'Man's best friend' sure sounds better than 'obligatory symbiont', but what are the true dynamics at play?

There's no denying the bond people feel and the attachment dogs have for their humans, but if we put that beautiful relationship under scientific scrutiny, does it hold up?

Can any dog go 'full Lassie' if you (or Timmy) get stuck down a well?

Will your dog save you?

Featuring:

Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State University
Dr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of Melbourne
Professor Chris Johnson, the University of Tasmania
Dr. Annika Bremhorst, founder of Dogs and Science, and canine scientist at the University of Bern

Further reading:

Production:

Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer
Nat Tencic, Producer
Rebecca McLaren, Producer
Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer

This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in May and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Taungurung people.

Find more episodes of the ABC podcast, What the Duck?! with the always curious Dr Ann Jones exploring the mysteries of nature on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. You'll learn more about the weird and unusual aspects of our natural world in a quirky, fun way with easy to understand science.

Good dog: Survival of the friendliest

What The Duck?!

Good dog: Survival of the friendliest