- Hardcover: 272 pages
- Publisher: W&N (11 Jan 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0297646508
- ISBN-13: 978-0297646501
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.6 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
272,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #68 in Books > Science & Nature > Nature > Wild Animals > Mammals
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Prepare to have any illusions about your canine companion totally shattered. In writing The Truth About Dogs, author Stephen Budiansky (The Nature of Horses) is determined to uncover the true nature of our beloved beasts, and it's not always a pretty picture. The introduction presents a basic question: why on earth have we allowed these disease-carrying, biting, destructive and expensive animals into our lives? We know why--it's because we love them, warts and all. So does Budiansky, and once you read past his inflammatory introduction, you will find a book that presents a new way of looking at old behaviours.
His insistence on the recent evolution of separate breeds, even those generally considered to have originated centuries ago like the Mexican hairless, is sure to be controversial. His interpretation of recent behavioural research may raise some hackles as well and begins with an examination of pack behaviour in wolves. While wild packs have only one dominant male and female, we often expect our dogs to behave submissively to an extended family of dominants--not only can that be difficult, but some of their natural "submissive" behaviour can be extremely frustrating. Face licking is an easy example of this poor conduct; Rover thinks he's showing submission, but Grandma's not thrilled with having an 80-pound shepherd jumping on her. In discussions of more general behaviours, Budiansky's examinations of the motivation levels present in different breeds seems to explain much about the success or failure of obedience training. While you may raise your eyebrows and frown through a few of his assertions, this fresh look at old assumptions makes a fascinating read for anyone who's ever loved a dog. --Jill Lightner
Book Description
The first scientific look at the world of dogs: why they do what they do, why they are what they are and how they got to be that way in the first place.
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First Sentence
IF SOME ADVERTISER or political consultant could figure out just what it is in human nature that makes us so ready to believe that dogs are loyal, trustworthy, selfless, loving, courageous, noble, and obedient, he could retire to his own island in the Caribbean in about a week with what he'd make peddling that secret. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
IF SOME ADVERTISER or political consultant could figure out just what it is in human nature that makes us so ready to believe that dogs are loyal, trustworthy, selfless, loving, courageous, noble, and obedient, he could retire to his own island in the Caribbean in about a week with what he'd make peddling that secret. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a totally comprehensive guide to dogs that's as fresh as its cover. The evolution of every episode of a dogs life is reviewed in a serious but deviously humourous manner. Reading it is like slipping into the dogs skin and living his life for a few hours - an eye opening, earth shattering experience. Many human-dog misunderstandings are exploded so if like me, you love dogs but know little about them you'd better hold on to your hat. I've read many books on animal behaviour but never before have i read one about dogs so this certainly sets the benchmark. After the authors equally colourfull and scientifically accurate book on horses, "The nature of horses," I believe i've made a good choice. If you're a student of animal behaviour or just love dogs, this is a must have, informative read which won't cure insomnia.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Contrary to (only) one of the reviewers of this book and in my capacity as dog owner, breeder, trainer and judge, I found this to be one of the most thoughtful and rigorous attempts to define the relationship between dogs and people I have read. This is a serious, scientific and analytical approach, which clashes with many other more 'touchy feely' books which are around.
I have leant this book to friends and people in the dog club where I train and all of them have really enjoyed it.
If your dog is your 'little princess', you may not appreciate this book!
If, like me, you live with dogs, spending hours of time in their company and sharing your home with them, you will laugh out loud at times, but you will also almost certainly learn some new things about your canine friends, in a positive way.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
I have leant this book to friends and people in the dog club where I train and all of them have really enjoyed it.
If your dog is your 'little princess', you may not appreciate this book!
If, like me, you live with dogs, spending hours of time in their company and sharing your home with them, you will laugh out loud at times, but you will also almost certainly learn some new things about your canine friends, in a positive way.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An engaging, thought-provoking and witty book. The author tackles both sentimental anthropomorphic cliche and animal activists' opinions about the dog/human relationship head on.
In a book which a scientist may read as a polemic but which never patronises a lay reader, he constantly entertains. Like any good communicator he makes complex scientific theory simple but never simplistic. He does it not to pontificate but to help answer those questions which bug any thoughtful dog lover - Where do dogs come from? Why does my dog wolf his dinner as if he won't eat for another 4 days? What's with the floppy ears? What do I have to do to get him to come? Why do dogs smell each other behinds when they meet? Why are some breeds so doolally?
The strong framework carries a fascinating narrative. Above all, this book is witty. A perfect gift for any dog lover, even those who don't make a habit of reading non-fiction.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Book contains some outdated discredited theories.
I am suprised that a book written reasonably recently is so dated. He really doesn't understand the idea of training a dog using positive reinforcement. Read more
Published 14 months ago by R. E. Tyldesley
A real eye opener
A wonderfully easy and entertaining read but likely to burst your bubble or enrage you if you are an advocate of dog "pop psychology" and have an over pampered pet. Read more
Published on 25 April 2006 by John C. Macdonald
Excellent book for all genuine dog lovers.
I have made several business trips to Japan in the past 10 years. The first time I went I was thoroughly unprepared, but before my second trip I bought and read "Culture Shock... Read more
Published on 5 Dec 2005 by M. R. N. Shackelford
The denigration of dogs
I gave up trying to find any useful information from the book about one-third of the way through.
This book is recommended to people who hate dogs --- it will confirm their... Read more
This book is recommended to people who hate dogs --- it will confirm their... Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2003
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