Dogs! A Science Tail

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Dogs! A Science Tail is an immersive 7,000 - 9,000-square-foot traveling exhibition that explores the bond between humans and dogs—one of the most successful interspecies partnerships of all time. Divided into four sections and a demonstration space, this exhibition reveals where dogs came from, how dogs experience the world, what makes our bond so special, and how to care for dogs. Immersive experiences invite guests to see, hear, smell, and think like a dog! With support from the California Science Center’s contacts and program handbook, host museums can schedule demonstrations by trained professionals and their amazing canines. Guests will have opportunities to see real dogs, pretend to be dogs, and share their favorite dog photos and videos in the exhibit.

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Exhibit Highlights

A human skeleton and a dog skeleton stand together on top of a pedestal above a fossil dig, with huge dog graphics in the background.

Tail as Old as Time

Role-play as an archaeologist and dig up replica fossils to find out if they belong to wolves or dogs. Analyze bones and DNA patterns to see how scientists study dog domestication. And watch an engaging film that relates how dogs evolved from ancient wolves into the lovable and diverse array of canine companions we know today.

A girl hides her face with a dog mask, and three kids play a guessing game with her.

Dogs and Humans, Together Forever

Interact with a playful virtual dog. Test your canine pop-culture knowledge in a Jeopawdy! game show. Explore jobs for dogs—and jobs humans can do with dogs. Find out the science behind the human/dog bond and see how humans and dogs live and work together.

A large graphic of a dog head showing the inside structure of its nose and a huge fire hydrant graphic, with two kids having fun.

The Incredible Dog!

Test your running pace against the top speeds of different dog breeds. Experience the world the way dogs do by sniffing out hidden smells. Get inside a dog's head to see and hear like a dog. Plus, find out how dogs think and communicate with each other—and with us!

A screen with touchpad in an area with graphics designed to look like a vet clinic

Caring for Dogs

Explore the possibilities and responsibilities that come with bringing a dog into your life, and find out how to care for these furry family members. Brush and groom model dogs, and learn positive reinforcement training techniques for dogs—by training a human!

A woman takes a dog through a fitness training routine.

Dog Park demonstration space

Play in the Dog Park (for humans only!) and learn about the importance of play for both humans and dogs. Occasionally, guests will have a chance to see dogs' amazing abilities up close when our volunteer partners and their rescue dogs, service dogs, and companion dogs come by to visit the Dog Park. Demonstrations subject to availability.