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How do dogs recognise that another animal is also a dog when there is such a vast array of canine shapes and sizes?
Garry Trethewey
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, South Australia
The obvious answer might be “by smell, not by sight”. But it isn’t that simple.
Epistemology is a branch of philosophy that asks: “What is knowledge?” So what does “recognise” mean?
Dogs respond to other dogs, as well as people and sometimes goats, sheep and geese, based on a range of stimuli. Sometimes, it is familiarity; sometimes, it is smell.
They might approach other dogs and humans in amorous or…
