
they have a secondary dedicated scent system that we barely even have. Is that
3:40
system that we barely even have. Is that
3:40
system that we barely even have. Is that right?
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right?
3:40
right? >> That's the crucial piece of the puzzle.
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>> That's the crucial piece of the puzzle.
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>> That's the crucial piece of the puzzle. They possess the vomo nasal organ often
3:45
They possess the vomo nasal organ often
3:45
They possess the vomo nasal organ often called Jacobson's organ. Okay,
3:47
called Jacobson's organ. Okay,
3:47
called Jacobson's organ. Okay, >> it's located just above the roof of the
3:48
>> it's located just above the roof of the
3:48
>> it's located just above the roof of the mouth. And this organ is specifically
3:50
mouth. And this organ is specifically
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mouth. And this organ is specifically wired to detect pherommones and these uh
3:54
wired to detect pherommones and these uh
3:54
wired to detect pherommones and these uh high molecular weight chemical signals
3:56
high molecular weight chemical signals
3:56
high molecular weight chemical signals >> scents that aren't even really smells in
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>> scents that aren't even really smells in
3:58
>> scents that aren't even really smells in the way we think of them.
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the way we think of them.
3:59
the way we think of them. >> Exactly. This is a dedicated channel for
4:01
>> Exactly. This is a dedicated channel for
4:01
>> Exactly. This is a dedicated channel for complex chemical communication and that
4:03
complex chemical communication and that
4:03
complex chemical communication and that includes the subtle hormonal outputs
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includes the subtle hormonal outputs
4:05
includes the subtle hormonal outputs that signal a person's intent.
4:07
that signal a person's intent.
4:07
that signal a person's intent. >> Okay. So, this is where we bridge the
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>> Okay. So, this is where we bridge the
4:09
>> Okay. So, this is where we bridge the gap. We go from pure biology to actually
4:12
gap. We go from pure biology to actually
4:12
gap. We go from pure biology to actually detecting intent.
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detecting intent.
4:14
detecting intent. When a person is feeling intense
4:17
When a person is feeling intense
4:17
When a person is feeling intense negative emotion, malicious intent,
4:19
negative emotion, malicious intent,
4:19
negative emotion, malicious intent, acute anxiety, rage, what is their body
4:23
acute anxiety, rage, what is their body
4:23
acute anxiety, rage, what is their body physically releasing that a dog can pick
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physically releasing that a dog can pick
4:25
physically releasing that a dog can pick up on?
4:25
up on?
4:25
up on? >> They're releasing stress hormones,
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>> They're releasing stress hormones,
4:28
>> They're releasing stress hormones, primarily cortical and adrenaline,
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primarily cortical and adrenaline,
4:30
primarily cortical and adrenaline, >> fight orflight chemicals,
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>> fight orflight chemicals,
4:31
>> fight orflight chemicals, >> the very same. These hormones are
4:33
>> the very same. These hormones are
4:33
>> the very same. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and their
4:35
secreted into the bloodstream and their
4:35
secreted into the bloodstream and their byproducts are released really rapidly
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byproducts are released really rapidly
4:37
byproducts are released really rapidly through sweat, through breath, just
4:39
through sweat, through breath, just
4:39
through sweat, through breath, just general skin offging. These are genuine
4:41
general skin offging. These are genuine
4:42
general skin offging. These are genuine quantifiable chemical signals.
4:43
quantifiable chemical signals.
4:44
quantifiable chemical signals. >> And the dog's nose, especially with that
4:46
>> And the dog's nose, especially with that
4:46
>> And the dog's nose, especially with that special organ,
4:46
special organ,
4:46
special organ, >> the vulmer nasal organ. Yeah. It is
4:49
>> the vulmer nasal organ. Yeah. It is
4:49
>> the vulmer nasal organ. Yeah. It is exquisitly tuned to detect these minute
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exquisitly tuned to detect these minute
4:51
exquisitly tuned to detect these minute chemical shifts.
4:52
chemical shifts.
4:52
chemical shifts. >> So it's not just a faint scent, it's a
4:53
>> So it's not just a faint scent, it's a
4:53
>> So it's not just a faint scent, it's a chemical spike, a sudden change in that
4:56
chemical spike, a sudden change in that
4:56
chemical spike, a sudden change in that person's chemical profile.
4:57
person's chemical profile.
4:57
person's chemical profile. >> A huge change. So if someone is trying
4:59
>> A huge change. So if someone is trying
4:59
>> A huge change. So if someone is trying to project calm on the outside, you
5:00
to project calm on the outside, you
5:00
to project calm on the outside, you know, they're smiling and using friendly
5:02
know, they're smiling and using friendly
5:02
know, they're smiling and using friendly social cues, but internally they are
5:04
social cues, but internally they are
5:04
social cues, but internally they are stressed or fearful or actively
5:06
stressed or fearful or actively
5:06
stressed or fearful or actively aggressive, their body chemistry
5:08
aggressive, their body chemistry
5:08
aggressive, their body chemistry immediately gives them away.
5:09
immediately gives them away.
5:09
immediately gives them away. >> It's a real-time hormonal radar. That's
5:12
>> It's a real-time hormonal radar. That's
5:12
>> It's a real-time hormonal radar. That's a critical distinction. And the research
5:13
a critical distinction. And the research
5:13
a critical distinction. And the research here has moved beyond just theory,
5:15
here has moved beyond just theory,
5:15
here has moved beyond just theory, >> right? The sources highlight a 2019
5:18
>> right? The sources highlight a 2019
5:18
>> right? The sources highlight a 2019 study published in the Journal of
5:19
study published in the Journal of
5:19
study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dermatology.
5:21
Veterinary Dermatology.
5:21
Veterinary Dermatology. This research specifically set out to
5:23
This research specifically set out to
5:23
This research specifically set out to quantify the link between human stress
5:25
quantify the link between human stress
5:25
quantify the link between human stress markers and how dogs behave.
5:27
markers and how dogs behave.
5:28
markers and how dogs behave. >> Okay, so how did they even do that?
5:29
>> Okay, so how did they even do that?
5:29
>> Okay, so how did they even do that? Yeah,
5:30
Yeah,
5:30
Yeah, >> it sounds like it would be a real
5:31
>> it sounds like it would be a real
5:31
>> it sounds like it would be a real challenge to isolate the scent from all
5:33
challenge to isolate the scent from all
5:33
challenge to isolate the scent from all the other cues like visual or auditory
5:35
the other cues like visual or auditory
5:35
the other cues like visual or auditory ones.
5:36
ones.
5:36
ones. >> It was really ingenious actually.
5:38
>> It was really ingenious actually.
5:38
>> It was really ingenious actually. Researchers collected scent samples,
5:40
Researchers collected scent samples,
5:40
Researchers collected scent samples, usually sweat from the armpits or breath
5:42
usually sweat from the armpits or breath
5:42
usually sweat from the armpits or breath samples from people who were put into
5:44
samples from people who were put into
5:44
samples from people who were put into stressful situations
5:45
stressful situations
5:45
stressful situations >> and they made sure it was genuine
5:46
>> and they made sure it was genuine
5:46
>> and they made sure it was genuine stress.
5:47
stress.
5:47
stress. >> Oh yeah. They measured it
5:48
>> Oh yeah. They measured it
5:48
>> Oh yeah. They measured it physiologically. heart rate, elevated
5:51
physiologically. heart rate, elevated
5:51
physiologically. heart rate, elevated cortisol levels in their saliva. Then
5:53
cortisol levels in their saliva. Then
5:53
cortisol levels in their saliva. Then they took those scent samples and
5:55
they took those scent samples and
5:55
they took those scent samples and presented them to dogs in a controlled
5:57
presented them to dogs in a controlled
5:57
presented them to dogs in a controlled lab setting without the human subject
5:59
lab setting without the human subject
5:59
lab setting without the human subject actually being there.
5:59
actually being there.
6:00
actually being there. >> Ah, so they completely removed the
6:01
>> Ah, so they completely removed the
6:01
>> Ah, so they completely removed the possibility of the dog reacting to a
6:03
possibility of the dog reacting to a
6:03
possibility of the dog reacting to a scowl or a tense posture.
6:05
scowl or a tense posture.
6:05
scowl or a tense posture. >> Exactly.
6:06
>> Exactly.
6:06
>> Exactly. >> They were reacting to pure chemistry on
6:08
>> They were reacting to pure chemistry on
6:08
>> They were reacting to pure chemistry on a piece of cloth. That's it. And the
6:10
a piece of cloth. That's it. And the
6:10
a piece of cloth. That's it. And the findings were stark. The dogs reacted
6:13
findings were stark. The dogs reacted
6:13
findings were stark. The dogs reacted much more defensively, meaning they
6:15
much more defensively, meaning they
6:15
much more defensively, meaning they showed more vigilance. Their heart rate
6:16
showed more vigilance. Their heart rate
6:16
showed more vigilance. Their heart rate increased. They tried to avoid the
6:18
increased. They tried to avoid the
6:18
increased. They tried to avoid the sample. Some even gave low warning
6:20
sample. Some even gave low warning
6:20
sample. Some even gave low warning growls to the scent samples from the
6:22
growls to the scent samples from the
6:22
growls to the scent samples from the people with demonstrably elevated
6:24
people with demonstrably elevated
6:24
people with demonstrably elevated cortisol levels.
6:25
cortisol levels.
6:25
cortisol levels. >> That's powerful validation.
6:27
>> That's powerful validation.
6:27
>> That's powerful validation. >> It is. It established a clear,
6:29
>> It is. It established a clear,
6:29
>> It is. It established a clear, measurable link between the chemical
6:31
measurable link between the chemical
6:31
measurable link between the chemical markers of stress and the dog's
6:33
markers of stress and the dog's
6:33
markers of stress and the dog's perception of a threat or, you know, at
6:35
perception of a threat or, you know, at
6:35
perception of a threat or, you know, at least discomfort.
6:37
least discomfort.
6:37
least discomfort. >> It confirms that the scent of intense
6:39
>> It confirms that the scent of intense
6:39
>> It confirms that the scent of intense negative emotion, the chemical signature
6:42
negative emotion, the chemical signature
6:42
negative emotion, the chemical signature of aggression or fear is a real
6:45
of aggression or fear is a real
6:45
of aggression or fear is a real detectable signal for them.
6:46
detectable signal for them.
6:46
detectable signal for them. >> No question. So, for you listening, what
6:49
>> No question. So, for you listening, what
6:49
>> No question. So, for you listening, what are those subtle observable warning
6:51
are those subtle observable warning
6:51
are those subtle observable warning signs when a dog catches this this
6:54
signs when a dog catches this this
6:54
signs when a dog catches this this unpleasant chemical signal from a
6:56
unpleasant chemical signal from a
6:56
unpleasant chemical signal from a stranger?
6:56
stranger?
6:56
stranger? >> They often start really small. You want
6:58
>> They often start really small. You want
6:58
>> They often start really small. You want to look for the ears to be pinned back
6:59
to look for the ears to be pinned back
6:59
to look for the ears to be pinned back or maybe constantly flicking like
7:01
or maybe constantly flicking like
7:01
or maybe constantly flicking like they're trying to process where the
7:02
they're trying to process where the
7:02
they're trying to process where the signal is coming from.
7:03
signal is coming from.
7:03
signal is coming from. >> And the tail,
7:04
>> And the tail,
7:04
>> And the tail, >> the tail, even if it was loose and happy
7:06
>> the tail, even if it was loose and happy
7:06
>> the tail, even if it was loose and happy a moment ago, might become lowered or
7:08
a moment ago, might become lowered or
7:08
a moment ago, might become lowered or tucked. That's a classic sign of
7:10
tucked. That's a classic sign of
7:10
tucked. That's a classic sign of conflict or stress. But maybe the most
7:12
conflict or stress. But maybe the most
7:12
conflict or stress. But maybe the most reliable sign is a sudden refusal to
7:13
reliable sign is a sudden refusal to
7:14
reliable sign is a sudden refusal to approach the individual.
7:15
approach the individual.
7:15
approach the individual. >> Or even trying to move around them in a
7:17
>> Or even trying to move around them in a
7:18
>> Or even trying to move around them in a wide arc. I've seen that.
7:19
wide arc. I've seen that.
7:19
wide arc. I've seen that. >> Yes, that's a big one.
7:20
>> Yes, that's a big one.
7:20
>> Yes, that's a big one. >> I've also read that intense sniffing
7:22
>> I've also read that intense sniffing
7:22
>> I've also read that intense sniffing isn't always just curiosity in this
7:24
isn't always just curiosity in this
7:24
isn't always just curiosity in this context. It can be a sign of distress.
7:26
context. It can be a sign of distress.
7:26
context. It can be a sign of distress. >> That's a great point.
7:27
>> That's a great point.
7:27
>> That's a great point. >> Yeah.
7:27
>> Yeah.
7:27
>> Yeah. >> If they start to sniff the air intensely
7:29
>> If they start to sniff the air intensely
7:30
>> If they start to sniff the air intensely or engage in that rapid shallow panting,
7:33
or engage in that rapid shallow panting,
7:33
or engage in that rapid shallow panting, it's often called air scenting. They're
7:34
it's often called air scenting. They're
7:34
it's often called air scenting. They're trying to confirm the source of that
7:36
trying to confirm the source of that
7:36
trying to confirm the source of that high cortisol signal.
7:37
high cortisol signal.
7:38
high cortisol signal. >> They're gathering more data.
7:39
>> They're gathering more data.
7:39
>> They're gathering more data. >> Mhm. Sometimes they'll even start
7:40
>> Mhm. Sometimes they'll even start
7:40
>> Mhm. Sometimes they'll even start circling trying to get downwind of the
7:43
circling trying to get downwind of the
7:43
circling trying to get downwind of the person to get the full scent profile.
7:45
person to get the full scent profile.
7:45
person to get the full scent profile. It's a silent alert system that tells us
7:47
It's a silent alert system that tells us
7:47
It's a silent alert system that tells us something is chemically off
7:49
something is chemically off
7:49
something is chemically off >> with that interaction.
7:50
>> with that interaction.
7:50
>> with that interaction. >> And this incredible capability isn't
7:52
>> And this incredible capability isn't
7:52
>> And this incredible capability isn't just about detecting, you know, criminal
7:54
just about detecting, you know, criminal
7:54
just about detecting, you know, criminal intent. The source material reminds us
7:57
intent. The source material reminds us
7:57
intent. The source material reminds us that dogs use this emotional radar in
7:59
that dogs use this emotional radar in
7:59
that dogs use this emotional radar in much broader, often helpful ways.
8:01
much broader, often helpful ways.
8:01
much broader, often helpful ways. >> They do. The mechanism is generalized.
8:04
>> They do. The mechanism is generalized.
8:04
>> They do. The mechanism is generalized. Dogs use these subtle chemical signals
8:06
Dogs use these subtle chemical signals
8:06
Dogs use these subtle chemical signals to sense illness and profound emotional
8:09
to sense illness and profound emotional
8:09
to sense illness and profound emotional distress in other animals and in us.
8:11
distress in other animals and in us.
8:11
distress in other animals and in us. >> This has to be the basis for a lot of
8:13
>> This has to be the basis for a lot of
8:13
>> This has to be the basis for a lot of service dog roles.
8:14
service dog roles.
8:14
service dog roles. >> It is it's the physiological basis.
8:16
>> It is it's the physiological basis.
8:16
>> It is it's the physiological basis. >> They're trained to respond to the onset
8:18
>> They're trained to respond to the onset
8:18
>> They're trained to respond to the onset of a panic attack or an emotional
8:20
of a panic attack or an emotional
8:20
of a panic attack or an emotional breakdown or even some epileptic
8:22
breakdown or even some epileptic
8:22
breakdown or even some epileptic seizures by detecting those exact same
8:25
seizures by detecting those exact same
8:25
seizures by detecting those exact same underlying hormonal spikes that happen
8:26
underlying hormonal spikes that happen
8:26
underlying hormonal spikes that happen right before the event.
8:27
right before the event.
8:28
right before the event. >> They are truly living emotional
8:29
>> They are truly living emotional
8:29
>> They are truly living emotional barometers.
8:30
barometers.
8:30
barometers. >> Absolutely.
8:30
>> Absolutely.
8:30
>> Absolutely. >> So, we start with the nose. this vast
8:32
>> So, we start with the nose. this vast
8:32
>> So, we start with the nose. this vast chemical detection system. But a dog
8:35
chemical detection system. But a dog
8:35
chemical detection system. But a dog isn't just a mobile nose. It's
8:37
isn't just a mobile nose. It's
8:37
isn't just a mobile nose. It's integrating all of the sensory data.
8:39
integrating all of the sensory data.
8:39
integrating all of the sensory data. Let's move from the purely chemical to
8:41
Let's move from the purely chemical to
8:41
Let's move from the purely chemical to the integrated sensory input. How they
8:44
the integrated sensory input. How they
8:44
the integrated sensory input. How they combine smell with sight and sound to
8:46
combine smell with sight and sound to
8:46
combine smell with sight and sound to get that holistic judgment we call a
8:48
get that holistic judgment we call a
8:48
get that holistic judgment we call a vibe or energy.
8:50
vibe or energy.
8:50
vibe or energy. >> This is where we really move into the
8:51
>> This is where we really move into the
8:51
>> This is where we really move into the realm of true emotional intelligence. I
8:54
realm of true emotional intelligence. I
8:54
realm of true emotional intelligence. I mean, the anecdotal evidence is just
8:56
mean, the anecdotal evidence is just
8:56
mean, the anecdotal evidence is just overwhelming. People consistently report
8:58
overwhelming. People consistently report
8:58
overwhelming. People consistently report their dogs reacting intensely to
9:00
their dogs reacting intensely to
9:00
their dogs reacting intensely to individuals who might outwardly seem
9:02
individuals who might outwardly seem
9:02
individuals who might outwardly seem friendly but emit what owners call
9:03
friendly but emit what owners call
9:04
friendly but emit what owners call negative energy. Right?
9:05
negative energy. Right?
9:05
negative energy. Right? >> And that suggests the dog is making a
9:06
>> And that suggests the dog is making a
9:06
>> And that suggests the dog is making a holistic assessment that goes way beyond
9:08
holistic assessment that goes way beyond
9:08
holistic assessment that goes way beyond just scent.
9:09
just scent.
9:09
just scent. >> Okay. But I think we need to challenge
9:11
>> Okay. But I think we need to challenge
9:11
>> Okay. But I think we need to challenge that idea of energy a little bit. How do
9:13
that idea of energy a little bit. How do
9:13
that idea of energy a little bit. How do we know the dog is reacting to the
9:15
we know the dog is reacting to the
9:15
we know the dog is reacting to the person's internal state and not just
9:17
person's internal state and not just
9:17
person's internal state and not just reflecting our own low-level unconscious
9:20
reflecting our own low-level unconscious
9:20
reflecting our own low-level unconscious anxiety about the social situation?
9:22
anxiety about the social situation?
9:22
anxiety about the social situation? That's a critical question and it's why
9:24
That's a critical question and it's why
9:24
That's a critical question and it's why researchers focus on the physiological
9:26
researchers focus on the physiological
9:26
researchers focus on the physiological and behavioral cues the dog shows even
9:29
and behavioral cues the dog shows even
9:29
and behavioral cues the dog shows even when the owner is trying to stay
9:30
when the owner is trying to stay
9:30
when the owner is trying to stay neutral.
9:31
neutral.
9:31
neutral. >> I see.
9:31
>> I see.
9:31
>> I see. >> And while dogs absolutely read and
9:33
>> And while dogs absolutely read and
9:34
>> And while dogs absolutely read and mirror our emotional climate, studies
9:36
mirror our emotional climate, studies
9:36
mirror our emotional climate, studies show they also get anxious in
9:37
show they also get anxious in
9:37
show they also get anxious in environments where no one is overtly
9:39
environments where no one is overtly
9:39
environments where no one is overtly distressed, but the micro expressions
9:41
distressed, but the micro expressions
9:41
distressed, but the micro expressions and the body postures of others signal
9:44
and the body postures of others signal
9:44
and the body postures of others signal tension.
9:45
tension.
9:45
tension. >> So they're sensitive to that that
9:47
>> So they're sensitive to that that
9:47
>> So they're sensitive to that that ambient unagnowledged human tension in a
9:49
ambient unagnowledged human tension in a
9:49
ambient unagnowledged human tension in a room.
9:49
room.
9:49
room. >> Very sensitive. They act as emotional
9:51
>> Very sensitive. They act as emotional
9:51
>> Very sensitive. They act as emotional mirrors reflecting the hidden stress.
9:53
mirrors reflecting the hidden stress.
9:53
mirrors reflecting the hidden stress. >> So what are they looking for visually?
9:55
>> So what are they looking for visually?
9:55
>> So what are they looking for visually? What are the tells?
9:56
What are the tells?
9:56
What are the tells? >> They are masters of reading micro
9:58
>> They are masters of reading micro
9:58
>> They are masters of reading micro expressions.
9:58
expressions.
9:58
expressions. >> Okay. What are those exactly?
10:00
>> Okay. What are those exactly?
10:00
>> Okay. What are those exactly? >> These are fleeting facial expressions
10:01
>> These are fleeting facial expressions
10:01
>> These are fleeting facial expressions that last only a fraction of a second.
10:04
that last only a fraction of a second.
10:04
that last only a fraction of a second. They're often too fast for us to
10:05
They're often too fast for us to
10:05
They're often too fast for us to consciously notice, but they betray
10:07
consciously notice, but they betray
10:07
consciously notice, but they betray genuine emotion. And dogs whose visual
10:10
genuine emotion. And dogs whose visual
10:10
genuine emotion. And dogs whose visual systems are highly attuned to motion and
10:12
systems are highly attuned to motion and
10:12
systems are highly attuned to motion and changes in contour are excellent at
10:15
changes in contour are excellent at
10:15
changes in contour are excellent at catching these quick signals.
10:16
catching these quick signals.
10:16
catching these quick signals. >> And the research backed this up, right?
10:18
>> And the research backed this up, right?
10:18
>> And the research backed this up, right? their ability to connect faces with
10:20
their ability to connect faces with
10:20
their ability to connect faces with feelings.
10:21
feelings.
10:21
feelings. >> Yes, there was landmark research from
10:23
>> Yes, there was landmark research from
10:23
>> Yes, there was landmark research from Emery University that confirmed dogs
10:25
Emery University that confirmed dogs
10:25
Emery University that confirmed dogs process human faces in a specialized
10:28
process human faces in a specialized
10:28
process human faces in a specialized part of their brain very similar to our
10:30
part of their brain very similar to our
10:30
part of their brain very similar to our own.
10:30
own.
10:30
own. >> So they can recognize individual faces
10:33
>> So they can recognize individual faces
10:33
>> So they can recognize individual faces >> and critically associate those faces
10:35
>> and critically associate those faces
10:35
>> and critically associate those faces with specific emotional states based on
10:38
with specific emotional states based on
10:38
with specific emotional states based on their past experiences with that person
10:40
their past experiences with that person
10:40
their past experiences with that person or that expression.
10:41
or that expression.
10:41
or that expression. >> So when they are assessing a potential
10:43
>> So when they are assessing a potential
10:43
>> So when they are assessing a potential threat, what specific facial signals are
10:45
threat, what specific facial signals are
10:45
threat, what specific facial signals are they reacting to? They are hyper attuned
10:47
they reacting to? They are hyper attuned
10:47
they reacting to? They are hyper attuned to the signs of impending aggression.
10:50
to the signs of impending aggression.
10:50
to the signs of impending aggression. The subtle tightening around the mouth,
10:52
The subtle tightening around the mouth,
10:52
The subtle tightening around the mouth, you know, the scowls, the glares, or a
10:54
you know, the scowls, the glares, or a
10:54
you know, the scowls, the glares, or a tense jawline.
10:55
tense jawline.
10:55
tense jawline. >> To a dog, those aren't just benign
10:57
>> To a dog, those aren't just benign
10:57
>> To a dog, those aren't just benign visual cues.
10:58
visual cues.
10:58
visual cues. >> Not at all. They are evolutionary
11:00
>> Not at all. They are evolutionary
11:00
>> Not at all. They are evolutionary warnings of potential conflict. If they
11:02
warnings of potential conflict. If they
11:02
warnings of potential conflict. If they see a person's face shift from relaxed
11:04
see a person's face shift from relaxed
11:04
see a person's face shift from relaxed to rigid, they interpret that rigidity
11:07
to rigid, they interpret that rigidity
11:07
to rigid, they interpret that rigidity as a step toward hostility.
11:09
as a step toward hostility.
11:09
as a step toward hostility. >> And what about the eyes?
11:10
>> And what about the eyes?
11:10
>> And what about the eyes? >> Oh, the eyes are paramount. Dogs are
11:12
>> Oh, the eyes are paramount. Dogs are
11:12
>> Oh, the eyes are paramount. Dogs are highly, highly aware of eye contact. A
11:15
highly, highly aware of eye contact. A
11:15
highly, highly aware of eye contact. A prolonged unwavering stare is a
11:18
prolonged unwavering stare is a
11:18
prolonged unwavering stare is a universal threat signal both in the
11:20
universal threat signal both in the
11:20
universal threat signal both in the canine world and you know in the early
11:22
canine world and you know in the early
11:22
canine world and you know in the early human world.
11:23
human world.
11:23
human world. >> So they're watching the eyes very
11:24
>> So they're watching the eyes very
11:24
>> So they're watching the eyes very closely,
11:25
closely,
11:25
closely, >> very closely. They're looking for
11:26
>> very closely. They're looking for
11:26
>> very closely. They're looking for dilation or a hardness in the gaze. And
11:29
dilation or a hardness in the gaze. And
11:29
dilation or a hardness in the gaze. And depending on their own training and
11:31
depending on their own training and
11:31
depending on their own training and instinct, they might either break that
11:32
instinct, they might either break that
11:32
instinct, they might either break that gaze quickly to avoid conflict or return
11:35
gaze quickly to avoid conflict or return
11:35
gaze quickly to avoid conflict or return it aggressively as a challenge.
11:37
it aggressively as a challenge.
11:37
it aggressively as a challenge. >> Okay, let's talk about sound because
11:38
>> Okay, let's talk about sound because
11:38
>> Okay, let's talk about sound because that input has to be instantaneous. We
11:41
that input has to be instantaneous. We
11:41
that input has to be instantaneous. We know they prioritize tone, but just how
11:43
know they prioritize tone, but just how
11:43
know they prioritize tone, but just how sophisticated is their detection of our
11:46
sophisticated is their detection of our
11:46
sophisticated is their detection of our vocal changes?
11:47
vocal changes?
11:47
vocal changes? >> It's extremely sophisticated. See, dogs
11:49
>> It's extremely sophisticated. See, dogs
11:49
>> It's extremely sophisticated. See, dogs process our speech on two separate
11:51
process our speech on two separate
11:51
process our speech on two separate tracks. They analyze the words, which
11:53
tracks. They analyze the words, which
11:53
tracks. They analyze the words, which they can learn to associate with
11:54
they can learn to associate with
11:54
they can learn to associate with meaning, but they dedicate a huge amount
11:56
meaning, but they dedicate a huge amount
11:56
meaning, but they dedicate a huge amount of processing power to the
11:58
of processing power to the
11:58
of processing power to the paralinguistic cues.
12:00
paralinguistic cues.
12:00
paralinguistic cues. >> So, the pitch, the frequency, the
12:02
>> So, the pitch, the frequency, the
12:02
>> So, the pitch, the frequency, the rhythm.
12:02
rhythm.
12:02
rhythm. >> Exactly. The cadence, the amplitude of
12:04
>> Exactly. The cadence, the amplitude of
12:04
>> Exactly. The cadence, the amplitude of the voice,
12:05
the voice,
12:05
the voice, >> all of it.
12:06
>> all of it.
12:06
>> all of it. >> So, they hear the emotional content
12:07
>> So, they hear the emotional content
12:07
>> So, they hear the emotional content first before the words even register.
12:09
first before the words even register.
12:09
first before the words even register. They do. A harsh, clipped, or a suddenly
12:13
They do. A harsh, clipped, or a suddenly
12:13
They do. A harsh, clipped, or a suddenly high-pitched voice instantly registers
12:15
high-pitched voice instantly registers
12:15
high-pitched voice instantly registers as anxiety or aggression, no matter what
12:17
as anxiety or aggression, no matter what
12:17
as anxiety or aggression, no matter what words are being used.
12:18
words are being used.
12:18
words are being used. >> So, you could say, "I love you," in an
12:20
>> So, you could say, "I love you," in an
12:20
>> So, you could say, "I love you," in an aggressive tone.
12:21
aggressive tone.
12:22
aggressive tone. >> And the dog's emotional radar would just
12:23
>> And the dog's emotional radar would just
12:23
>> And the dog's emotional radar would just scream conflict. They react really
12:26
scream conflict. They react really
12:26
scream conflict. They react really strongly to that inconsistency between
12:28
strongly to that inconsistency between
12:28
strongly to that inconsistency between the verbal content and the vocal tone,
12:31
the verbal content and the vocal tone,
12:31
the verbal content and the vocal tone, which is often a very strong indicator
12:33
which is often a very strong indicator
12:33
which is often a very strong indicator of deceit or suppressed anger.
12:35
of deceit or suppressed anger.
12:35
of deceit or suppressed anger. >> Fascinating. So, moving to the full body
12:37
>> Fascinating. So, moving to the full body
12:37
>> Fascinating. So, moving to the full body assessment, how do they interpret
12:38
assessment, how do they interpret
12:38
assessment, how do they interpret physical cues like posture and movement
12:41
physical cues like posture and movement
12:41
physical cues like posture and movement when they're trying to figure out if
12:42
when they're trying to figure out if
12:42
when they're trying to figure out if there's danger?
12:43
there's danger?
12:43
there's danger? >> They look for tension and size
12:44
>> They look for tension and size
12:44
>> They look for tension and size projection, a sudden looming posture, a
12:47
projection, a sudden looming posture, a
12:47
projection, a sudden looming posture, a rigid spine, or clenched fists. These
12:49
rigid spine, or clenched fists. These
12:49
rigid spine, or clenched fists. These are textbook signals of imminent danger,
12:51
are textbook signals of imminent danger,
12:51
are textbook signals of imminent danger, >> things we do unconsciously when we're
12:53
>> things we do unconsciously when we're
12:53
>> things we do unconsciously when we're hostile.
12:54
hostile.
12:54
hostile. >> Exactly. And dogs detect this rigidity
12:56
>> Exactly. And dogs detect this rigidity
12:56
>> Exactly. And dogs detect this rigidity instantly and that triggers their own
12:58
instantly and that triggers their own
12:58
instantly and that triggers their own protective mechanisms, which often
13:00
protective mechanisms, which often
13:00
protective mechanisms, which often manifests as what we call blocking
13:02
manifests as what we call blocking
13:02
manifests as what we call blocking behavior.
13:02
behavior.
13:02
behavior. >> Can you elaborate on that blocking
13:04
>> Can you elaborate on that blocking
13:04
>> Can you elaborate on that blocking behavior? I think a lot of owners see it
13:06
behavior? I think a lot of owners see it
13:06
behavior? I think a lot of owners see it but don't realize what it means.
13:07
but don't realize what it means.
13:07
but don't realize what it means. >> So blocking behavior is when the dog
13:10
>> So blocking behavior is when the dog
13:10
>> So blocking behavior is when the dog deliberately places its body between the
13:12
deliberately places its body between the
13:12
deliberately places its body between the owner and the person they perceive as a
13:14
owner and the person they perceive as a
13:14
owner and the person they perceive as a threat. They are physically intercepting
13:16
threat. They are physically intercepting
13:16
threat. They are physically intercepting the path of interaction.
13:18
the path of interaction.
13:18
the path of interaction. >> It's not accidental.
13:19
>> It's not accidental.
13:19
>> It's not accidental. >> Not at all. It's a conscious decision
13:21
>> Not at all. It's a conscious decision
13:21
>> Not at all. It's a conscious decision rooted in loyalty and protection. The
13:24
rooted in loyalty and protection. The
13:24
rooted in loyalty and protection. The dog is literally saying, "You have to go
13:26
dog is literally saying, "You have to go
13:26
dog is literally saying, "You have to go through me." They might sit on your feet
13:28
through me." They might sit on your feet
13:28
through me." They might sit on your feet or stand stiffly by your leg or even try
13:31
or stand stiffly by your leg or even try
13:31
or stand stiffly by your leg or even try to nudge you backward while they face
13:33
to nudge you backward while they face
13:33
to nudge you backward while they face the person. This all suggests this
13:34
the person. This all suggests this
13:34
the person. This all suggests this immense, you know, innate instinct. But
13:37
immense, you know, innate instinct. But
13:37
immense, you know, innate instinct. But our sources really stress the role of
13:39
our sources really stress the role of
13:39
our sources really stress the role of experience in refining all this. It's
13:41
experience in refining all this. It's
13:41
experience in refining all this. It's not just born, it's learned.
13:43
not just born, it's learned.
13:43
not just born, it's learned. >> That's the critical overlay. A dog
13:45
>> That's the critical overlay. A dog
13:45
>> That's the critical overlay. A dog raised in a purely calm, stable home
13:48
raised in a purely calm, stable home
13:48
raised in a purely calm, stable home might have a high baseline sensitivity,
13:50
might have a high baseline sensitivity,
13:50
might have a high baseline sensitivity, sure, but a dog that grew up in a
13:52
sure, but a dog that grew up in a
13:52
sure, but a dog that grew up in a chaotic, abusive, or just highly tense
13:54
chaotic, abusive, or just highly tense
13:54
chaotic, abusive, or just highly tense home develops hypervigilance.
13:56
home develops hypervigilance.
13:56
home develops hypervigilance. >> They become survivors.
13:57
>> They become survivors.
13:57
>> They become survivors. >> They are survivors. They learned very
13:59
>> They are survivors. They learned very
13:59
>> They are survivors. They learned very early on that their safety and maybe the
14:01
early on that their safety and maybe the
14:01
early on that their safety and maybe the safety of their human family depended on
14:03
safety of their human family depended on
14:03
safety of their human family depended on accurately predicting the next outburst.
14:05
accurately predicting the next outburst.
14:05
accurately predicting the next outburst. So they become hyper aware of the most
14:07
So they become hyper aware of the most
14:07
So they become hyper aware of the most minute shifts. A tightening of the lips,
14:10
minute shifts. A tightening of the lips,
14:10
minute shifts. A tightening of the lips, a quick shift in weight, a sudden drop
14:12
a quick shift in weight, a sudden drop
14:12
a quick shift in weight, a sudden drop in vocal tone. They build this emotional
14:15
in vocal tone. They build this emotional
14:15
in vocal tone. They build this emotional map based on past trauma, which makes
14:17
map based on past trauma, which makes
14:17
map based on past trauma, which makes them incredibly sophisticated, though
14:20
them incredibly sophisticated, though
14:20
them incredibly sophisticated, though often anxious judges of human character.
14:23
often anxious judges of human character.
14:23
often anxious judges of human character. >> So their individual history really
14:24
>> So their individual history really
14:24
>> So their individual history really determines their emotional baseline and
14:26
determines their emotional baseline and
14:26
determines their emotional baseline and how sensitive they are. Mhm.
14:28
how sensitive they are. Mhm.
14:28
how sensitive they are. Mhm. >> That explains why a rescue dog might be
14:31
>> That explains why a rescue dog might be
14:31
>> That explains why a rescue dog might be much much faster to react to a sudden
14:33
much much faster to react to a sudden
14:33
much much faster to react to a sudden movement than a dog raised in a very low
14:35
movement than a dog raised in a very low
14:35
movement than a dog raised in a very low stress suburban home.
14:37
stress suburban home.
14:37
stress suburban home. >> Exactly. The low stress dog might
14:39
>> Exactly. The low stress dog might
14:39
>> Exactly. The low stress dog might interpret a sudden movement as, you
14:41
interpret a sudden movement as, you
14:41
interpret a sudden movement as, you know, potentially exciting. The
14:42
know, potentially exciting. The
14:42
know, potentially exciting. The hypervigilant dog interprets it as
14:45
hypervigilant dog interprets it as
14:45
hypervigilant dog interprets it as potentially life-threatening.
14:46
potentially life-threatening.
14:46
potentially life-threatening. >> And this combination of instinct and
14:48
>> And this combination of instinct and
14:48
>> And this combination of instinct and learned experience. That leads us right
14:51
learned experience. That leads us right
14:51
learned experience. That leads us right into how breed differences can further
14:53
into how breed differences can further
14:53
into how breed differences can further influence their protective response.
14:55
influence their protective response.
14:55
influence their protective response. >> It does.
14:55
>> It does.
14:55
>> It does. >> So, let's explore that. How does breed
14:57
>> So, let's explore that. How does breed
14:57
>> So, let's explore that. How does breed influence this complex protective
14:59
influence this complex protective
14:59
influence this complex protective equation? We know a border collie is
15:01
equation? We know a border collie is
15:01
equation? We know a border collie is going to see the world very differently
15:02
going to see the world very differently
15:02
going to see the world very differently than a doberman.
15:03
than a doberman.
15:03
than a doberman. >> Absolutely.
15:04
>> Absolutely.
15:04
>> Absolutely. >> The breed's original purpose shapes how
15:06
>> The breed's original purpose shapes how
15:06
>> The breed's original purpose shapes how they filter and respond to all these
15:08
they filter and respond to all these
15:08
they filter and respond to all these emotional cues. Their genetic
15:10
emotional cues. Their genetic
15:10
emotional cues. Their genetic predisposition is paramount.
15:11
predisposition is paramount.
15:11
predisposition is paramount. >> So if we look at the protective working
15:13
>> So if we look at the protective working
15:13
>> So if we look at the protective working breeds,
15:14
breeds,
15:14
breeds, >> the German shepherds, Belgian Malaninoi,
15:17
>> the German shepherds, Belgian Malaninoi,
15:17
>> the German shepherds, Belgian Malaninoi, Rottweilers, Dobermans, they were
15:19
Rottweilers, Dobermans, they were
15:19
Rottweilers, Dobermans, they were specifically bred for guardianship.
15:21
specifically bred for guardianship.
15:21
specifically bred for guardianship. Their genetics favor a very strong drive
15:23
Their genetics favor a very strong drive
15:24
Their genetics favor a very strong drive to identify and neutralize threats. So,
15:26
to identify and neutralize threats. So,
15:26
to identify and neutralize threats. So, they have a lower threshold for what
15:27
they have a lower threshold for what
15:27
they have a lower threshold for what they consider suspicious behavior,
15:29
they consider suspicious behavior,
15:29
they consider suspicious behavior, >> a much lower threshold, and they often
15:31
>> a much lower threshold, and they often
15:31
>> a much lower threshold, and they often default to confrontation or a very firm
15:34
default to confrontation or a very firm
15:34
default to confrontation or a very firm warning.
15:35
warning.
15:35
warning. >> And what do studies suggest about how
15:37
>> And what do studies suggest about how
15:37
>> And what do studies suggest about how their warning signs actually look?
15:39
their warning signs actually look?
15:39
their warning signs actually look? >> In these protective breeds, the warning
15:40
>> In these protective breeds, the warning
15:40
>> In these protective breeds, the warning signs are often stronger and earlier.
15:43
signs are often stronger and earlier.
15:43
signs are often stronger and earlier. They'll go stiff almost immediately.
15:44
They'll go stiff almost immediately.
15:44
They'll go stiff almost immediately. They use these intense, low frequency
15:47
They use these intense, low frequency
15:47
They use these intense, low frequency growls, and their blocking behavior is
15:49
growls, and their blocking behavior is
15:49
growls, and their blocking behavior is very deliberate and physical. It's that
15:51
very deliberate and physical. It's that
15:51
very deliberate and physical. It's that heightened emotional attunement to
15:53
heightened emotional attunement to
15:53
heightened emotional attunement to danger that makes them so effective in
15:55
danger that makes them so effective in
15:55
danger that makes them so effective in police or military work.
15:57
police or military work.
15:57
police or military work. >> That's right. They're sensing the threat
15:59
>> That's right. They're sensing the threat
15:59
>> That's right. They're sensing the threat before the average human even really
16:01
before the average human even really
16:01
before the average human even really registers the person's presence.
16:03
registers the person's presence.
16:03
registers the person's presence. >> But let's contrast that with a different
16:04
>> But let's contrast that with a different
16:04
>> But let's contrast that with a different kind of working dog, say a border collie
16:07
kind of working dog, say a border collie
16:07
kind of working dog, say a border collie bred for hurting. If a border collie
16:10
bred for hurting. If a border collie
16:10
bred for hurting. If a border collie senses a threat, how might their
16:12
senses a threat, how might their
16:12
senses a threat, how might their reaction be different from a German
16:13
reaction be different from a German
16:13
reaction be different from a German Shepherd's?
16:14
Shepherd's?
16:14
Shepherd's? >> That's a great example of how purpose
16:16
>> That's a great example of how purpose
16:16
>> That's a great example of how purpose dictates the response. A border
16:18
dictates the response. A border
16:18
dictates the response. A border colliey's instinct is to control and
16:20
colliey's instinct is to control and
16:20
colliey's instinct is to control and move things, whether it's the threat or
16:22
move things, whether it's the threat or
16:22
move things, whether it's the threat or the flock.
16:22
the flock.
16:22
the flock. >> Okay?
16:23
>> Okay?
16:23
>> Okay? >> So, if they sense discomfort or anxiety
16:25
>> So, if they sense discomfort or anxiety
16:25
>> So, if they sense discomfort or anxiety in a person, they might try to herd the
16:27
in a person, they might try to herd the
16:27
in a person, they might try to herd the owner away from the source of that
16:29
owner away from the source of that
16:29
owner away from the source of that discomfort. They might nip at your heels
16:32
discomfort. They might nip at your heels
16:32
discomfort. They might nip at your heels or circle anxiously.
16:33
or circle anxiously.
16:33
or circle anxiously. >> They're less likely to do that heavy
16:35
>> They're less likely to do that heavy
16:35
>> They're less likely to do that heavy confrontational blocking,
16:36
confrontational blocking,
16:36
confrontational blocking, >> right? Their response is built around
16:37
>> right? Their response is built around
16:38
>> right? Their response is built around stutter management and repositioning.
16:39
stutter management and repositioning.
16:40
stutter management and repositioning. It's fascinating.
16:40
It's fascinating.
16:40
It's fascinating. >> They use the tools they were bred for.
16:43
>> They use the tools they were bred for.
16:43
>> They use the tools they were bred for. That makes perfect sense. Now, let's
16:45
That makes perfect sense. Now, let's
16:45
That makes perfect sense. Now, let's talk about detecting shifts in familiar
16:47
talk about detecting shifts in familiar
16:47
talk about detecting shifts in familiar people because it's not just strangers
16:49
people because it's not just strangers
16:49
people because it's not just strangers they can read.
16:50
they can read.
16:50
they can read. >> Not at all. This is where their role as
16:52
>> Not at all. This is where their role as
16:52
>> Not at all. This is where their role as emotional mirrors becomes intensely
16:55
emotional mirrors becomes intensely
16:55
emotional mirrors becomes intensely personal. They are so attuned to their
16:57
personal. They are so attuned to their
16:57
personal. They are so attuned to their owner's baseline emotional state.
16:59
owner's baseline emotional state.
16:59
owner's baseline emotional state. >> So, if they detect a sustained negative
17:01
>> So, if they detect a sustained negative
17:01
>> So, if they detect a sustained negative shift
17:02
shift
17:02
shift >> like chronic stress or simmering anger
17:04
>> like chronic stress or simmering anger
17:04
>> like chronic stress or simmering anger or profound sadness in a person they
17:07
or profound sadness in a person they
17:07
or profound sadness in a person they know well, they absolutely alert the
17:09
know well, they absolutely alert the
17:09
know well, they absolutely alert the owner. They might whine or push their
17:11
owner. They might whine or push their
17:11
owner. They might whine or push their nose into the owner's hand or even try
17:13
nose into the owner's hand or even try
17:13
nose into the owner's hand or even try to disrupt the behavior that's
17:15
to disrupt the behavior that's
17:15
to disrupt the behavior that's associated with that negative state.
17:16
associated with that negative state.
17:16
associated with that negative state. >> And this capability is based on
17:19
>> And this capability is based on
17:19
>> And this capability is based on accumulated emotional memory. They know
17:21
accumulated emotional memory. They know
17:21
accumulated emotional memory. They know what's normal for you and they can
17:22
what's normal for you and they can
17:22
what's normal for you and they can instantly recognize when you're
17:24
instantly recognize when you're
17:24
instantly recognize when you're deviating from that norm.
17:26
deviating from that norm.
17:26
deviating from that norm. >> Precisely. They remember past
17:27
>> Precisely. They remember past
17:28
>> Precisely. They remember past interactions and use that long-term
17:30
interactions and use that long-term
17:30
interactions and use that long-term memory to interpret new emotional data.
17:32
memory to interpret new emotional data.
17:32
memory to interpret new emotional data. >> Mhm. If they smell a consistently high
17:34
>> Mhm. If they smell a consistently high
17:34
>> Mhm. If they smell a consistently high level of cortisol on their owner day
17:36
level of cortisol on their owner day
17:36
level of cortisol on their owner day after day, they know that energy is
17:38
after day, they know that energy is
17:38
after day, they know that energy is either dangerous or needs intervention.
17:41
either dangerous or needs intervention.
17:41
either dangerous or needs intervention. >> It signals a profound understanding of
17:43
>> It signals a profound understanding of
17:43
>> It signals a profound understanding of their owner's inner life.
17:44
their owner's inner life.
17:44
their owner's inner life. >> It really does.
17:45
>> It really does.
17:45
>> It really does. >> And this loyalty and vigilance also
17:47
>> And this loyalty and vigilance also
17:47
>> And this loyalty and vigilance also leads to their protective instincts
17:49
leads to their protective instincts
17:49
leads to their protective instincts toward the most vulnerable among us,
17:51
toward the most vulnerable among us,
17:51
toward the most vulnerable among us, which we see in some pretty profound
17:53
which we see in some pretty profound
17:53
which we see in some pretty profound real life studies.
17:54
real life studies.
17:54
real life studies. >> Yes, the protective instinct toward
17:56
>> Yes, the protective instinct toward
17:56
>> Yes, the protective instinct toward children, the elderly or those with
17:59
children, the elderly or those with
17:59
children, the elderly or those with mobility issues is incredibly powerful.
18:01
mobility issues is incredibly powerful.
18:01
mobility issues is incredibly powerful. They display this deep intuitive
18:04
They display this deep intuitive
18:04
They display this deep intuitive understanding of fragility.
18:05
understanding of fragility.
18:05
understanding of fragility. >> They'll often position themselves not
18:07
>> They'll often position themselves not
18:07
>> They'll often position themselves not just between the threat and the owner,
18:09
just between the threat and the owner,
18:09
just between the threat and the owner, but specifically between the threat and
18:10
but specifically between the threat and
18:10
but specifically between the threat and the child,
18:11
the child,
18:11
the child, >> which suggests an empathetic recognition
18:13
>> which suggests an empathetic recognition
18:13
>> which suggests an empathetic recognition of the vulnerable person's inability to
18:15
of the vulnerable person's inability to
18:15
of the vulnerable person's inability to defend themselves.
18:16
defend themselves.
18:16
defend themselves. >> And we have a very important and very
18:18
>> And we have a very important and very
18:18
>> And we have a very important and very powerful case study here from the
18:20
powerful case study here from the
18:20
powerful case study here from the sources regarding domestic abuse that
18:22
sources regarding domestic abuse that
18:22
sources regarding domestic abuse that really highlights this learned
18:25
really highlights this learned
18:25
really highlights this learned protective intervention.
18:26
protective intervention.
18:26
protective intervention. >> This is sobering, but it's essential
18:28
>> This is sobering, but it's essential
18:28
>> This is sobering, but it's essential data. The 2023 study from the ASPCA
18:32
data. The 2023 study from the ASPCA
18:32
data. The 2023 study from the ASPCA documented the behavior of dogs in
18:34
documented the behavior of dogs in
18:34
documented the behavior of dogs in households experiencing domestic
18:35
households experiencing domestic
18:35
households experiencing domestic violence
18:36
violence
18:36
violence >> and the findings
18:37
>> and the findings
18:37
>> and the findings >> they were unambiguous.
18:39
>> they were unambiguous.
18:39
>> they were unambiguous. These dogs exhibited hyper sensitivity
18:41
These dogs exhibited hyper sensitivity
18:41
These dogs exhibited hyper sensitivity to escalating aggression.
18:43
to escalating aggression.
18:43
to escalating aggression. >> So how did that sensitivity show up
18:45
>> So how did that sensitivity show up
18:45
>> So how did that sensitivity show up specifically in the presence of the
18:47
specifically in the presence of the
18:47
specifically in the presence of the abuser?
18:48
abuser?
18:48
abuser? >> They weren't just generally anxious.
18:50
>> They weren't just generally anxious.
18:50
>> They weren't just generally anxious. Their behavior was often targeted and
18:51
Their behavior was often targeted and
18:51
Their behavior was often targeted and proactive. They would become
18:53
proactive. They would become
18:53
proactive. They would become hypervigilant watching for the earliest
18:55
hypervigilant watching for the earliest
18:55
hypervigilant watching for the earliest signs of conflict. the shift in tone,
18:57
signs of conflict. the shift in tone,
18:57
signs of conflict. the shift in tone, the sudden rigid posture of the abuser,
18:59
the sudden rigid posture of the abuser,
18:59
the sudden rigid posture of the abuser, >> and during actual confrontations,
19:01
>> and during actual confrontations,
19:01
>> and during actual confrontations, >> they frequently intervened. This could
19:03
>> they frequently intervened. This could
19:03
>> they frequently intervened. This could mean physically placing themselves
19:04
mean physically placing themselves
19:04
mean physically placing themselves between the abuser and the victim, often
19:06
between the abuser and the victim, often
19:06
between the abuser and the victim, often the most vulnerable family member, or
19:09
the most vulnerable family member, or
19:09
the most vulnerable family member, or using sustained, specific barks directed
19:11
using sustained, specific barks directed
19:12
using sustained, specific barks directed solely at the aggressor as a warning or
19:13
solely at the aggressor as a warning or
19:14
solely at the aggressor as a warning or a deterrent.
19:14
a deterrent.
19:14
a deterrent. >> That's incredible. The dog is
19:15
>> That's incredible. The dog is
19:16
>> That's incredible. The dog is essentially calculating the threat level
19:17
essentially calculating the threat level
19:17
essentially calculating the threat level and choosing the safest way to
19:18
and choosing the safest way to
19:18
and choosing the safest way to intervene.
19:19
intervene.
19:19
intervene. >> It's a profound example of learned,
19:21
>> It's a profound example of learned,
19:21
>> It's a profound example of learned, protective intelligence honed under
19:23
protective intelligence honed under
19:24
protective intelligence honed under intense stress. their behavior, the
19:27
intense stress. their behavior, the
19:27
intense stress. their behavior, the attempts to block doors, the targeted
19:29
attempts to block doors, the targeted
19:29
attempts to block doors, the targeted barking. It's not just raw instinct.
19:31
barking. It's not just raw instinct.
19:31
barking. It's not just raw instinct. It's a refined protective mechanism
19:33
It's a refined protective mechanism
19:33
It's a refined protective mechanism designed to shield those they see as
19:35
designed to shield those they see as
19:35
designed to shield those they see as unable to fight back.
19:36
unable to fight back.
19:36
unable to fight back. >> And dogs rescued from those situations
19:38
>> And dogs rescued from those situations
19:38
>> And dogs rescued from those situations often carry that heightened empathy
19:40
often carry that heightened empathy
19:40
often carry that heightened empathy forward.
19:40
forward.
19:40
forward. >> They do. They often become intensely
19:42
>> They do. They often become intensely
19:42
>> They do. They often become intensely loyal and protective in their new safer
19:44
loyal and protective in their new safer
19:44
loyal and protective in their new safer homes.
19:45
homes.
19:45
homes. >> And stepping back into the everyday,
19:47
>> And stepping back into the everyday,
19:48
>> And stepping back into the everyday, those protective instincts show up even
19:50
those protective instincts show up even
19:50
those protective instincts show up even in mundane social settings, right? where
19:52
in mundane social settings, right? where
19:52
in mundane social settings, right? where dogs are acting as our personal social
19:54
dogs are acting as our personal social
19:54
dogs are acting as our personal social filters.
19:55
filters.
19:55
filters. >> Absolutely. And you have to trust these
19:56
>> Absolutely. And you have to trust these
19:56
>> Absolutely. And you have to trust these signals. If you are walking through a
19:58
signals. If you are walking through a
19:58
signals. If you are walking through a park or sitting at a cafe and your dog
20:01
park or sitting at a cafe and your dog
20:01
park or sitting at a cafe and your dog with no obvious provocation suddenly
20:03
with no obvious provocation suddenly
20:03
with no obvious provocation suddenly strains at the leash, pulls away from an
20:06
strains at the leash, pulls away from an
20:06
strains at the leash, pulls away from an approaching individual, refuses a treat,
20:08
approaching individual, refuses a treat,
20:08
approaching individual, refuses a treat, or starts those low, suspicious growls.
20:11
or starts those low, suspicious growls.
20:11
or starts those low, suspicious growls. >> That is a critical data point.
20:13
>> That is a critical data point.
20:13
>> That is a critical data point. >> It's a huge data point. It signals their
20:15
>> It's a huge data point. It signals their
20:15
>> It's a huge data point. It signals their discomfort or distrust is a cue. Even if
20:18
discomfort or distrust is a cue. Even if
20:18
discomfort or distrust is a cue. Even if the person seems superficially charming,
20:20
the person seems superficially charming,
20:20
the person seems superficially charming, they are signaling I detect volatility
20:22
they are signaling I detect volatility
20:22
they are signaling I detect volatility here.
20:23
here.
20:23
here. >> So the immediate response shouldn't be
20:24
>> So the immediate response shouldn't be
20:24
>> So the immediate response shouldn't be to correct the dog for, you know, bad
20:26
to correct the dog for, you know, bad
20:26
to correct the dog for, you know, bad manners.
20:27
manners.
20:27
manners. >> No, it should be to heighten your own
20:30
>> No, it should be to heighten your own
20:30
>> No, it should be to heighten your own observational skills about the person in
20:32
observational skills about the person in
20:32
observational skills about the person in question. It's a cue to practice
20:34
question. It's a cue to practice
20:34
question. It's a cue to practice heightened caution. Your dog has given
20:37
heightened caution. Your dog has given
20:37
heightened caution. Your dog has given you sensory input you missed.
20:39
you sensory input you missed.
20:39
you sensory input you missed. >> Okay, now let's So they learn to
20:40
>> Okay, now let's So they learn to
20:40
>> Okay, now let's So they learn to identify the transition points.
20:42
identify the transition points.
20:42
identify the transition points. >> Exactly. The moment an actor shifts from
20:44
>> Exactly. The moment an actor shifts from
20:44
>> Exactly. The moment an actor shifts from just casual conversation to aggressive
20:47
just casual conversation to aggressive
20:47
just casual conversation to aggressive movement, this teaches them to react
20:49
movement, this teaches them to react
20:49
movement, this teaches them to react immediately, barking, blocking, holding
20:52
immediately, barking, blocking, holding
20:52
immediately, barking, blocking, holding their ground only when the intention is
20:54
their ground only when the intention is
20:54
their ground only when the intention is hostile rather than reacting to every
20:56
hostile rather than reacting to every
20:56
hostile rather than reacting to every loud voice or quick gesture.
20:57
loud voice or quick gesture.
20:57
loud voice or quick gesture. >> So, it's not just teaching them to bite.
20:59
>> So, it's not just teaching them to bite.
20:59
>> So, it's not just teaching them to bite. It's teaching them to wait for the clear
21:01
It's teaching them to wait for the clear
21:01
It's teaching them to wait for the clear signal of malice before they act.
21:03
signal of malice before they act.
21:03
signal of malice before they act. >> Precisely. It refineses their trigger
21:05
>> Precisely. It refineses their trigger
21:05
>> Precisely. It refineses their trigger point based on intent, not just noise.
21:08
point based on intent, not just noise.
21:08
point based on intent, not just noise. >> And contrast that with therapy roles
21:09
>> And contrast that with therapy roles
21:09
>> And contrast that with therapy roles where the goal is totally different.
21:11
where the goal is totally different.
21:11
where the goal is totally different. >> Completely different. It's all about
21:13
>> Completely different. It's all about
21:13
>> Completely different. It's all about emotional awareness and comfort. Therapy
21:15
emotional awareness and comfort. Therapy
21:15
emotional awareness and comfort. Therapy dogs are trained to recognize the
21:17
dogs are trained to recognize the
21:17
dogs are trained to recognize the earliest physiological and auditory
21:19
earliest physiological and auditory
21:19
earliest physiological and auditory signs of anxiety, panic, or emotional
21:22
signs of anxiety, panic, or emotional
21:22
signs of anxiety, panic, or emotional dysregulation.
21:23
dysregulation.
21:23
dysregulation. >> The rapid heart rate, the vocal tremors,
21:25
>> The rapid heart rate, the vocal tremors,
21:26
>> The rapid heart rate, the vocal tremors, >> the scent of a panicinduced cortisol
21:27
>> the scent of a panicinduced cortisol
21:27
>> the scent of a panicinduced cortisol spike. All of it. They're essentially
21:30
spike. All of it. They're essentially
21:30
spike. All of it. They're essentially trained to be hypermpathetic and
21:31
trained to be hypermpathetic and
21:31
trained to be hypermpathetic and proactive to preempt a breakdown.
21:34
proactive to preempt a breakdown.
21:34
proactive to preempt a breakdown. >> So, their training teaches them specific
21:36
>> So, their training teaches them specific
21:36
>> So, their training teaches them specific calm intervening behaviors. It does.
21:39
calm intervening behaviors. It does.
21:39
calm intervening behaviors. It does. Like leaning into a person, resting
21:41
Like leaning into a person, resting
21:41
Like leaning into a person, resting their chin on a lap, or just maintaining
21:43
their chin on a lap, or just maintaining
21:43
their chin on a lap, or just maintaining that comforting physical contact.
21:45
that comforting physical contact.
21:45
that comforting physical contact. They're using their natural sensitivity
21:47
They're using their natural sensitivity
21:47
They're using their natural sensitivity to provide stability, often alerting
21:49
to provide stability, often alerting
21:50
to provide stability, often alerting caregivers to an emotional crisis before
21:52
caregivers to an emotional crisis before
21:52
caregivers to an emotional crisis before the handler is even aware it's
21:54
the handler is even aware it's
21:54
the handler is even aware it's happening.
21:54
happening.
21:54
happening. >> And underpinning both of those
21:56
>> And underpinning both of those
21:56
>> And underpinning both of those specialized fields is just the general
21:58
specialized fields is just the general
21:58
specialized fields is just the general concept of experiential learning.
22:00
concept of experiential learning.
22:00
concept of experiential learning. >> It's the foundational database. Repeated
22:03
>> It's the foundational database. Repeated
22:03
>> It's the foundational database. Repeated exposure to a vast range of people,
22:05
exposure to a vast range of people,
22:05
exposure to a vast range of people, environments, and situations helps dogs
22:07
environments, and situations helps dogs
22:07
environments, and situations helps dogs refine their intuitive responses.
22:09
refine their intuitive responses.
22:09
refine their intuitive responses. >> So, they learn through association
22:11
>> So, they learn through association
22:11
>> So, they learn through association >> exactly which types of energy, posture,
22:13
>> exactly which types of energy, posture,
22:13
>> exactly which types of energy, posture, or tone has historically led to
22:15
or tone has historically led to
22:15
or tone has historically led to discomfort or danger. This emotional
22:18
discomfort or danger. This emotional
22:18
discomfort or danger. This emotional memory allows their intuition to evolve
22:20
memory allows their intuition to evolve
22:20
memory allows their intuition to evolve into a highly reliable skill set for
22:23
into a highly reliable skill set for
22:23
into a highly reliable skill set for social assessment.
22:24
social assessment.
22:24
social assessment. >> Okay, now we have to transition to the
22:26
>> Okay, now we have to transition to the
22:26
>> Okay, now we have to transition to the realm that gives this whole topic its
22:28
realm that gives this whole topic its
22:28
realm that gives this whole topic its spine tingling reputation. The behavior
22:30
spine tingling reputation. The behavior
22:30
spine tingling reputation. The behavior that defies easy scientific explanation.
22:32
that defies easy scientific explanation.
22:32
that defies easy scientific explanation. The persistent barking at empty corners,
22:34
The persistent barking at empty corners,
22:34
The persistent barking at empty corners, the refusal to enter certain rooms. This
22:36
the refusal to enter certain rooms. This
22:36
the refusal to enter certain rooms. This is where we confront the spiritual and
22:38
is where we confront the spiritual and
22:38
is where we confront the spiritual and supernatural question.
22:39
supernatural question.
22:39
supernatural question. >> This is where the science has to take a
22:41
>> This is where the science has to take a
22:41
>> This is where the science has to take a bit of a backseat to observation. Though
22:43
bit of a backseat to observation. Though
22:43
bit of a backseat to observation. Though science can still offer some pretty
22:45
science can still offer some pretty
22:45
science can still offer some pretty compelling possibilities.
22:46
compelling possibilities.
22:46
compelling possibilities. >> So, science is skeptical about ghosts.
22:48
>> So, science is skeptical about ghosts.
22:48
>> So, science is skeptical about ghosts. Obviously,
22:49
Obviously,
22:49
Obviously, >> it maintains professional skepticism.
22:50
>> it maintains professional skepticism.
22:50
>> it maintains professional skepticism. Yes. But we can't deny that dog senses
22:54
Yes. But we can't deny that dog senses
22:54
Yes. But we can't deny that dog senses are so acute, they may be picking up on
22:56
are so acute, they may be picking up on
22:56
are so acute, they may be picking up on environmental changes that are
22:58
environmental changes that are
22:58
environmental changes that are completely imperceptible to us.
23:00
completely imperceptible to us.
23:00
completely imperceptible to us. >> Okay. So, what are the most common
23:02
>> Okay. So, what are the most common
23:02
>> Okay. So, what are the most common scientific hypotheses for this kind of
23:04
scientific hypotheses for this kind of
23:04
scientific hypotheses for this kind of behavior? What environmental triggers
23:06
behavior? What environmental triggers
23:06
behavior? What environmental triggers could be at play?
23:07
could be at play?
23:08
could be at play? >> We're talking about things that register
23:10
>> We're talking about things that register
23:10
>> We're talking about things that register just outside our own perception.
23:12
just outside our own perception.
23:12
just outside our own perception. Infrasound, for example,
23:13
Infrasound, for example,
23:13
Infrasound, for example, >> which is
23:14
>> which is
23:14
>> which is >> low frequency sound waves below 20
23:16
>> low frequency sound waves below 20
23:16
>> low frequency sound waves below 20 hertz. They're often produced by natural
23:18
hertz. They're often produced by natural
23:18
hertz. They're often produced by natural things like wind or distant earthquakes
23:21
things like wind or distant earthquakes
23:21
things like wind or distant earthquakes or even certain structural vibrations in
23:23
or even certain structural vibrations in
23:23
or even certain structural vibrations in a house. We can't hear them, but they
23:25
a house. We can't hear them, but they
23:25
a house. We can't hear them, but they can induce feelings of anxiety and fear
23:28
can induce feelings of anxiety and fear
23:28
can induce feelings of anxiety and fear in humans and animals.
23:29
in humans and animals.
23:29
in humans and animals. >> And dogs are much more sensitive to
23:31
>> And dogs are much more sensitive to
23:31
>> And dogs are much more sensitive to those frequencies.
23:31
those frequencies.
23:32
those frequencies. >> Far more sensitive. Also that they might
23:33
>> Far more sensitive. Also that they might
23:33
>> Far more sensitive. Also that they might be sensing minor electromagnetic shifts
23:35
be sensing minor electromagnetic shifts
23:35
be sensing minor electromagnetic shifts from faulty wiring or extremely high
23:37
from faulty wiring or extremely high
23:38
from faulty wiring or extremely high frequency sounds from pipes or
23:39
frequency sounds from pipes or
23:40
frequency sounds from pipes or electronics that we can't hear. And
23:42
electronics that we can't hear. And
23:42
electronics that we can't hear. And because the dog reacts so intensely,
23:44
because the dog reacts so intensely,
23:44
because the dog reacts so intensely, staring fixedly, low growling, sudden
23:47
staring fixedly, low growling, sudden
23:47
staring fixedly, low growling, sudden fear, we interpret that as a reaction to
23:50
fear, we interpret that as a reaction to
23:50
fear, we interpret that as a reaction to an unseen, maybe malevolent presence.
23:52
an unseen, maybe malevolent presence.
23:52
an unseen, maybe malevolent presence. >> Exactly. It's the closest we get to a
23:54
>> Exactly. It's the closest we get to a
23:54
>> Exactly. It's the closest we get to a scientific explanation for seeing
23:56
scientific explanation for seeing
23:56
scientific explanation for seeing ghosts. They're sensing the physical
23:59
ghosts. They're sensing the physical
23:59
ghosts. They're sensing the physical environment in a way that generates
24:00
environment in a way that generates
24:00
environment in a way that generates fear, and we project a spiritual meaning
24:03
fear, and we project a spiritual meaning
24:03
fear, and we project a spiritual meaning onto it. And their behavior often aligns
24:05
onto it. And their behavior often aligns
24:05
onto it. And their behavior often aligns so perfectly with folklore or reported
24:07
so perfectly with folklore or reported
24:07
so perfectly with folklore or reported paranormal activity, which of course
24:09
paranormal activity, which of course
24:09
paranormal activity, which of course just reinforces the cultural idea that
24:11
just reinforces the cultural idea that
24:11
just reinforces the cultural idea that they are uniquely sensitive to the
24:13
they are uniquely sensitive to the
24:13
they are uniquely sensitive to the spiritual realm.
24:13
spiritual realm.
24:13
spiritual realm. >> It does.
24:14
>> It does.
24:14
>> It does. >> And this cultural interpretation of the
24:16
>> And this cultural interpretation of the
24:16
>> And this cultural interpretation of the dog as a sentinel, as a guardian between
24:18
dog as a sentinel, as a guardian between
24:18
dog as a sentinel, as a guardian between worlds, has some really deep roots in
24:21
worlds, has some really deep roots in
24:21
worlds, has some really deep roots in history and religion.
24:22
history and religion.
24:22
history and religion. >> It absolutely does. The perception of
24:24
>> It absolutely does. The perception of
24:24
>> It absolutely does. The perception of dogs as intuitive spiritual beings
24:27
dogs as intuitive spiritual beings
24:27
dogs as intuitive spiritual beings stands global mythology.
24:28
stands global mythology.
24:28
stands global mythology. >> In Greek mythology, you have Cberus
24:30
>> In Greek mythology, you have Cberus
24:30
>> In Greek mythology, you have Cberus guarding the gates of the underworld,
24:32
guarding the gates of the underworld,
24:32
guarding the gates of the underworld, right? the ultimate threshold guardian.
24:34
right? the ultimate threshold guardian.
24:34
right? the ultimate threshold guardian. >> Mhm. And the Norse viewed them as
24:36
>> Mhm. And the Norse viewed them as
24:36
>> Mhm. And the Norse viewed them as guides, which is a slightly softer but
24:38
guides, which is a slightly softer but
24:38
guides, which is a slightly softer but equally refound role. They were believed
24:40
equally refound role. They were believed
24:40
equally refound role. They were believed to guide souls into the afterlife,
24:42
to guide souls into the afterlife,
24:42
to guide souls into the afterlife, acting as discerning companions who
24:44
acting as discerning companions who
24:44
acting as discerning companions who could separate the worthy from the
24:45
could separate the worthy from the
24:45
could separate the worthy from the unworthy.
24:46
unworthy.
24:46
unworthy. >> And we see it in other ancient cultures
24:48
>> And we see it in other ancient cultures
24:48
>> And we see it in other ancient cultures too.
24:48
too.
24:48
too. >> Oh yes, in ancient Mesopamian cultures,
24:51
>> Oh yes, in ancient Mesopamian cultures,
24:51
>> Oh yes, in ancient Mesopamian cultures, dogs were seen as protectors against
24:53
dogs were seen as protectors against
24:53
dogs were seen as protectors against malevolent forces and illness. Even in
24:56
malevolent forces and illness. Even in
24:56
malevolent forces and illness. Even in organized religion, you see this
24:57
organized religion, you see this
24:57
organized religion, you see this reverence. In Hinduism, for instance,
25:00
reverence. In Hinduism, for instance,
25:00
reverence. In Hinduism, for instance, >> in Hinduism, dogs are associated with
25:02
>> in Hinduism, dogs are associated with
25:02
>> in Hinduism, dogs are associated with the fierce guardian deity by Rava, who
25:04
the fierce guardian deity by Rava, who
25:04
the fierce guardian deity by Rava, who protects sacred spaces and wards off
25:06
protects sacred spaces and wards off
25:06
protects sacred spaces and wards off negative influences. And in
25:08
negative influences. And in
25:08
negative influences. And in Zoroastrianism, dogs held such high
25:11
Zoroastrianism, dogs held such high
25:11
Zoroastrianism, dogs held such high spiritual significance, they were
25:13
spiritual significance, they were
25:13
spiritual significance, they were included in funeral rights believed to
25:15
included in funeral rights believed to
25:15
included in funeral rights believed to ward off evil spirits.
25:17
ward off evil spirits.
25:17
ward off evil spirits. >> These cultural viewpoints really
25:18
>> These cultural viewpoints really
25:18
>> These cultural viewpoints really underscore a long-held human need to
25:20
underscore a long-held human need to
25:20
underscore a long-held human need to believe that we have a partner who can
25:22
believe that we have a partner who can
25:22
believe that we have a partner who can perceive threats beyond our capability,
25:25
perceive threats beyond our capability,
25:25
perceive threats beyond our capability, a silent guardian. And that belief
25:27
a silent guardian. And that belief
25:27
a silent guardian. And that belief system persists today, especially in
25:29
system persists today, especially in
25:29
system persists today, especially in practices related to energy and healing.
25:32
practices related to energy and healing.
25:32
practices related to energy and healing. Many modern energy healers and spiritual
25:34
Many modern energy healers and spiritual
25:34
Many modern energy healers and spiritual practitioners will observe that dogs
25:35
practitioners will observe that dogs
25:36
practitioners will observe that dogs intentionally gravitate toward clients
25:37
intentionally gravitate toward clients
25:37
intentionally gravitate toward clients who are emotionally depleted. And
25:39
who are emotionally depleted. And
25:39
who are emotionally depleted. And conversely, they'll avoid individuals
25:41
conversely, they'll avoid individuals
25:41
conversely, they'll avoid individuals carrying heavy, volatile emotional
25:42
carrying heavy, volatile emotional
25:42
carrying heavy, volatile emotional burdens.
25:43
burdens.
25:43
burdens. >> They interpret those choices as
25:44
>> They interpret those choices as
25:44
>> They interpret those choices as intuitive assessments of energy and
25:46
intuitive assessments of energy and
25:46
intuitive assessments of energy and intent.
25:47
intent.
25:47
intent. >> They do. They use the dog as a sort of
25:49
>> They do. They use the dog as a sort of
25:49
>> They do. They use the dog as a sort of natural barometer of spiritual health.
25:51
natural barometer of spiritual health.
25:51
natural barometer of spiritual health. >> Wow. So, we've covered the entire
25:54
>> Wow. So, we've covered the entire
25:54
>> Wow. So, we've covered the entire spectrum from the microscopic detection
25:56
spectrum from the microscopic detection
25:56
spectrum from the microscopic detection of cortisol all the way to the
25:57
of cortisol all the way to the
25:57
of cortisol all the way to the mythological belief and guides of the
25:59
mythological belief and guides of the
25:59
mythological belief and guides of the underworld. I think it's time for our
26:01
underworld. I think it's time for our
26:01
underworld. I think it's time for our final synthesis.
26:03
final synthesis.
26:03
final synthesis. >> What is the essential actionable
26:05
>> What is the essential actionable
26:05
>> What is the essential actionable takeaway for you, the listener, when
26:07
takeaway for you, the listener, when
26:07
takeaway for you, the listener, when your dog signals a warning?
26:09
your dog signals a warning?
26:09
your dog signals a warning? >> The final synthesis is this. While the
26:11
>> The final synthesis is this. While the
26:11
>> The final synthesis is this. While the definition of evil remains
26:13
definition of evil remains
26:13
definition of evil remains philosophical, we've definitively
26:15
philosophical, we've definitively
26:15
philosophical, we've definitively established that dogs react profoundly
26:17
established that dogs react profoundly
26:17
established that dogs react profoundly and measurably to energy, emotion, and
26:20
and measurably to energy, emotion, and
26:20
and measurably to energy, emotion, and intent. And they do it via advanced
26:22
intent. And they do it via advanced
26:22
intent. And they do it via advanced sensory inputs, hormonal scent, vocal
26:24
sensory inputs, hormonal scent, vocal
26:24
sensory inputs, hormonal scent, vocal tone, and minute body language cues.
26:26
tone, and minute body language cues.
26:26
tone, and minute body language cues. >> Exactly.
26:27
>> Exactly.
26:27
>> Exactly. >> So, how does the listener recognize
26:29
>> So, how does the listener recognize
26:29
>> So, how does the listener recognize those signs, especially in a high stakes
26:30
those signs, especially in a high stakes
26:30
those signs, especially in a high stakes moment when they really need to trust
26:32
moment when they really need to trust
26:32
moment when they really need to trust their dog?
26:32
their dog?
26:32
their dog? >> You have to watch for the clustering of
26:34
>> You have to watch for the clustering of
26:34
>> You have to watch for the clustering of sudden, unexplained behavioral changes
26:36
sudden, unexplained behavioral changes
26:36
sudden, unexplained behavioral changes around a specific person or location.
26:38
around a specific person or location.
26:38
around a specific person or location. We're talking about trembling, intense
26:40
We're talking about trembling, intense
26:40
We're talking about trembling, intense clinging to you, a refusal to approach,
26:43
clinging to you, a refusal to approach,
26:43
clinging to you, a refusal to approach, sudden aggressive barking, or the dog
26:45
sudden aggressive barking, or the dog
26:45
sudden aggressive barking, or the dog actively putting its body between you
26:47
actively putting its body between you
26:47
actively putting its body between you and the other person. These cues are
26:49
and the other person. These cues are
26:49
and the other person. These cues are crucial data points.
26:50
crucial data points.
26:50
crucial data points. >> They are. They signal perceived danger
26:52
>> They are. They signal perceived danger
26:52
>> They are. They signal perceived danger or acute discomfort.
26:53
or acute discomfort.
26:53
or acute discomfort. >> We established that we shouldn't just
26:55
>> We established that we shouldn't just
26:55
>> We established that we shouldn't just dismiss the reaction, but we also
26:57
dismiss the reaction, but we also
26:57
dismiss the reaction, but we also cautioned against, you know, panicking.
26:59
cautioned against, you know, panicking.
26:59
cautioned against, you know, panicking. That balanced approach seems key.
27:01
That balanced approach seems key.
27:02
That balanced approach seems key. >> It is. The healthiest approach is one of
27:04
>> It is. The healthiest approach is one of
27:04
>> It is. The healthiest approach is one of balanced curiosity.
27:06
balanced curiosity.
27:06
balanced curiosity. If you dismiss your dog's reaction,
27:08
If you dismiss your dog's reaction,
27:08
If you dismiss your dog's reaction, you're ignoring a highly sophisticated
27:10
you're ignoring a highly sophisticated
27:10
you're ignoring a highly sophisticated sensory system. Yeah. You're just
27:11
sensory system. Yeah. You're just
27:11
sensory system. Yeah. You're just discarding valuable data. But on the
27:13
discarding valuable data. But on the
27:13
discarding valuable data. But on the other hand,
27:14
other hand,
27:14
other hand, >> but jumping to the conclusion of
27:15
>> but jumping to the conclusion of
27:15
>> but jumping to the conclusion of spiritual malice is equally unhelpful.
27:18
spiritual malice is equally unhelpful.
27:18
spiritual malice is equally unhelpful. Use the dog's discomfort as a signal for
27:20
Use the dog's discomfort as a signal for
27:20
Use the dog's discomfort as a signal for heightened caution, for increased
27:22
heightened caution, for increased
27:22
heightened caution, for increased observation, and maybe to have an exit
27:25
observation, and maybe to have an exit
27:25
observation, and maybe to have an exit strategy if you need one.
27:26
strategy if you need one.
27:26
strategy if you need one. >> So trust your dog's data and then apply
27:29
>> So trust your dog's data and then apply
27:29
>> So trust your dog's data and then apply your own human reason to it.
27:30
your own human reason to it.
27:30
your own human reason to it. >> That's the partnership.
27:31
>> That's the partnership.
27:31
>> That's the partnership. >> And regardless of the exact mechanism,
27:34
>> And regardless of the exact mechanism,
27:34
>> And regardless of the exact mechanism, whether it's an overload of cortisol in
27:35
whether it's an overload of cortisol in
27:35
whether it's an overload of cortisol in the air or reading of subtle
27:37
the air or reading of subtle
27:37
the air or reading of subtle environmental shifts, the core
27:39
environmental shifts, the core
27:39
environmental shifts, the core motivation is unchanging, isn't it? The
27:41
motivation is unchanging, isn't it? The
27:41
motivation is unchanging, isn't it? The underlying motivation for a dog's
27:43
underlying motivation for a dog's
27:43
underlying motivation for a dog's warning is universally the desire to
27:45
warning is universally the desire to
27:45
warning is universally the desire to protect its beloved family. That action,
27:48
protect its beloved family. That action,
27:48
protect its beloved family. That action, the mourning, the barrier, the bark is
27:50
the mourning, the barrier, the bark is
27:50
the mourning, the barrier, the bark is at its core the purest, most profound
27:52
at its core the purest, most profound
27:52
at its core the purest, most profound act of loyalty and love.
27:54
act of loyalty and love.
27:54
act of loyalty and love. >> That partnership built on thousands of
27:56
>> That partnership built on thousands of
27:56
>> That partnership built on thousands of years of nonverbal empathetic
27:58
years of nonverbal empathetic
27:58
years of nonverbal empathetic understanding is what we have to honor.
28:00
understanding is what we have to honor.
28:00
understanding is what we have to honor. Trusting your dog's intuition is really
28:02
Trusting your dog's intuition is really
28:02
Trusting your dog's intuition is really about trusting that bond.
28:04
about trusting that bond.
28:04
about trusting that bond. >> And that profound trust grants us a
28:07
>> And that profound trust grants us a
28:07
>> And that profound trust grants us a remarkable form of protection. It gives
28:09
remarkable form of protection. It gives
28:09
remarkable form of protection. It gives us a window into a world of hidden
28:11
us a window into a world of hidden
28:11
us a window into a world of hidden volatility and unseen threats that our
28:13
volatility and unseen threats that our
28:13
volatility and unseen threats that our own senses just aren't equipped to
28:15
own senses just aren't equipped to
28:15
own senses just aren't equipped to handle.
28:16
handle.
28:16
handle. >> We have journeyed deep today exploring
28:19
>> We have journeyed deep today exploring
28:19
>> We have journeyed deep today exploring the science of 300 million olfactory
28:21
the science of 300 million olfactory
28:21
the science of 300 million olfactory receptors, the intricacies of the
28:23
receptors, the intricacies of the
28:24
receptors, the intricacies of the vomasal organ, and the historical
28:26
vomasal organ, and the historical
28:26
vomasal organ, and the historical context that cast the dog as this
28:28
context that cast the dog as this
28:28
context that cast the dog as this internal guardian. But as we close this
28:30
internal guardian. But as we close this
28:30
internal guardian. But as we close this deep dive, we want to leave you with one
28:32
deep dive, we want to leave you with one
28:32
deep dive, we want to leave you with one final thought to carry forward. The next
28:34
final thought to carry forward. The next
28:34
final thought to carry forward. The next time you encounter a new person and your
28:36
time you encounter a new person and your
28:36
time you encounter a new person and your dog quietly, subtly shifts their body to
28:39
dog quietly, subtly shifts their body to
28:39
dog quietly, subtly shifts their body to plant themselves between you and that
28:41
plant themselves between you and that
28:41
plant themselves between you and that person, hair slightly raised, what
28:43
person, hair slightly raised, what
28:43
person, hair slightly raised, what hidden darkness or discomfort are they
28:45
hidden darkness or discomfort are they
28:45
hidden darkness or discomfort are they sensing that you are simply unable to
28:46
sensing that you are simply unable to
28:46
sensing that you are simply unable to see?
28:47
see?
28:47
see? >> Pay attention to that moment. It's a
28:49
>> Pay attention to that moment. It's a
28:49
>> Pay attention to that moment. It's a reminder of the extraordinary unseen
28:51
reminder of the extraordinary unseen
28:51
reminder of the extraordinary unseen intelligence of the companion sharing
28:52
intelligence of the companion sharing
28:52
intelligence of the companion sharing your sofa and the depth of the knowledge
28:54
your sofa and the depth of the knowledge
28:54
your sofa and the depth of the knowledge they hold.
28:55
they hold.
28:55
they hold. >> Thank you for bringing your sources to
28:57
>> Thank you for bringing your sources to
28:57
>> Thank you for bringing your sources to the deep dive. We hope this exploration
28:59
the deep dive. We hope this exploration
28:59
the deep dive. We hope this exploration gives you a profound new appreciation
29:01
gives you a profound new appreciation
29:01
gives you a profound new appreciation for the extraordinary senses of your
29:03
for the extraordinary senses of your
29:03
for the extraordinary senses of your canine companion.