Your Dog's Poo Can Track You! | Why Dogs Sleep On Their Back

In a case of CSI Israel, how one council plans to clean up its sidewalks from wayward poop. The truth behind why dogs sleep on their backs and why our furry friends are the ultimate drying machines.

How dog poo could land dog owners in the proverbial!

Almost every suburb in every city around the world has the same problem. Recalcitrant dog owners who don’t pick up after their pups. But an Israeli city council is making moves to change that, with plans to add every pet dog’s DNA to a database, so abandoned poo can be tested and owners traced and fined. It might be harsh, but no doubt there will be dog owners AND non-dog owners who would support it. Are you one?

Israeli Council introduces DNA database to track owners not picking up after dogs

Belly up, paws out: What’s with that position?

Ever wondered why your pooch lays on their back, paws in the air, belly exposed? While it is cute and looks like they want a tummy rub (both of which are true), there are some very solid reasons as to why they do it. We paw over the paws up position and find out what is really going on.

Why dogs sleep on their back

Dogs: The Ultimate Drying Machine

Next time your dog shakes himself, watch. What looks like an attempt to paint the walls with mud is actually a feat of engineering. Being able to shake yourself almost completely dry in 4 seconds is a survival instinct for dogs. But for scientists, it's something to emulate. David Hu, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Biology at Georgia Tech University, explains. What you'll learn in this segment has been applied to everything from dryers to cameras!

Dog Lovers Live – Erin Scott

Dog Lovers Live, a discovery of dog loving podcasters and YouTubers. Erin Scott is host and creator of the Believe in Dog Podcast. She started the podcast to connect with other dog lovers and hear stories of dogs who changed lives and to share and learn about all the different directions that the love of dogs can take people in.

Believe in Dog

Chapters

0:19 On today’s episode

0:56 Hot dogs cool off

4:46 Dog poo track and trace

8:50 Ultimate drying machine

16:47 Dog Lovers Live – Erin Scott/Believe in dog

21:30 On the Next Episode

About David Hu

David Hu is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Biology at Georgia Tech. He studies animal movements to learn how to improve human tools. The undulations of sandfish may seem like a trivial matter, a mere pretty sight, but in the world of engineering and physics, the way an animal moves divulges tons of information. Insects can show us how to avoid crashes. Dogs can show us how to dry clothes quickly and efficiently. By watching animals in the lab, in the rainforest, and in the home, we can make more elegant devices. Even robots take their cues from the way animals leverage physical laws! Professor Hu is the author of How to Walk on Water and Climb Up Walls: Animal Movement and the Robots of the Future. His next book, also on animal movements, is a work in progress.

Book: How to Walk on Water and Climb up Walls: Animal Movement and the Robots of the Future

Twitter: @drdavidhu

About Erin Scott

Erin Scott is host of the podcast Believe in Dog, a podcast sharing stories about how the love of a dog is changing our lives and changing the world.

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast

Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast

Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com