S8 Ep787: **1** **HEADLINE:** Imagining the Psychology and Pack Behavior of Post-Human Dogs **GUESTS:** Jessica Pierce and Mark Bekoff **SUMMARY:** John Bachelor explores a thought experiment regarding dogs surviving in a world without human intervention. The gu

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HEADLINE: Imagining the Psychology and Pack Behavior of Post-Human Dogs

GUESTS: Jessica Pierce and Mark Bekoff

SUMMARY: John Bachelor explores a thought experiment regarding dogs surviving in a world without human intervention. The guests posit that while dogs will adopt wolf-like social structures and organization, they will not physically revert to wolves, likely remaining smaller on average. Their psychology will shift; rather than viewing themselves as dominant apex predators, dogs will likely see themselves as fluid, integrated participants within their local ecosystems. Pack behavior will be determined primarily by dietary needs; hunting large prey requires organized packs, whereas scavenging or hunting small game like mice may lead to more solitary existence or smaller groups. Ultimately, dogs will tap into latent, adaptable traits currently suppressed by domestication to find their niche.

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