'Curious Conversations' podcast: Courtney Sexton talks about the human-dog relationship
Courtney Sexton joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the unique relationship between humans and dogs. She shared the origins of the dog-human relationship, how the animals have adapted and become more attune to human needs, and their role in helping researchers learn more about human health.
About Sexton
Sexton is a post-doctoral researcher in population health sciences within the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research is focused on human-animal interactions, One Health and animals in society, and how non-human animals, especially dogs, can inform what is known about the evolution of human language, communication, and social relationships. She also works on the Dog Aging Project with Audrey Ruple, Metcalf Professor of Veterinary Medical Informatics and co-principal investigator for the project.
Takeaways
Dogs were the first animals humans domesticated and have played a significant role in human development, as well as providing a model for the domestication of other animals.
Over time, dogs have evolved with humankind’s evolving society and have grown more attuned to the needs of humans.
Because of the close proximity of pets and owners, dogs can also serve as sentinels for human health, in part by providing early warning signs of long-term environmental risks.
Learn more
In TEDx talk, post-doc Courtney Sexton explores millennia-old bonds between humans and dogs
Audrey Ruple collaborates with Dog Aging Project, largest-known study of dog health
About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Virginia Tech writer and editor Travis Williams, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
