Ep 6. What is Your Pet Really Thinking?

Bill Nye Saves the World is a popular show on Netflix that explores various scientific topics and current issues with the goal of promoting scientific knowledge and critical thinking. In season 3 episode 6 titled "What is Your Pet Really Thinking?", Bill Nye investigates the minds of our furry companions and the fascinating science behind animal behavior.

The episode begins with Bill Nye introducing the topic of animal intelligence and how it has been a topic of debate for years. He explains how scientists have been striving to understand how animals communicate with one another and their ability to comprehend human language. Guests on the show include renowned animal behavior researchers, veterinarians, and pet owners who share their unique insights and experiences with their pets.

One expert who appears on the show is Dr. Brian Hare, a professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and author of the book "The Genius of Dogs". He explains how dogs have the ability to understand human pointing, a trait that even our closest animal relatives, chimpanzees, struggle with. Additionally, he talks about how dogs' sense of smell is one of their most powerful senses, and how they use it to communicate with one another and interpret their environment.

Another guest on the show is Dr. Marc Bekoff, a biologist and ethologist who has spent years studying animal behavior. He talks about how animals have emotions, just like humans, and how they communicate those emotions to other animals and humans. He also explains how animals have social hierarchies and how they establish their roles within their groups.

The episode dives into specific examples of animal behavior and what it reveals about their intelligence. For example, one segment discusses how crows are able to use tools to obtain food, while another explores how elephants are able to empathize with other elephants who are in distress. Bill Nye and his guests provide insightful commentary on these examples and what they reveal about the mental abilities of different animal species.

The show also explores the relationship between pets and their owners. One segment features a couple who trained their cat to use the toilet instead of a litter box. They share their experience of how they taught their cat to use the toilet and the benefits of not having to clean a litter box. Additionally, the episode features a segment on pets who have helped their owners cope with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Overall, "What is Your Pet Really Thinking?" is an engaging and educational episode of Bill Nye Saves the World that explores the fascinating world of animal behavior. The episode provides insightful commentary from experts in the field and showcases the remarkable abilities of different animal species. It is a must-watch for any animal lover or anyone interested in the science of animal behavior.