Instant Genius How to listen to what animals are trying to say
Nov 28, 2025
In this engaging discussion, naturalist and author Amelia Thomas dives into the fascinating world of animal communication. She reveals how dogs have evolved their barks to express needs to humans and explores the emotional complexities of smaller creatures like cockroaches. Amelia emphasizes the importance of tone in understanding animal vocalizations and shares insights on how listening to animal sounds can enrich our lives. From dolphin whistles to pig vocalizations, she highlights the interconnectedness of all species and the value of being attentive to nature.
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Tailor Tests To Species' Senses
- Theory of mind tests ask whether animals see themselves as separate individuals.
- Mirror tests work for some species but must be tailored to each species' sensory world to be meaningful.
Dogs Evolved Barking For Us
- Wolves and coyotes rarely bark as adults, but domestic dogs bark frequently to get human attention.
- Ethologists think dogs evolved increased vocalising during cohabitation with humans.
Use Buttons, But Keep Listening Body Language
- Try button boards to teach dogs to signal specific needs, but treat them as tools, not replacements.
- Also learn your dog's body language so you don't miss richer, nonverbal communication.
