Is Your Dog Smart?: Exploring Canine Intelligence with Jennifer S. Holland

Muddy Paws and Hairballs

Hey there!
In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! – Amy

Unlock the Secrets of Canine Intelligence with Jennifer S. Holland

Ever wonder how smart your dog really is? In this episode, Jennifer S. Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, takes us on a journey into the amazing world of canine intelligence. From their incredible sense of smell to how they adapt to life with humans and their individual pet parent's lifestyle, you'll gain a new perspective on how dogs think and communicate.

Key Takeaways:

• How dogs use their noses: Discover the powerful sense of smell that guides your dog’s world [00:01].
• Myth-busting breed intelligence: Surprising stories about dogs breaking stereotypes [00:10].
• Body language secrets: Learn to read your dog's subtle cues [00:20].
• The impact of life changes: What moves and new routines do to dog behavior [00:30].
• Early training tips: Starting early is crucial for building a strong bond [00:40].

Jennifer also dives into the responsibilities of dog ownership, the importance of training, and how to respect your dog’s natural instincts while ensuring they thrive in a human environment.

Additional Resources:

• Purchase Dog Smart: https://www.jenniferhollandwriter.com/books/dog-smart-life-changing-lessons-in-canine-intelligence/
• Connect with Jennifer S. Holland: www.jenniferhollandwriter.com

Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to TEXT A FRI

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at [email protected]

Starting Sunday, April 27, 2025, we’re switching things up—new episodes will now drop every Sunday instead of Tuesday!

Why the change? Because Sundays just feel better. Quieter mornings, fewer midweek distractions, and a better chance to catch up with your favorite pet podcast (aka us 😎).

Set your alarms (or don’t—we’ll be waiting patiently like a well-trained Golden Retriever 🐾) every Sunday morning starting at 8AM EST / 7AM CST.

Support the show

✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for real talk and expert advice on pet care.
✅ Share this episode to help more pet parents navigate life with their pets.

💬 We’d Love to Hear from You! Got thoughts on this episode or a topic you want covered? Leave a review or comment—we value your feedback!

🎧 Listen & Follow:
🌍 Official Site | 📱 Facebook | 📺 YouTube | 🍏 Apple | 🎵 Spotify

📩 Contact: [email protected]

Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

Chapters

1. Unveiling Canine Intelligence (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Dog Intelligence and Adaptability (00:08:46)

3. Understanding Canine Enrichment and Behaviors (00:21:58)

4. Bond Between Humans and Dogs (00:30:59)

5. Navigating Dog Ownership Expectations (00:35:47)