In this episode of Tails and Tones, Mariska Nell sits down with science writer and longtime National Geographic contributor Jennifer S. Holland to explore what it really means to be “dog smart.” Jennifer shares stories and insights from her latest book, Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, including why an estimated 85% of the world’s dogs aren’t pets, how street dogs adapt and thrive, and what search-and-rescue and cancer-detection dogs reveal about canine superpowers. They dive into everyday intelligence—like the quiet genius of a dog waiting at the window—why so-called “bad dogs” are often just misunderstood or under-exercised, how ear cropping and tail docking can impact communication, and why letting dogs sniff, move, and “be dogs” is one of the most loving things we can do. The conversation blends science, personal stories (including Mariska’s Frenchie Piper and Jennifer’s dog Monk), and practical takeaways for modern pet parents who want to better understand and support their dogs’ emotional and cognitive lives.

Guest Bio:

Jennifer S. Holland is a science and nature writer with a long career as a staff writer at National Geographic. Her work focuses on animals, conservation, and the natural world, and she is the bestselling author of the Unlikely Friendships book series, which shares true stories of surprising bonds between animals. Her latest book, Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, examines what it means to be smart in the world of the dog, weaving together cutting-edge research, field reporting, and stories from trainers, working dogs, and beloved pets. Jennifer lives with her dog Monk and continues to write, speak, and share about the rich inner lives of animals.

Takeaways:

• Dogs are communicators first. Body language, subtle signals, and redundancy matter—cropped ears/tails can limit canine “tools,” so supervise thoughtfully.
• 85% of the world’s dogs aren’t pets. Street/roaming dogs occupy a valid ecological niche—adaptability is a form of intelligence.
• Genius comes in many forms. From cancer detection to waiting at the window, “smart” includes problem-solving, emotional attunement, and connection.
• Training ≠ obedience only. Many “bad behaviors” are unmet needs or misdirected intelligence. Compassionate, consistent training (and the right trainer) changes outcomes.
• Exercise is non-negotiable. Physical AND cognitive work reduce frustration and destructive behaviors.
• Let dogs be dogs. Sniffing is learning; exploration builds optimism. Partnership > possession.
• Talking buttons are a fun extra. Useful for enrichment and cause-effect learning—while we keep prioritizing dog-forward communication.
• Humility helps. Understanding dogs well can make us better, more observant humans.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Jennifer’s website

Dog Smart the book

Jennifer's Unlikely series books

Jennifer on social: Instagram/TikTok / Facebook

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Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]- Intro

[02:00] – Welcome, Jennifer’s intro

[03:40] – Jennifer’s origin story & “why dogs”

[07:30] – 85% of dogs aren’t pets; street-dog intelligence

[10:55] – Monk’s bed-spot trick: everyday problem-solving

[12:48] – Talking buttons: cause/effect & connection

[15:49] – Dogs in MRI machines—how they trained it

[22:00] – Search-and-rescue scent tracking story

[20:15] – Signals, cropped ears, and stepping up for our dogs

[27:57] – “Bad dogs” as misdirected intelligence

[30:01] – Exercise is everything (physical & cognitive)

[31:56] – Responsibility: sniffing, breed needs, partnership

[35:51] – A deeper truth about intelligence & existence value

[39:04] – Signature takeaway: “Let dogs be dogs”

[41:00] – Jennifer's one message to every pet parent

[42:31] – Outro