Mental Floss

DOGS

Dogs stare for a number of different reasons.

Dogs have a tendency to stare at their human companions. It turns out it's a form of training. (For the person, not the dog.)

Jake Rossen


He's got skin (and hair) in the game.

If you always respond to your tail-chasing dog with laughter and belly rubs, he might just be in it for the attention.

Ellen Gutoskey






Even without raging benders, dogs might still get headaches.

Dogs and humans share some of the same central neural pathways. Does that mean they need blackout curtains for crippling headaches, too?

Jake Rossen






Meet the top dogs of local politics.

From canine mayors to equine councilmen, these animal politicians prove politics really has gone to the dogs—and cats, goats, gorillas, and other critters.

Tony Dunnell






Seeing Eye instructors with the dogs they are training.

We spoke with trainers from The Seeing Eye about why certain breeds make great guide dogs, how they keep their owner’s safe from low-hanging branches, and whether they can read cross signals.

Michele Debczak




Christina Hansen Wheat

Some wolf puppies will retrieve balls for perfect strangers, suggesting that the species may be genetically predisposed toward the adorable behavior.

Michele Debczak