Book Description
Bestselling author, psychologist, and world-renowned expert on dog behavior and training Dr. Stanley Coren presents the most informative, in-depth, fascinating book yet on dogs. Acclaimed for its solid scientific research and entertaining, eminently readable style, How Dogs Think gives you the insight that you need to understand the silly, quirky, and apparently irrational behaviors that dogs demonstrate, as well as those stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity that they also can display. It lets you see through a dog's eyes, hear through his ears, and even sense the world through his nose, as Coren presents a fascinating picture of the way dogs interpret their world and their human companions, and of how they solve problems, learn, and take in new information.
How Dogs Think also answers questions about our canine companions that have puzzled many: Can dogs count? Do they have an appreciation of art or music? Can a dog learn how to do something just by watching another dog or even a person do it? Do dogs dream? What is the nature of dog personality? Which behaviors are prewired into your dog, and which can you actually change? And, can dogs actually sense future earthquakes or detect cancer?
With sound behavioral science and numerous funny, informative anecdotes, experiments, and firsthand observations, How Dogs Think shatters many common myths and misconceptions about our four-legged friends and reveals a wealth of surprises about their mental abilities and potential. It will make you love and appreciate all dogs -- including your own -- in wonderful new ways.
Customer Reviews:
Not at all what I expected!.......2007-03-31
The book was not at all a fun read! Almost every chapter was boring and non informative. The book goes on and on and yet you still feel you have not read anything of intrest.
How Dogs Think: What the World Looks Like to Them and Why They Act the Way They Do.......2007-03-30
Fantastic Book! If you're a dog owner, dog lover or BOTH then this is the book for you. If you want to understand your dog like never before then do yourself a favour and purchase this book. It gives a wonderful incite through the dogs eyes how they see us and why they do certain things. This book certainly goes hand in hand with How to Speak Dog. A must read.
Questionable facts.......2006-03-29
The author cites research of mine on deafness, but gets the facts about my research wrong and gets the reference citation wrong. Hopefully he does a better job with the other research he quotes.
How Dogs (and Humans) Think!.......2006-03-05
This is an excellent book to give an overview of how dogs views the world as well as how that view compares to the view of humans. Dr. Cohen not only explains how dogs think but also how their senses work to perceive the world, again as compared to humans. The information is not just based on casual observations and anecdotal tales, although those are used, but also based on many laboratory studies over the years to give a good solid foundation.
This book is invaluable if you live with a dog, train dogs, work with dogs, or just love and admire dogs. I would consider this a must read for dog owners and especially trainers - after all you cannot teach if you don't understand how the mind receives and process the information you are trying get across. Dr. Cohen also does a beautiful job of dispelling many myths - like dogs don't see color - and provides the scientific proof to back it up.
Many of the studies used in this book go towards demonstrating how brilliant nature is in creating and how amazing the mind is - whether it is canine or primate!
Dog's don't think they are people, they think we are dogs........2006-02-06
In his usual thorough and "text-booky" approach, before he takes on the real question of how dogs think, Coren wants us to fully understand how information, used in the thought process, gets into the mind of the dog in the first place. To this end, he takes us on a detailed study of eyes, ears, nose, tongue and touch. Many implications for animal trainers are strewn throughout the entire manuscript. Along the way, he imbeds other useful suggestions for dog owners on how to get finicky eaters to eat, how to test your elderly dog's eyesight and hearing and how to compensate for weaknesses that commonly afflict elderly dogs. He even addresses the question of whether dogs have a sixth sense that allows them to predict earthquakes or anticipate exactly when their master will arrive home. Yes, I love the way he puts this section together and, no, I won't divulge his conclusion.
Did I say "text-booky"? How Dogs Think has been very thoroughly researched with over 241 citations. It would make a fine text book as part of an extensive canine trainer certification program like that offered by the Animal Behavior College http://animalbehaviorcollege.com for example. Coren can be rather technical at times, using and defining terms like "invisible displacement test", "implicit", "explicit", "episodic", and "semantic" memory. Bottom line, it's his approach that's both the good and the bad about the book. While it's what I was looking for, it may not be what you are looking for.
Finally, on page 290 (with less than 10% left to read), Coren asks the real question: are dogs conscious and do they have a mind similar to our own? His conclusion, they are considerably different from us in degree but not really all that different in kind. For example, although not necessarily something to be proud of, he cites evidence that dogs do lie. I've seen that myself.
One cold winter evening, our two youngest dogs were lying by my feet taking up all the high priced real estate. Their mother, who generally staked her claim first, came in and found her favorite spot taken. Her next step was to walk out on the back porch and bark "something interesting is going on out here".
< cite Coren > The young ones flew out to see what was going on and, while they were barking it up, mom came back in and lay at my feet.
Dogs are excellent keep-away players. How could this be so unless dogs are constantly working to figure out how we think? Empirical evidence says they play that complex game much better than we do. Coren's conclusion is that dogs understand how we think far better than we understand how they think. I'm willing to believe that.
He sites evidence that challenges many common beliefs. Dogs are not actually color blind but rather have eyes that evolution has optimized for hunting at dawn and dusk when color offers little survival advantage. Dogs learn very well from observation, particularly from watching humans. The "Theory of mind" actually does apply to dogs at least to some extent. This is so because the social brain of the dog is similar to that of a human in that both have evolved to solve social problems. Dogs can distinguish more from less, they can count, and even perform minimal addition. Finally, dogs can pass a very limited version of the Turing test.
Major author's message: dogs are much like we are. They are a little worse in some ways (dogs could never even come close to passing a eye test for a driver's license), but better in others (like hearing, smell, and seeing things in motion). Perhaps dogs don't so much think that they are people, but rather, think that we are dogs with some amazing strengths and some absolutely baffling weaknesses.
Book Description
In Think Dog!, animal behaviorist John Fisher advocates addressing the causes of pet problems rather than just controlling the symptoms. Compact chapters explain the canine mind and offer sound educational strategies to enlighten even accomplished trainers.
Book Description
Imagine a dog who listens to you, comes to you, follows you, and looks to you for guidance. Imagine a dog who adapts to your lifestyle -- quickly, successfully and without time-consuming practice. This ideal relationship is possible with the techniques of veteran trainer Paul Loeb, whose groundbreaking theories and humane, holistic teaching style will help you learn to teach, care for and understand your dog...in just a few hours!
Paul Loeb's lifelong passion for animals -- and his desire to communicate with them -- has brought him four decades of leadership in the field of animal behavior. His philosophy is revolutionary but simple: your dog can learn more -- and more quickly -- if information is delivered properly. Now you can reach a new level of communication with your dog, and get visible results in approximately three hours. Paul Loeb's techniques are geared to respect your dog's ability to learn complex behaviors. Not only will you find step-by-step methods to teach housebreaking, paper training, and the basic commands, but you'll also discover:
- Why one-word commands, including "No," are ineffective
- Why gimmicks like water pistols or pennies in a can don't really work
- Why food rewards and choke chains are not good training tools
- Why "crating" is unnecessary and can jeopardize your dog's life in an emergency
- Why teaching your dog to come to you is essential -- and teaching your dog to sit is not
- How to adapt your dog's behavior to your lifestyle -- whether you need your dog to walk without a leash, ride politely in a car, sit near the dinner table without begging, never jump up, remain on your property...or do just about anything else you can imagine!
This complete guide also tackles problem behaviors like barking, bolting out the door, aggression and biting. And Paul Loeb reveals an alternative to commercial dog-food diets that can enhance your pet's behavior and health.
Now you can have the well-behaved dog you've always wanted -- and your dog will have an owner who understands his or her language. With Smarter Than You Think, you and your dog can share the special bond of true understanding.
Customer Reviews:
Paul Loeb Does It Right- The Critics Dog Doesn't Act Nearly This Good!.......2007-09-26
We met Loeb in New York City (he happens to live one block from us) and are fortunate enough to have retained him to train our dog, Louie. Previous to his training, Louie would bark and cry so loud in the morning that we received multiple complaints from our building only after owning him a few days (if you live in NYC, you'll know that angering the co-op board is not something you want to do). Louie would bite at our rugs, ruined our bedroom door and would pull us when we walked him to the point that owning a dog was simply not enjoyable.
We read Paul's book for tips on raising and training a dog. His methods may seem harsh to those who have not read his book, however those who have read and truly understand what Loeb is saying will see immediate results in the behavior of their dog. Loeb is more than an animal trainer, he is an animal behaviorist and scientist- he truly understands the psychology behind owning and training a dog.
After only ONE lesson from Paul, Louie stopped barking when we left the house, ceased chewing on our rugs and our door and stays next to us when we walk down the street at night. This is phenomenal progress, as the distractions and hustle of NYC can be quite overbearing for a puppy. Paul has made it enjoyable to own a dog!
Do not doubt Loeb's methods. You must gain a rapport with your dog and make him realize that you are his family and provider before you can allow him to run freely with other dogs. If you follow his techniques, your dog's allegiance will be to you; he will love you and be your buddy more-so than he would if you did not follow these techniques. Paul Loeb has saved our lives, our furniture, our apartment and our puppy. We could not be happier.
Don't waste your money on this book........2007-09-05
Wow! I cannot imagine why anyone would give this book a good review. Many of the methods taought in this book are just plain ridiculous, while others are quite inhumane. Tough love is one thing; putting a match up my dog's rear end to motivate it to go to the bathroom is another. Yikes! Believe me, I am the "bad cop" with our dog (my husband is the pushover) and I could not stomach using these techniques.
Maybe it's just me, but it seems that the author of this book is a controlling individual in general and enjoys the power he has over his canine companions.
Good overall, but..........2007-04-11
One of the reasons why I chose this book over some of the other positive training books is that they didn't have ideas that really convinced me in regards to dealing with aggressive and dominant behaviors. This book does advocate a quick slap (not hard) just to grab the dog's attention and to prevent it from doing something. But this is only when you can't throw something like a slipper or magazine at it. Basically, you need to take this book with a grain of salt.
It is also one of the few books I've seen that does not recommend crate training. I'm used to giving my dogs the run of the house, and one of the purposes of my getting a bigger dog this time is that it can help guard the house (though it's more of deterrence than attack that I'm after). Anyway, if the dog's in a crate, that won't be doing much good to deter anybody.
I'm not sure about all of the book's food theories either, but overall I think that the methods are well-reasoned. But this book could definitely be condensed. Lots of examples, and sometimes it's repetitive, when all you really wanted was for him to get to the instructions on how he would teach that particular lesson. Overall though, I would recommend this book.
It saved my life!.......2006-10-22
This is a wonderful book! Paul Loeb is the original "dog whisperer." He has advocated discipline way before Cesar Millan got his TV show. Unlike the prevalent philosophy of ONLY positive reinforcements, Paul outlines the importance of establishing a bond AND a hierarchy in the relationship between you and your dog, with YOU being the alpha in the relationship. Just like with children, you teach your dog rules before you give them freedom. One central theme is to make sure you can get your dog to COME BACK to you before anything else. Unfortunately, Paul usually gets called by distressed owners and veterinarians for problematic, aggressive dogs, so that he must use discipline and some force to re-establish the hierarchy, as well as control of the dogs. If you follow his recommendations in the book from when your dog is a puppy, the need for discipline will be minimal.
I met Paul in New York City, and my 6-month-old doberman was running away, out to the street, and I actually lost him once in Central Park. Paul has turned my dog around. He can now play free, off the leash, and comes back when I call him (and other things as well). I only wished I knew him and his book when I first got my puppy, at 2 months old, instead of 6 months. If you follow the instruction in his book, you will find your way to an obedient, well-trained dog who is bonded to you!
Simpler Than You Think.......2006-08-26
A few months ago, I took my dogs to the vet for an annual checkup and during the course of the visit the vet asked me what I was feeding my dogs. I told her I fed them a very high-end dry dog food. She nodded and suggested that I feed them some cooked chicken or fish--something less processed--every once in a while. This got me thinking; why was she making this suggestion? Then a friend recommended I read "Smarter than you Think" and "The Heart of the Matter." Not only did the chapters on feeding fresh food rather than over processed commercial dog food make sense to me, they were completely consistent with the research I had done after my visit to the vet. Now life is simple, my dogs eat what I eat and we are all healthier! As an added bonus, the "Magic Touch" training technique really works and is easy to apply. My dogs look good, are happy and well behaved. I highly recommend this book! HBP 8/26/06
Book Description
It's been said that dogs personify all the virtues of humans without the vices. Henry James wrote that his dog was "most reasonable and well-mannered" and Plato that "a dog has the soul of a philosopher." Over the years, dogs have taught us many things: loyalty, courage, and to turn around three times before lying down. Yet even in the face of millennia of evidence of thoughtful dogs, there has been little systematic scientific study until recently of what is actually going on in the dog's mind, and some people even question whether dogs have the capacity for that which we call mind. In this long-anticipated new book, written in the vein of his enormously popular The Intelligence of Dogs and How to Speak Dog, Dr. Stanley Coren looks at both the heights of intellect and the depth of our misunderstanding of what goes on in a dog's mind.
A bestselling author, psychologist, and world-renowned expert on dog behavior and training, Dr. Coren is always at the forefront of discoveries about dogs. With his ever-entertaining, erudite style, he provides a fascinating picture of the way dogs interpret their world and their owners, how they solve problems, learn, and take in new information. Dr. Coren lets you see through a dog's eyes, hear through his ears, and even sense the world through a dog's nose, giving you the insight that you need to understand the silly, quirky, and apparently irrational behaviors that dogs demonstrate, as well as those stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity that they occasionally display. Along the way, How Dogs Think will answer the questions about which you have always wondered, including: Can dogs count? Do they have an appreciation of art or music? Can a dog learn how to do something by just watching another dog or even a person do it? Do dogs dream? What is the nature of dog personality? Which behaviors are prewired into your dog and which can you actually change? And, can dogs sense future earthquakes or detect cancer?
With information not widely known to lay people, this lively guide also provides practical advice and wisdom that allows owners to discover the best ways to teach dogs new things, why punishment doesn't work, how a dog can actually learn to love or to fear, and how to turn that new puppy into a "perfect," emotionally sound, inquisitive, happy, and obedient dog.
Combining solid science with numerous funny, informative anecdotes and firsthand observations -- all characterized by Dr. Coren's own searching intelligence and his (and sometimes his dogs') irrepressible sense of humor -- How Dogs Think shatters many common myths and misconceptions about our four-legged friends and reveals a wealth of surprises about their mental abilities and intellectual potential.
Download Description
"Bestselling author, psychologist, and world-renowned expert on dog behavior and training Dr. Stanley Coren presents the most informative, in-depth, fascinating book yet on dogs. Acclaimed for its solid scientific research and entertaining, eminently readable style, How Dogs Think gives you the insight that you need to understand the silly, quirky, and apparently irrational behaviors that dogs demonstrate, as well as those stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity that they also can display. It lets you see through a dog's eyes, hear through his ears, and even sense the world through his nose, as Coren presents a fascinating picture of the way dogs interpret their world and their human companions, and of how they solve problems, learn, and take in new information. How Dogs Think also answers questions about our canine companions that have puzzled many: Can dogs count? Do they have an appreciation of art or music? Can a dog learn how to do something just by watching another dog or even a person do it? Do dogs dream? What is the nature of dog personality? Which behaviors are prewired into your dog, and which can you actually change? And, can dogs actually sense future earthquakes or detect cancer? With sound behavioral science and numerous funny, informative anecdotes, experiments, and firsthand observations, How Dogs Think shatters many common myths and misconceptions about our four-legged friends and reveals a wealth of surprises about their mental abilities and potential. It will make you love and appreciate all dogs -- including your own -- in wonderful new ways. "
Customer Reviews:
How Dogs Think.......2007-09-19
Excellent! It is an interesting scientific book. It is easy to read and it would be very helpfull if you want to live harmoniously with your pet.
Similar Material To Many Other Dog Books.......2007-07-28
The first 1/3 of the book is probably the most interesting. Here Coren describes how dogs experience the world through their senses. As most dog lovers already know, the sense of smell is the most important to a dog and they also have excellent auditory abilities and are able to hear high pitched sounds that humans cannot. In contrast, their sense of sight is less developed and they see fewer colors than people do. I already knew much of this information from other dog books and my own common sense observations. But Coren does cover this aspect of a dog's life in great detail and it has been fun to try to imagine how my own dog is experiencing our surroundings when I take her out on a walk.
The seconds 2/3's of the book is devoted to other topics. Some of these, such as whether a dog has ESP abilities and the aging process of a dog are of only limited interest to me. Coren also discusses traditional views of a dog's mental capacity and how dogs learn, explaining such concepts as classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Again this is stuff I have already read about and there is really nothing new or groundbreaking here. But I do appreciate that Coren is willing to challenge the ridiculous "animals as machines" ideas previously set forth by Descartes and some of the more extreme behaviorists.
However, I am disappointed in Coren's comments on training. He offers the typical suggestions on how to reward positive behavior. But says virtually nothing insightful about how to discourage unwanted behavior. I currently have a very destructive and strong willed 7 month old Shih Tzu. I had previously tried Coren's "time out" concept to very little avail.
Instead what has been of tremendous use are the techniques on how to assert yourself as pack leader in Caeser Milan's "Dog Whisperer" series available on DVD and the National Geographic Channel. I think Coren tends to anthropomorphize dogs, treating them as human children rather than a different species. In contrast, Milan encourages owners to understand how dogs view the world. For example, dogs are pack animals with a strict social hierarchy. Every pack has an alpha dog who serves as leader. In this way dogs are able to alleviate social conflicts and feel safe and secure with their appropriate place in the pack hierarchy. Every human owner needs to make sure they are respected by their dog as the pack leader. Otherwise strong willed dogs, such as mine, will be more difficult to train and more inclined towards negative behaviors. Using Milan's techiniques I have noticed that my dog is not only better behaved but is even more loving and affectionate towards me. I think this is because she now feels more secure that a clear pack leader - me - has been established and she is not experiencing the stress and anxiety brought on an uncertain leadership sitution. This emphasis on leadership and control may seem harsh to people inclined towards building a more egalitarian relationship with their pets. But dogs think differently from humans and are simply more relaxed, happy and better behaved when it is clear that a calm and assertive leader is in control.
As for Coren's book, it might be a good choice for someone who hasn't done a lot of previous reading on dogs. But, for me, there is just too much information that has already been covered and his tips on training are rather weak.
One of the best dog books.......2007-07-09
I am only about half way through the book and already I can strongly recommend this book. The information and insight it provides regarding dog thinking in terms of sight and sound has allowed me to adjust my dog training. It provides fact based information and so rather than just skimming through it, I am taking my time reading it to ensure I absorb all of the information. Based on this I have bought another book by this author.
6 stars * * * * * * .......2007-07-07
I don't generally write reviews, but felt a need to respond to Deanne's comments below. No, this is certainly not 'Dogs for Dummies'. This is a book that goes much deeper than 'how to' train your dog. It teaches us not only how dogs think but also helps *us* to think when dealing with the 4 footed that share our lives. Instead of an instant answer or step by step by step guide, this book is a thoroughly useful and fascinating discussion of how our dogs see and react to the world. And with that we are given the tools to further understand and work with our dogs... proving that we too can think :)
If you have read everything ethologist Patricia McConnell has ever written and want to go deeper into the nitty gritty, this book is for you. So many interesting facts, and the theories are thoroughly discussed and explained and examples given. A terrific read.
If I could give it 0 stars I most certainly would........2006-06-22
I had high hopes when I ordered this book, given the many star ratings it recieved, only to be greatly disappointed. This book left a lot to be desired. Too many pages, too wordy, not a book for those in search of a concise how to tell all on the K9. I don't want a book that is hard to decipher when I need a how-to guide with a bit of why. Just wasn't for me and may not be for you....trying to save people the frustration of having to return it, really grateful to amazon for their return policy in this particular case. Sincerely, DL in NJ USA
Book Description
Millions of cat owners long to know what's going on in the mind of their complex, curious pets. Here is the key to that knowledge, provided by an eminent veterinary surgeon. In detail, he covers feline psychology and physiology, paving the way for owners to have a better, healthier relationship with their animals. The explanation begins with a look at the cat's ancestry--its origins, evolution, and domestication. There's a description of basic feline behavior and cat sociology, and a careful analysis of various physical and emotional issues. Find out how to cope with foibles and faults, and handle problems that range from bad breath to arthritis, from obesity to aging. A final section answers the most common questions that concern cat owners.
Book Description
Dog Chefs Are A Different Breed And Their Numbers Are Growing!
In this book Dog Chefs learn: .how to schmooze with their butcher
.how to tell their dog the truth about commercial dog food
.how to "hunt" for meat
.how to poop-detect
.that not all dogs eat alike
.to enjoy the company of other Dog Chefs
.to prepare for feeding their dog from vacations to earthquakes and they love recipes created by dogs!
This book is filled with lots of useful information on safely nourishing your dog from the inside out while you benefit from the outside in! Join the new breed of "chefs" who are creating home prepared meals for their dog everyday or just on weekends!
Customer Reviews:
great book!.......2007-05-31
this was a great book with great recipes! i use them everyday and have really enjoyed cooking for my dogs. they are much happier and healthier now. thank you Micki for giving us more than a cookbook. the resource guide has helped me a lot! i love your videos, too! they can be found here (dogchefs dot com) and go to the products page. i recommend the 3 DVD combo and the Eat, Drink and Wag Your Tail documentary with Dr Pitcairn.... very insightful!
Becoming the Chef your Dog Thinks you are.......2005-10-13
I came upon this book from a friend of mine who was at a seminar for Pet Sitters In 01/2005. Of course my reading list is long & I first added it to a pile. Then on April 16 my love Aspen a white boxer became ill with Gastritis and a trip to the emergency vet later. I have always been one for alternative methods for caring for my pooches. Aspen was on meds form the vet and my other guy Rudy was over wieght as well. I picked up Micki's book and couldn't stop reading it. I needed to know more for I found her information to make so much sense. My two loves Aspen and Rudy both thriving and look fabulous. Aspen has no more tummy trouble and Rudy even has lost his weight and keeps up with her. I truely recommand this as a must read for all animal lovers. Check out her DVD's also.
Insipid Book.......2005-08-24
I found it to be totally pointless and returned my copy for a refund. I was hoping for a serious book on the subject.
Book Description
This powerful short novel, with its extraordinary mixture of acute social realism and dark fantasy, was described by J. R. Ackerley himself as "a fairy tale for adults." Frank, the narrator, is a middle-aged civil servant, intelligent, acerbic, self-righteous, angry. He is in love with Johnny, a young, married, working-class man with a sweetly easy-going nature. When Johnny is sent to prison for committing a petty theft, Frank gets caught up in a struggle with Johnny's wife and parents for access to him. Their struggle finds a strange focus in Johnny's dog—a beautiful but neglected German shepherd named Evie. And it is she, in the end, who becomes the improbable and undeniable guardian of Frank's inner world.
Customer Reviews:
A real snicker of a book.......2003-03-28
It's practically impossible to imagine a book like this being published in today's publishing atmosphere, but thankfully, NYRB is around to buck that trend. I mean what editor today would manage a straight face upon opening a proposal about a middle-aged gay man taking care of the irrepressible dog of his working-class lover who's in jail? But as usual, with any work of art -- craft, talent, intelligence, compassion -- this remarkable work is so much more than that. Around its droll premise, Ackerley found a way to brilliantly expose the pettiness of people, regardless (or precisely because) of their social standing. The dog, which is just as vividly alive as each of this novel's (bipedal) characters, is really only it's lovable catalyst. But finally, what makes this work astounding is how it slyly and assuredly gets funnier and funnier and more blackly though generously hilarious with each successive page. A real snicker of a book.
Brilliant Black Humor.......2002-06-27
This fantastic piece of high art just gets funnier and funnier and more blackly though generously hilarious with each successive page. Brilliant.
A little delight.......2000-11-06
It would be hard to make the case that WE THINK THE WORLD OF YOU is by any means a major work, but why should that lessen your fun? Ackerley's novel is very much a surprise in its relegation of its homoeroticism (dealt with very honestly and matter-of-factly) to the background; the protagonist's homosexuality is treated as simply a matter of course rather than as the center of concern, and what gets greater attention is his complicated relationship with his lover's family and dog.
The narrator himself is a terrific creation: sneaky, pompous, arrogant, and yet also somewhat likeable despite it all. And so too are the lover's parents and the dog herself--it all has the ring of reality about it. This is a minor delight, but a delight nonetheless.
A masterpiece of literary craft.......1999-08-31
I agree that "We Think the World of You" is brilliant, poignant, subtle, and funny, but would like to make the additional point that it is a stunning example of literary construction. It is widely admired for its construction, but what is not widely acknowledged is that the construction, like its brilliance, poignancy, subtlety, and funniness, is the product of a well trained and accomplished intellect. Ackerley took 12 years to write the book -- he had important ideas he wanted to express as effectively as possible, and the result is a very serious and rewarding novel.
A minor or even not-so-minor classic........1999-07-09
The fact that this book was ever allowed to go out of print is a disgrace -- thank goodness it is finally being reprinted. As a dissection of the English class system, as a "gay novel," as simply a piece of literature, it is one of the most brilliant and poignant and subtle and funny works of the late 20th century. This is the sort of elegantly written, in some ways understated book that gets called "a minor classic," but judging from the way it lingers in the mind, from the way it discombobulates one's thinking on any number of subjects (including the afore-mentioned class system and homosexuality), it may not be a minor classic but just a classic, period.
Book Description
In this touching selection of essays, journalist and speaker Mort Crim shares with readers the lessons he learned from his dogs and the comfort they brought into his life. Primarily, he shares stories of Golum, a gentle Doberman, and Bogey, a cocky little Dachshund, and the positive lasting effects they had on his life. From welcoming him home from work each day to helping him through the death of his first wife, these two dogs shared canine love and wisdom in ways that will touch-and sometimes break-readers' hearts.
The author shares more that just his personal experience, however. He also examines the innate wisdom of dogs when it comes to love, caring for others, and just being yourself. Crim explores the many life lessons we can learn from our dogs if we just take the time to observe them and open our lives to them. These lessons include the value of loyalty, the importance of play, the ability to be happy with what you have, the capacity to take criticism without holding a grudge and so many others. There are even thoughts on getting along with those selfish, egotistical, aloof people in our lives-in other words, cats (and there are even a few things we can learn from felines).
For readers who have had wonderful dogs in their lives, this book will revive joyful memories. For those considering inviting one into their home for the first time, this book will show them how much a dog can add to their lives and how deeply one can touch your soul. This is an unforgettable book for any animal lover.
Customer Reviews:
Book is terrifric.......2002-06-16
This book is as terrific as the title. When I first picked up a copy, I thought, "Okay, clever title but is there any substance?" There was. This is a touching but profound look at life with many personal anecdotes. And it's not just a book for pet lovers. It's for anyone interested in a richer, deeper more rewarding existence. I heartily recommend it for anyone, young or old, with or without a love of dogs. Oh, by the way, cat lovers will also find a chapter just for them.
Stupid Thoughts from Mort!.......2001-06-17
This did not qualify as a book but rather is a form of dribble that we often hear from Mort.
Save your money and donate it to a dog shelter.
A Dog-on good book.......2000-06-19
Storytellers have long known that the best way to spin a good yarn is to have a hook. In the middle ages, troubadours used songs to entice illiterate peasants around a campfire to teach them life's lessons.
In today's competitive popular culture, Mort Crim has found a novel way to teach us some of the most important lessons about life. He uses man's best friend, the family dog, as his literary foil.
Mort Crim follows in the tradition of satirists like George Orwell and Jonathan Swift,
_Animal Farm_ taught lessons about totalitarianism using barnyard animals. _Gulliver's Travels_ projected human frailities on a race of giants and on the tiny Lilliputians.
Crim portrays his two pet dogs as four-legged furry humanoids without the baggage of human egos. Because dogs can't talk, they can't do such nasty things as lie, brag or complain --- the perfect life mate for man.
The author points out that dogs display some of man's best traits like loyalty, playfulness, forgiveness, without our dark side. But who really holds the leash in the human-canine partnership?
As one wit once remarked: "If aliens watched us from above and saw humans feeding, bathing and walking their dogs with pooper-scoopers in hand, the aliens could easily be forgiven for thinking that dogs ruled the planet and humans were their pets."
It's said that man is made in the image and likeness of God. But Mort Crim's use of dogs as human substitutes works so well because, in reality, dogs are made in the image and likeness of man.
That is, we humans project onto dogs the positive traits that we value in people. The truth is that their human masters are the equivalent of deities to dogs.
Mort Crim cleverly uses the basic goodness that we choose to see in our pet dogs to illustrate lessons about racism, forgiveness, and adaptability in life.
For example, Crim points out that dogs do not judge other dogs by their color or size. He notes that would be about as useful as librarians classifying books by their color. Dogs, unlike humans, don't worry whether their dog-dishes are half-empty or half-full. They just chow down. Nor do dogs often bite the hand that feeds them.
This book is chock full of highly entertaining anecdotes and touching stories. Some are tales of dogs and humans. Others are biographical sketches plucked from the lives of famous people that illustrate inventive lessons about love and life.
If you read Mort Crim's earlier book, _Second Thoughts_, you know it's packed with bite-sized literary appetizers. But this new book can be digested as a full-course meal with all the side dishes, plus dessert. It's his best effort yet.
I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it!.......2000-06-12
I purchased the book as a gift for my daughter who has 2 dogs. When I received the book I thought I'd look it over to see what it was about. Once I started reading, I stopped doing all the things I thought I'd do over the weekend.I found myself laughing, and sharing many of the thoughts written by Mort Crim with my husband who isn't a big lover of dogs. He lived on a farm most of his life and thinks dogs are to be outside, not in the house. But after I read him parts of the book, he was even agreeing that it is so well written and thought provoking. I found myself remembering the dog, "Suzie" I had growing up and how she loved sleeping under the blankets by my feet every night! When I started dating my future husband, she would growl everytime he hugged or kissed me. I think she knew that was the person who was going to take me away from her. After we were married, she stayed with my parents as we couldn't have any pets in the apartment we moved to. Soon after that she was poisoned by a man who put out meat he'd put poison in. Several dogs in our neighborhood died. I always felt sad I never took her with me so she wouldn't have gotten that poison. As I read Mort's book I could relate to so many things he was writing about that we face in our everyday lives. If only everyone were as loyal and trusting as dogs are, we'd all be so much happier and better friends. I'm going through changes at my company and I found so much help as I read how we need to have faith in ourselves and not worry about tommorrow or have regrets about yesterday. Mort really has such a gift in comparing our human problems and challenges to how dogs face things everyday and accept and love everyone. When my 5 children were young, we didn't have a dog as I felt I was too busy to handle one. Suddenly one of our sons died at age 9 and we were devastated. One of our friends had some puppies to give away and I thought maybe that would help all of us focus on something positive. It was amazing how much "Buffy" helped us accept what we had to and learn to love and trust again. I would find our oldest son laying with the puppy and telling her all about his brother, Danny, and things that they had done together. I would listen and hear the things that he said and realize how sad he was, but also happy to tell the puppy about him and see Buffy wag her tale like she understood. I never thought the book would affect me so much, it really makes you relate to your past and remember many wonderful memories. What a special talent Mort has to be able to put his thoughts into words that everyone will relate to whether you have a pet or not. It is the Golden Rule book of how we should all face everyday and live it to the fullest.
Average customer rating:
- A valuable tool for dog owners
- A must have for new puppy parents!
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A Dog in Hand: Teaching Your Puppy to Think
George Gates
Manufacturer: Tapestry Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Care & Health
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Training
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1930819285 |
Book Description
This book is about animal and human relationships and what people and puppies can learn from those relationships. No special equipment is required. Your hands and commitment to teaching the puppy to think is all that is needed. The book is illustrated and has pictures demonstrating technique that works. The Gates Method is based upon 35 years of veterinary practice, observations and identifying what works when training the new puppy to calm down and think. This is a must-have, illustrated manual for all new puppy parents.
Customer Reviews:
A valuable tool for dog owners.......2004-02-14
Dr. Gates uses anecdotes and philosophy to convey the lessons he has learned from 35 years of practice. His techniques are natural but too often overlooked these days. A must read for all puppy owners.
A must have for new puppy parents!.......2003-08-10
Dr. Gates does a fantastic job of showing new puppy parents how to teach their puppy the concepts of trust and respect, which leads to self-control. What a unique and refreshing concept! He as great stories, and illustrations that bring his experiences to life and made it easy for my wife and I to apply these skills to our puppy. A fast read with incredibly valuable information. A must have investment in your relationship with your new family member.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent read for any dog owner or trainer
- Not worth the read
- Great read; Excellent reference
- everyone agrees
- Marvelous reading!
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Think Dog: An Owner's Guide to Canine Psychology
John Fisher
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Veterinary Medicine
| Medicine
| Subjects
| Books
Small Animal Medicine
| Veterinary Medicine
| Medicine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Veterinary Medicine
| Medical
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Small Animal Medicine
| Veterinary Medicine
| Medical
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
Animal Husbandry
| Agricultural Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You For It. ("How to" booklets from Dog's Best Friend)
ASIN: 1570760365 |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent read for any dog owner or trainer.......2006-03-17
Reading this book has inspired me to follow my dream to become a dog trainer. The late John Fisher has an excellent understanding of dogs. It is written in a simple way that anyone can understand it. Once I started reading it I couldnt put the book back down. Well worth every penny!
Not worth the read.......2001-10-25
I've read several dog behavior books and worked with dogs for years. This book, however, was disappointing. He begins with the assumption that most dogs owners not only don't know how to train a dog, but actually seriously mistreat their dogs. He presents techniques in two veins. Some involve scaring the dog into doing the right thing by throwing things at him/her or by making a loud noise. Others are reasonable, positive, reward-based strategies, but he presents them as if it were some great, original idea that no one had ever thought of before. There are plenty of much better dog behavior/training books out there that are much better reads.
Great read; Excellent reference.......2000-03-24
A quick, easy, and entertaining read that is crammed full of practical and easy-to-use training pointers. Gives readers a basic understanding of dog psychology and guides them in correcting behavior problems with simple steps. Readers should also be able to identify undesirable behaviors at their onset in the future and correct them more easily. Not terribly in-depth in psychology, but extremely effective in training technique. All methods are "dog friendly" and build/reinforce a positive relationship between dog and owner.
everyone agrees.......1999-12-31
I can't think of how many books I've read on dogs. This is my favorite. Each person who asked me how I trained my dog or asked how to solve a problem, I send them my tattered and torn copy. I finally bought a second one. This will help you take a step back and see what YOU are doing wrong while conditioning your body language to communicate to your dog. Easy read.
Marvelous reading!.......1999-07-18
I found this to be a fascinating book on dog behavior and understanding of their psyche. I couldn't put it down until I had finished it and I refer to it all the time. I've tried some other books but they never held my interest like this one.
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