Tucson Standard

The new Netflix documentary "Inside the Mind of a Dog" will be available on the streaming platform this Friday. The film, narrated by actor Rob Lowe, delves into the relationship between humans and dogs, exploring recent research in veterinary medicine. It aims to help pet owners enhance their interactions with their pets.

Among the experts featured is Emily Bray, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona's College of Veterinary Medicine. She directs the Behavioral Research Across Years Lab and focuses on understanding canine cognition. "I study canine cognition and the factors that influence it," Bray said. Her work involves collaboration with organizations like Canine Companions to better understand how service dogs think.

Bray joined the project through director Andy Mitchell, known for his previous work on animal documentaries such as "Inside the Mind of a Cat." The filming took place last summer at Canine Companions' headquarters in Santa Rosa, California. This nonprofit provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities.

During two days of filming, Bray demonstrated behavioral exercises involving cognitive games for dogs of various ages. One task highlighted was point-following: "Our previous research has shown that even at just 8 weeks of age, puppies can reliably follow a human point to find a hidden treat," she explained.

Bray's research has identified genetics as playing a significant role in these behaviors: "We found a large role of genetics," she noted. Her team also studies service dogs' impact on veterans with PTSD through national clinical trials.

The documentary examines how researchers study nonverbal subjects like dogs using standardized cognitive tasks and biological markers. "Some traits that we measure in our games are impulse control, memory and reactivity – as well as a dog's temperament," Bray stated.

Though Bray did not meet narrator Lowe during production, she worked closely with Mitchell and found the experience rewarding. She hopes viewers will gain insights into observing their pets more closely: "Dogs can be really astute observers of humans – but we don’t always do a great job of returning the favor."

Following its premiere, there will be an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for "most dogs to attend a film screening" on August 10 in Middlebury, Vermont.