Trained dogs regularly report for duty at police stations and military agencies throughout the country. These obedient animals loyally serve their human handlers, often assisting with difficult, dangerous tasks. But what happens to police dogs when they retire? Texas lawmakers recently settled this question when they voted to amend their state constitution. Listen to learn what they decided and how the new law will affect Texas police dogs who have completed their service.
Story Length: 3:38
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April 17, 2019
2:15
A blind runner recently completed the New York City Half Marathon with his guide dogs. He has run many marathons with human guides, but completing this race was an important accomplishment for all involved. Listen to this story to learn about this courageous runner and his helpful dogs and find out what he hopes to do next.
Read MoreJanuary 3, 2017
3:10
The U.S. Capitol is a very dog-friendly workplace and lawmakers have been bringing their dogs to the Capitol since the 1800s. They used to sit at Congressmen’s feet in the Senate Chamber and roam the hallways with their owners. There are occasions when the dogs fight with each other, but mostly they are a friendly face in the lawmakers’ workplace. Listen to hear more about these dogs and their long history in the Capitol.
Read MoreOctober 20, 2016
2:39
When dog owners talk to their pets, they usually use praising words and speak in an approving, cheerful tone. Neuroscientists studied the brains of dogs to learn more about how they interpret praise. By looking at certain pathways in the brain scans, the research team discovered some interesting results that suggest dogs may process the meaning of the words they hear in addition to the tone of voice. Listen to hear the details of the study about what dogs understand when we speak to them.
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2016
3:36
Dogs have a powerful sense of smell. For a long time we’ve counted on their noses to help us find bombs. However, dogs have had some trouble detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. The Navy is currently funding research to improve their detection skills in this area. By exposing dogs to thousands of different scents, scientists are training dogs to recognize potentially explosive ingredients and mixtures. Listen to the story to hear more about this life-saving research.
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