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Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet Audiobook
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(3.03) - 490 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Dogs have been mankind's faithful companions for tens of thousands of years, yet today they are regularly treated as either pack-following wolves or furry humans. The truth is, dogs are neither—and our misunderstanding has put them in serious crisis.
What dogs really need is a spokesperson, someone who will assert their specific needs. Renowned anthrozoologist Dr. John Bradshaw has made a career of studying human-animal interactions, and in Dog Sense he uses the latest scientific research to show how humans can live in harmony with—not just dominion over—their four-legged friends. From explaining why positive reinforcement is a more effective (and less damaging) way to control dogs' behavior than punishment to demonstrating the importance of weighing a dog's unique personality against stereotypes about its breed, Bradshaw offers extraordinary insight into the question of how we really ought to treat our dogs.
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"Every dog guardian must read this book! This book revealed to me how much my treatment of my dog was influenced by flawed research on wolves that falsely described them for years in the eyes of the general public. Remember all that talk about dominance and how you have to be the leader, the top, never let the pooch win at tug of war, go through the door first, etc.? It was all based on observation of wolves who were strangers to each other and were stuck together in captivity. Wolf packs are harmonious family units, not relentless hierarchies. So if you know anybody who still believes in ridiculousness like alpha rolling and punishment, give them this book! And don't believe what Cesar Millan is putting out (particularly his earlier shows -- he seems to have wised up after the backlash from professional dog trainers). Dogs don't want to gain power over us, they're dying to please us."
— Sally (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Bradshaw’s book is useful to those looking to further their understanding of dog behavior and clarify common misconceptions.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Narrator Michael Page has a steady, mellifluous delivery with excellent pacing.”
— AudioFile -
“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 -
“Dogs and dog lovers alike will benefit from Bradshaw’s insight.”
— Stephen Zawistowski, PhD, CAAB, ASPCA science advisor -
“For readers with well-loved pets who view their canines as family members, there’s much to digest.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
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
Dog Sense Listener Reviews
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" Absolutely amazing. NOT a dog training book, more of a dog psychology book. Seriously awesome. "
— Arlian, 2/18/2014 -
" A must read for anyone faced with training a dog -with a minimum of distress. "
— Bobbower, 2/12/2014 -
" Good subject matter, but not a quick read. Subjects: dominance isn't supported scientifically, also not effective, inbreeding for looks is problematic when most dogs are pets, should breed for companionship and health. Importance of socialization. Dog emotions and intelligence. "
— Lindsay, 1/20/2014 -
" In depth look at the history of dogs - good knowledge, not so much on training though. "
— Stacy, 1/15/2014 -
" Very intriguing look into the biology of a dog. It can be very dry at times and quite scientific, but the knowledge gained was worth it, in my opinion "
— Sherri, 1/8/2014 -
" I have had dogs almost my entire life, a 2 year tour as an Army nurse in Hawaii (a 6 month mandatory quarantine was a definite deterrent to bringing a dog there) was my only time without one. So dogs have been and still are a big part of my life. Still, this book taught me many things about dogs and showed me ways of relating to them that I had not realized were so important. Their history and true but at times mythical relationships to wolves, their bonds with humans over members of their own kind, how they sense the world so differently than humans, and what controlled breeding and over breeding has done to them, are just a few of the many interesting things about dogs presented in this book. It's a little dull in places, but if you love your dogs, and want to understand them better, it's a very worthwhile read. "
— Georganne, 1/1/2014 -
" A very, very interesting explanation of the way dogs experience the world which, if internalized by dog owners, ought to make us better companions to our faithful friends. The scientific nature of the explanations make it a bit of a slow read, although they aren't so complex as to not be understandable. "
— Susy, 12/29/2013 -
" Highly recommended for dog owners or those interested in animal psychology. "
— Giselle, 12/25/2013 -
" If you truly give a crap about your dog, you need to read this. If you subscribe to Cesar Milan's methods, read it twice. "
— Rich, 12/23/2013 -
" Very good book. Based on latest findings from animal science this book refutes some of the conventional wisdom about training and living with dogs. Downplays the ideas of hierarchy and pack behavior. "
— Jerry, 12/13/2013 -
" Interesting book, but could have done without the abundance of times he reintegrated that dogs are not wolves. It just got very repetitive. Made me think about how I think about and treat my dog. "
— Emily, 12/2/2013 -
" A must read for every pet care professional. "
— Don, 3/7/2013 -
" I a tually gave up after the first 5 chapters. Very interesting but gets repetitive and the science gets too dense for me. "
— Jodispragins, 11/25/2011 -
" In one serious and scientific book, John Bradshaw effectively eliminates many of the myths about dog behavior and psychology that permeate culture today. Everyone who has a dog needs to read this book. My full review coming soon at Doggerel. "
— Abby, 11/16/2011 -
" I must admit that I skimmed much of this. I felt that there were only a few ideas, restated too often. "
— Gail, 10/4/2011
About John Bradshaw
John Bradshaw is the Waltham Director of the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Bristol and the founder of the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Southampton. He has studied human-animal interactions for over twenty-five years and is the author of numerous academic papers on the subject. He lives in Southampton, England.
About Michael Page
Michael Page has been recording audiobooks since 1984 and has over two hundred titles to his credit. He has won numerous Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. As a professional actor, he has performed regularly since 1998 with the Peterborough Players in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He is a professor of theater at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.