Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 3:52 pm Post subject: In Defence of Dogs by John Bradshaw
I'm actually reading a borrowed copy of this book but have my own copy on order as I think it's one of those books that I'll constantly refer back to. It is a fascinating read and I would strongly recommend it to anybody who is interested in the slightest in dog behaviour, etc. I am constantly quoting it and know that several friends now have it on order
Official Description
"A dog is not for Christmas. This is.
John Bradshaw, one of the world's leading dog experts, brings us a compelling insight into what dogs would ask us for, if only they knew how.
The dog has been mankind's faithful companion for tens of thousands of years, yet today finds itself in crisis throughout the western world. Until just over a hundred years ago, most dogs worked for their living, and each of the many breeds had become well suited, over countless generations, to the task for which they were bred. Now, in their purely domestic roles we fail to understand their needs. And it is time that someone stood up for dogdom: not the caricature of the wolf in a dog suit, ready to dominate its unsuspecting owner at the first sign of weakness, not the trophy animal that collects rosettes and kudos for its breeder, but the real dog, the pet that just wants to be one of the family and enjoy life.
Biologists now know far more about what really makes dogs tick than they did twenty years ago, but this new understanding has been slow to percolate through to owners, and has not yet made enough of a difference to the lives of the dogs themselves. This book is here to set the record straight."
And the "official" reviews
The most fantastic book ... required reading for dog lovers everywhere ... his style is tolerant, clear and benign and he is interested only in what science can support. His book is a revelation - a major rethink about the way we understand our dogs ... he makes one feel fantastically upbeat about being a dog owner ... there is no doubt about it - Professor John Bradshaw is a dog's best friend (Kate Kellaway Observer )
Every dog lover, dog owner or prospective dog buyer should read this book. It will change how you feel about dogs and, likely enough, how you treat them, too...Sparkles with explanations of canine behaviour (James McConnachie Sunday Times )
Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complicated psychology behind the growl, the rising hackles and the wagging tail (Roy Hattersley Daily Telegraph )
Scholarly yet passionate ... nothing less than a manifesto for a new understanding of our canine friends ... fascinating (Chris Cox Guardian )
[A] wonderful, reassuring, and encouraging book ... distinguishes canine science from canine folklore (Jonathan Mirsky Literary Review )
Authoritative, wise and, in its sharp appreciation of the cost of dogs of living with us, rather moving (Robert Hanks Independent )
A lovely and clear-headed book on all things dog-emotion, mind, and breed. John Bradshaw's authority and experience are matched by the thoughtfulness and humanity of his writing. Read this before you bring a dog into your life. (Alexandra Horowitz author of 'Inside of a Dog' )
An alternative to conventional, dominance-based approaches to understanding dogs (Cesar Millan's methods, for example) in an informative...guide to how canine biology and psychology determine behavior.... Bradshaw's book is useful to those looking to further their understanding of dog behavior and clarify common misconceptions (Publisher's Weekly )
A well-grounded overview of the Canis family's evolutionary journey...this is what makes the book so appealing. He does more than simply lay out interesting theories; he uses science to advocate for a better life for companion dogs. (The Bark )
____________ Sarah and Bran
Always watched over with love by our angel, Flora, from Rainbow Bridge
Bran Training
This is on my pile to read but i'm saving it for a holiday (may be some wait )
DH read it though and revealed an exert though that claimed dogs, unlike other animals, have this inbuilt understanding that how they feel - rotty botty, upset tum etc - relates to what they earlier ate.
Yes it's really good but I also thought 'if only that was true' about dogs knowing which thing they ate made them ill and avoiding it in future. Sam take note!
Its an interesting concept. Can't say I would agree.... BUT its true dogs must have some concept of 'action = reaction' for example they would choose to scream to a halt rather than run over a cliff for example, so they must have *some* concept there. But thats about the only example I can think where they show that they realise - unless TRAINED by expereince to learn - that something negative happens if you do *this* action. So many dogs of our breed poo eat to the point of making themselves desperately ill over and over that i just can't picture it so in the 'greedy breeds' maybe the less food orientated ones, fair enough
Di
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The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
The bit I'm reading at the moment made me laugh this morning. It was saying about how dogs are the only species that don't take into consideration the size of the potential opponent when deciding whether a resource is worth fighting over. Anyone who witnessed Moss playing fetch with the big dogs at the Bo Peep camp will be able to confirm this to be true
____________ Sarah and Bran
Always watched over with love by our angel, Flora, from Rainbow Bridge
Bran Training
Now that I DO agree wholeheartedly with and is an interesting thought! Mind you would a dog back away from a cow or horse if it had something they wanted (unlikely I know!!) I reckon they would....?? Maybe it means just within their species.... dog to dog....?
Di
____________
The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
I think they meant inter-species, Di. They were saying that within some species even a minute difference in size would be enough to prevent a fight, but not so with the dog.
I tend to only read it whilst Soph is in her training class on a Thursday morning so it's taking a while to get through, but it is an incredible read
____________ Sarah and Bran
Always watched over with love by our angel, Flora, from Rainbow Bridge
Bran Training
I'm liking the sound of it generally, i love books you disagree with some of and agree with other bits you had never thought about! Fab suggestion, thanks for sharing!
Di
____________
The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
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