Julie Hecht, MSc
Julie Hecht, MSc, is a PhD candidate studying animal behavior at the Graduate Center, CUNY, and author of the Dog Spies blog at Scientific American. Her academic publications include “A review of the development and functions of cat play, with future research considerations,” in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, and “Introduction to Dog Behavior” in Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff. She would really like to meet your dog, and thinks that her cat, Josh, excels at being himself. And she loves him for it!
The University of Edinburgth, MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
The Graduate Center, CUNY: PhD in Psychology
Recent Kinship articles by Julie Hecht, MSc
![Small dog humps its teddy bear toy on the room floor]()
Humping. Why, Though?!
No less than 7 animal behaviorists weigh in on what’s behind all of this bumping and grinding.
![3 dogs posed together in a house]()
Does Your Dog Have a Unique Personality?
Yep, research says your dog is as special and perfect as you tell them they are.
![Four dogs running around in an enclosed outside area]()
Should You Send Your Pup to Dog Daycare?
Doggy daycare is more than just fun and games.
![Two boxer dogs playing with a ball together in the park]()
Docked Tails Play a Role in Dog Communication
Looks aren’t everything, but they can talk.
![Dog Lays On The Ground Barking]()
Dog Speak: The Sounds of Dogs
Decoding the many sounds your pup makes.
Do Dogs Understand Our Words?
Say What? A look at the types of words that dogs understand.
![dog looking where man is pointing]()
What’s the Point?
Studies explain dogs’ ability to follow gestures.
