Ethnocynology with David Ian Howe

In this episode of Ethnocynology, I sit down with dog science communicator Alexandra the Average for a wide-ranging conversation about dogs, science, identity, and the ways our own cultural biases shape how we understand dogs themselves.

Alexandra discusses her approach to navigating misinformation in the dog and animal-welfare world, including why she relies on multiple studies rather than individual papers. But also the importance of reading beyond the abstract, and how scientific findings can become messy once they reach social media.

The conversation dives into some of the most persistent debates surrounding dogs, including pit bull stereotypes, breed and temperament, dog-bite statistics, veterinary bias, and how race and socioeconomic inequality can affect people's experiences with animal welfare and adoption.

We also explore the deeper history behind our relationships with dogs, like the use of dogs as status symbols to the effects of colonialism on Indigenous dog populations. We  discuss how dogs can become wrapped up in human identity, prejudice, politics, and even colonial violence, illustrating why the history of dogs can never really be separated from the history of people.

Alexandra also discusses her upcoming podcast, Pod Reviewed Research, which explores the human-animal connection, animal welfare, legislation, history, and culture through detailed, research-heavy conversations.

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/ethnocynology/43

Links:

The racialization of pit bulls: What dogs can teach us about racial politics

Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes

Human–dog bond cross-cultural study

Once-daily feeding is associated with better health in companion dogs"

"Implicit weight bias exists among veterinary professionals,"

Visual breed identification vs. DNA.

Dog-bite fatality risk factors

Woolly Dog

“Possessions and the Extended Self,"

Bronwen Dickey, Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon

Michael Luo, Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America (2025)

CARE: Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity

Dog Aging Project

Darwin's Ark

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In this episode of the Ethnocynology, David talks with long time friend, Dr. Devin Pettigrew, the leading expert in the history and ballistics of the atlatl.

After a recent paper came out by Eren et al, claiming that Clovis hunters were only scavengers, Devin and David dive into the paper and discuss the role of hunting in human history as well as the history of the Atllatl, and how the Clovis people would’ve hunted across the North American landscape.

They also then discuss Devin’s future research and what this means for the field.

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/ethnocynology/42

Links:

The History of Dogs

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In this solo episode, David shares stories from two unforgettable weeks in Wyoming—from excavating an ancient Bison antiquus at the Willow Springs archaeological site to spending a day tracking wolves in Yellowstone National Park with wildlife guide Evan Stout.

Along the way, he reflects on field archaeology, the challenges of living with permanent neuropathy after Guillain-Barré syndrome, the history of Yellowstone, wolf conservation, and why observing wild wolves offers a unique window into understanding the dogs that have shared our lives for thousands of years.

Whether you're interested in archaeology, wildlife, human evolution, or America's national parks, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at two worlds that are more connected than they might seem.

Books Mentioned

Empire of Shadows

Undaunted Courage

Eavesdropping on Animals

Rise of Wolf 8

Reign of Wolf 21

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/ethnocynology/41

Links:

davidianhowe.com

Davidianhowe.com/store

History of Dog course: The History of Dogs

Yellowstone Wildlife Guide Company

The APN Awards: The APN Awards - Nominations Open!

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In this episode of Ethnocynology, David continues his conversation with Bradley Rydholm of Nature Is Not Metal to discuss animal cognition, ecology, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Bradley shares the story behind his popular Instagram page, his work as an outdoor educator, and why he believes wild animals possess rich social lives and individual personalities that are often overlooked.

The conversation explores everything from wolves to topics like anthropomorphism, cooperation in nature, and the emotional lives of animals. David and Bradley also discuss how experiences in the wilderness can change the way people view themselves, other species, and the world around them.

Finally, they examine environmental philosophy, the challenges of communicating science online, and why both dogs and wild animals can help reconnect us to a deeper understanding of nature and our place within it.

Books Mentioned:

Beyond Words By Carl Safina

The Spell of the Sensuous By David Abram

Goliath’s Curse by Luke Kemp

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/ethnocynology/40

Links:

davidianhowe.com

Davidianhowe.com/store

ArchPodNet

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APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet

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In this episode of Ethnocynology, David sits down with Bradley Rydholm of Nature Is Not Metal to discuss animal cognition, ecology, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Bradley shares the story behind his popular Instagram page, his work as an outdoor educator, and why he believes wild animals possess rich social lives and individual personalities that are often overlooked.

The conversation explores everything from wolves to topics like anthropomorphism, cooperation in nature, and the emotional lives of animals. David and Bradley also discuss how experiences in the wilderness can change the way people view themselves, other species, and the world around them.

Finally they examine environmental philosophy, the challenges of communicating science online, and why both dogs and wild animals can help reconnect us to a deeper understanding of nature and our place within it.

Books Mentioned:

Beyond Words By Carl Safina

The Spell of the Sensuous By David Abram

Goliath’s Curse by Luke Kemp

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/ethnocynology/39

Links:

Nature is not Metal (Instagram)

davidianhowe.com

Davidianhowe.com/store

History of Dog course

ArchPodNet

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APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet

APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet

APN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnet

APN Shop

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Motion

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