Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

this book gets tedious after a while and seems to be a lot of anecdotal navel gazing on the part of the author... she just watches her dog then comes up with reasons why her dog does this... it seems way less scientific than I was hoping for and she just talks about her thoughts while watching or walking her dog.... also this is not compellingly written....

I was never really a "dog person". Then Lucy happened. I was looking for a pet for my wife (her dog had passed about a year prior) when I met Lucy, a red toy poodle, and it was love at first sight. We have been inseparable since. Now, I am a dog person. And being a new dog person, I wanted to learn about dogs. I was reading a dog blog and the blogger recommended this book. Most of the books I'd read up to then were about training, care and how-to. But, this book was said to help you understand how they think, to see the the world from their point of smell. Any healthy relationship is based on trust AND understanding. Your dog keenly observes you to understand you. This book will help you understand your dog. If you love dogs, if you see your dog as a little person and not just property, then this book will give you great insights into their world.

Was really excited about the topic and looking forward to hearing a podcast with the author, so wanted to read the book. Both my son and wife also started it at the same time, and we were going to discuss it together. I got through 30% of it before giving up, and that was more than others in the family. I don't like the writing style, chapter format, and endless paragraphs that said nothing. Would love to read a 10 pager from the author that just told me -- concisely -- what dogs see, smell and know. If anyone did a synopsis of this, in english, please pass it on to me!

I think this book is great. It will change how you perceive your dog, and how you interact with your dog. There is much information here, you will be educated. The information can be scientific at times, but I personally like that. If your not scientifically interested, there is not really that much at all. This book also has a great bibliography for further reading. Of all the dog books I have read, this one is the best so far. I highly recommend it.

I'm rounding up a bit. I started reading this book as research for a novel for which I needed to know more about the abilities, senses, and internal experiences of dogs, and I found it extremely useful for that purpose. It was also just plain interesting -- very much so. I only wish I could remember more of what I read. (I let more than a month go by between reading the first and second halves, so I already know I've forgotten quite a bit.) The book can be a bit repetitive at times, but that is my only criticism.

Did you ever wonder why your dog reacts to things the way he/she does? Stop wondering and get this book. The author did all of the work for you and if you read this book, you'll enjoy a far better relationship with your pet and find training so much easier. Your dog is far more intelligent than you probably think. Not only smart, but empathetic, caring and intuitive too. It's a fascinating read and you'll notice things about your best friend that you never noticed before. An essential read.

This book was recommended to me by an ardent reader and dog owner. It is thorough exploration of a dog's life and our lives with them. It gets a bit repetitive. Information is informed by research and the writer's anecdotal experiences with her dog, Pump. Which also serves to lighten the mood and avoid being ponderous. It explains why we find living with a dog so pleasing. It is definitely for the dog lover who wants confirmation about the joys of having a dog and the desire to better understand why they do what they do.

For Fido's sake, read this (awesome, amazing, riveting) book! I have had dogs for decades and thought (alas) that I knew everything about dogs. Wrong. As in Really Wrong. (And pretty arrogant to boot!). Inside of a Dog has radically changed my understanding, approach, behavior, and communication with my Lab. She is MUCH more than I imagined, capable of MUCH more than I gave her credit for, and is immensely MORE emotional and sensitive than... well, you get the idea. Alexandra's writing is easy, captivating, endearing, and stunningly informative. After reading it, I was frankly grieved by what I didn't know. And for all my other Labs that I'd 'short sheeted' through my ignorance. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Got a dog? Although Fido will love you forever, if you read this book, you'll know what that means from HER perspective.

I'm a dog lover. Grew up with them, have had numerous canines in adulthood, and can't imagine a life without a dog. I'm reading along and finding it interesting, but not great. Then the author tells of how she gives her own dog, Pump, grapes, raisins, broccoli, and other foods that are just not good for our four-legged family members. (To be fair, she does have a footnote indicating that raisins were recently placed on the doggy no-no list.) She goes on to discuss how dogs are omnivores (yep), and so Pump can eat anything she does. I'm sorry, but I had to stop reading at that point, as I became so infuriated with this laissez-faire attitude. Yes, dogs descended from wolves that ate our forebears' table scraps, but that was meat, maybe cooked, maybe not. Ancestral dogs were not fed chicken tikka masala, shrimp fra diavolo, kung pao tofu, or tacos. (And I know first-hand what happens when you leave your husband and your Rottie mix with a plate of tacos; I'm the one who had to clean up the mess the next day. Fortunately, the dog recovered and outlived the marriage.) Even though this isn't a primer on dog care, the fact that she's willing to endanger her Pump's life with food that a dog shouldn't eat is bad enough; anyone following her example will rue the day.

This book does a good job of presenting current knowledge of the scientific understanding of dogs, with comparisons to other mammals, and perspective on what is and what is not well understood. It is, as other reviewers have pointed out, not a training manual, rather it is a good example of science writing for an inquisitive and educated non-scientist. It covers a wide range of subject matter, and does a fairly good job of giving life to the material through example and personal history. And importantly, the book is well referenced and replete with an extensive list of further sources. Like any good scientific report, it makes no claim to being the last word or infallible, but rather the starting point for as much delving into what makes dogs tick as the most curious of us could want.

this book gets tedious after a while and seems to be a lot of anecdotal navel gazing on the part of the author... she just watches her dog then comes up with reasons why her dog does this... it seems way less scientific than I was hoping for and she just talks about her thoughts while watching or walking her dog.... also this is not compellingly written....

I was never really a "dog person". Then Lucy happened. I was looking for a pet for my wife (her dog had passed about a year prior) when I met Lucy, a red toy poodle, and it was love at first sight. We have been inseparable since. Now, I am a dog person. And being a new dog person, I wanted to learn about dogs. I was reading a dog blog and the blogger recommended this book. Most of the books I'd read up to then were about training, care and how-to. But, this book was said to help you understand how they think, to see the the world from their point of smell. Any healthy relationship is based on trust AND understanding. Your dog keenly observes you to understand you. This book will help you understand your dog. If you love dogs, if you see your dog as a little person and not just property, then this book will give you great insights into their world.

Was really excited about the topic and looking forward to hearing a podcast with the author, so wanted to read the book. Both my son and wife also started it at the same time, and we were going to discuss it together. I got through 30% of it before giving up, and that was more than others in the family. I don't like the writing style, chapter format, and endless paragraphs that said nothing. Would love to read a 10 pager from the author that just told me -- concisely -- what dogs see, smell and know. If anyone did a synopsis of this, in english, please pass it on to me!

I think this book is great. It will change how you perceive your dog, and how you interact with your dog. There is much information here, you will be educated. The information can be scientific at times, but I personally like that. If your not scientifically interested, there is not really that much at all. This book also has a great bibliography for further reading. Of all the dog books I have read, this one is the best so far. I highly recommend it.

I'm rounding up a bit. I started reading this book as research for a novel for which I needed to know more about the abilities, senses, and internal experiences of dogs, and I found it extremely useful for that purpose. It was also just plain interesting -- very much so. I only wish I could remember more of what I read. (I let more than a month go by between reading the first and second halves, so I already know I've forgotten quite a bit.) The book can be a bit repetitive at times, but that is my only criticism.

Did you ever wonder why your dog reacts to things the way he/she does? Stop wondering and get this book. The author did all of the work for you and if you read this book, you'll enjoy a far better relationship with your pet and find training so much easier. Your dog is far more intelligent than you probably think. Not only smart, but empathetic, caring and intuitive too. It's a fascinating read and you'll notice things about your best friend that you never noticed before. An essential read.

This book was recommended to me by an ardent reader and dog owner. It is thorough exploration of a dog's life and our lives with them. It gets a bit repetitive. Information is informed by research and the writer's anecdotal experiences with her dog, Pump. Which also serves to lighten the mood and avoid being ponderous. It explains why we find living with a dog so pleasing. It is definitely for the dog lover who wants confirmation about the joys of having a dog and the desire to better understand why they do what they do.

For Fido's sake, read this (awesome, amazing, riveting) book! I have had dogs for decades and thought (alas) that I knew everything about dogs. Wrong. As in Really Wrong. (And pretty arrogant to boot!). Inside of a Dog has radically changed my understanding, approach, behavior, and communication with my Lab. She is MUCH more than I imagined, capable of MUCH more than I gave her credit for, and is immensely MORE emotional and sensitive than... well, you get the idea. Alexandra's writing is easy, captivating, endearing, and stunningly informative. After reading it, I was frankly grieved by what I didn't know. And for all my other Labs that I'd 'short sheeted' through my ignorance. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Got a dog? Although Fido will love you forever, if you read this book, you'll know what that means from HER perspective.

I'm a dog lover. Grew up with them, have had numerous canines in adulthood, and can't imagine a life without a dog. I'm reading along and finding it interesting, but not great. Then the author tells of how she gives her own dog, Pump, grapes, raisins, broccoli, and other foods that are just not good for our four-legged family members. (To be fair, she does have a footnote indicating that raisins were recently placed on the doggy no-no list.) She goes on to discuss how dogs are omnivores (yep), and so Pump can eat anything she does. I'm sorry, but I had to stop reading at that point, as I became so infuriated with this laissez-faire attitude. Yes, dogs descended from wolves that ate our forebears' table scraps, but that was meat, maybe cooked, maybe not. Ancestral dogs were not fed chicken tikka masala, shrimp fra diavolo, kung pao tofu, or tacos. (And I know first-hand what happens when you leave your husband and your Rottie mix with a plate of tacos; I'm the one who had to clean up the mess the next day. Fortunately, the dog recovered and outlived the marriage.) Even though this isn't a primer on dog care, the fact that she's willing to endanger her Pump's life with food that a dog shouldn't eat is bad enough; anyone following her example will rue the day.

This book does a good job of presenting current knowledge of the scientific understanding of dogs, with comparisons to other mammals, and perspective on what is and what is not well understood. It is, as other reviewers have pointed out, not a training manual, rather it is a good example of science writing for an inquisitive and educated non-scientist. It covers a wide range of subject matter, and does a fairly good job of giving life to the material through example and personal history. And importantly, the book is well referenced and replete with an extensive list of further sources. Like any good scientific report, it makes no claim to being the last word or infallible, but rather the starting point for as much delving into what makes dogs tick as the most curious of us could want.

I wanted so bad to like this book...was hoping for some great scientific insight into how my dogs' brains work. Unfortunately, I found myself drudging through page by page...the language/prose is not very fluid, sometimes sentences stop short, others run on too long - and constantly punctuated with long footnotes that could easily have been incorporated into the main text. It seems there is a footnote on every other page. Despite that technical look and feel, the information provided is not really informative or ground-breaking - it just describes the physiology of dogs and how science is incomplete in studying them. Not worth the time IMHO.

This is a very interesting book. For the first time as a dog owner I had the chance to have a scientist present a scientific view of "the dog". The constant faithful companion who is essentially family... but, despite sometimes being like a human, is not. This book is factual, interesting, well presented as a scientific work, yet not overwhelmingly so and often times reads much quicker than you would expect a technical text to read. Good job.

I've read three books by Horowitz, but this first one is still my favorite. Her writing is easy to follow and packed with information about what and how our dogs experience the world. After reading this book, I changed the pace, direction, and focus of my walks with my dog and felt truly appreciative watching her stand doing "nothing" with her nose in the air as I waited. This is also THE book to read for insight into dogs generally, even if you don't have one of your own.

I have had a dog business for 18 years so spend every day with them. Clients kept telling me how good this book is so I finally bought it. It is by far not the best book on dogs I have read, just average. Mostly it is just common sense things that you learn when you work with dogs. If you have little experience with dogs this might be a good book but not a starting book.

As an animal tech, this book is invaluable. The insight into what a dog "knows" is remarkable. For a shelter worker, this book is great, and practical. Much of what I learned can immediately be applied. The book is entertaining and informative and well-written.

Waste of money. Unless you’re doing research for a doctorate, this has little to offer in the way of understanding your dog.

This book opened the reality of what one may have never thought in regards of their K-9. The thinking from a persons view by evaluating the dogs movements emotions toward the human is just on target. As I read the book, I was thinking about sections. YEAH, that's what they are probably thinking. Also what I like about this book is that there are small sections within a chapter you can read easily in a short period of time. You don't have to read the entire chapter and try to remember where you left off in the train of thought. A book that I definitely won't donate, rather I will re-read it or share it with my other dog owner friends.

I actually got this to understand my dog better. I found out my dog is atypical. I can only hope she knows how much I love her.

If you are a dog lover I think you owe it to your dog to understand the world as much as is humanly possible, from your dog's perspective, which this book excels at describing, explaining and illustrating. I'm so glad I read it!

The main purpose is to explore the "umwelt" of a dog - how a dog experiences its life, and to help humans see that. The book is lighthearted in general and Horowitz clearly loves dogs. The book is filled with anecdotes from her dogs. I am not qualified to judge the science but there was nothing that shouted out, and for the non scientist it is a good introduction into dog cognition. One problem - she is too dismissive of training - she rightly, in my opinion, disapproves of some common training tactics - but there are many trainers who would agree with her. Most dog owners should enjoy this book.

Good read for pet owners and pros alike. Covers many of the topics about dogs and what they do in rather unique ways. As a pro I found some of these great ideas for helping people to understand why they have dogs with unacceptable behaviors. Worth the time to read.

If you are a "dog person", you need to read this book. Learn new stuff and correct some stuff you thought you knew.

Very subjective view point-basing everything on his own dog. Not at all credible and/or informative regarding real testing. More like a fictional "my dog".

I was somewhat enjoying this book until I got to page 33 where Ms. Horowitz is writing about feeding her dog raisins and grapes! What?!? As any dog owner worthy of the privilege of having a dog knows, these human food items are TOXIC TO DOGS! I certainly hope she's not setting out a bowl of Macadamia nuts for her poor, trusting canine companion. Makes me question her "scientific" credentials and I probably will not finish this book. I am so disappointed and disgusted. Feeling ripped off...

Loved this book. It’s like a manufacturer’s user manual for any dog. And I don’t even have dog. But after reading this book I would like too. After reading this book, I have looked for other books from this author. Like her style!

What an amazing author. Love the book & her insight! Everyone who has a dog should read this! It is like a buyers’ instructions manual!! Give your dog the benefit of the doubt. I am always amazed when I hear people give explanations to their dog’s bad behaviors that they liken onto human rationale. Dogs are NOT people & that is why they are “People’s Best Friend!”.

I thought I knew dogs. Animal behaviorist author Alexandra Horowitz delves into the minds and senses and behaviors of man’s best friend and delivers them into our hearts. She helps the reader understand dogs better, and gives insight into what it is like to *be* a dog.

Good read so far. It's interesting to learn how dogs process their thoughts, so now I can hopefully understand my dog by the time I'm done reading this book.

The title of this book is INSIDE OF A DOG, WHAT DOGS SEE, SMELL, AND KNOW. After reading the text, I feel I have a much greater understanding of exactly what my canine companions see, smell, know, and how they may interpret the world surrounding them (including the humans in it). Dr. Horowitz does a lovely job of explaining the sensory abilities that dogs have (particularly smell and sight). She then interprets how those abilities help dogs take in their surroundings and how they might affect the ways dogs relate to us and how we should relate to them. Additionally, she addresses the topic of anthropomorphism and how we can replace it with a better understanding of the way dogs act and possibly feel, based on their specific canine abilities and their understanding of the world around them. This is so important, as people seem to realize less and less that dogs are still animals and differ from us in many ways, even though they are able to relate to human companions so well. I love the personal stories that are sprinkled throughout the book about the author and her dog. It brings a bit of a personal note to the text and reminded me of special moments that I've had with my dogs. Additionally, although the book is written by a cognitive scientist, it is written in a manner that can be enjoyed by a wide audience. My only hang up is that I felt the book could've been even more focused on the cognitive abilities of dogs without so many side notes (about rat testing, genomic mapping in foxes, etc.). These asides are not overwhelming, by any means, but my expectations were that the book would focus on dogs' abilities, so that led to my less than perfect rating. Overall, this book is an enjoyable and informative read!

LOVED this book. For any dog-lover out there, this is a fascinating read. As if we didn't think dogs were *already* amazing creatures? Just read this. You'll see your pup in a whole new way. I can't wait to go on our next Smell Walk. Just because.

Excellant Book! Many of the play scenarios with other dogs were seen with our dog Rubie when she plays with her friends (Bell and Stella). Motives, protocols, behavior, etc were clearly enunciated. Every dog owner should read this to better understand your dog and their relationships with other dogs, humans and other animals.

I have always had dogs in my life and have appreciated their company. Ms Horowitz has added great insights into their behavior and confirmed several of my own dog theories. I found this book easy reading and very enlightening.

Wanna get inside your dogs head? This book is wonderfully written to stimulate your inquisitive mind. If you have read “the genius of dogs” by Brian hare, this is a dive that goes deeper.

I'm glad I read this book. It was full of insights about my dog (and others of course). That said, I wish it could have been organized a little better. I was always getting lost or wondering how this particular issue had come up. Perhaps she just needs a better editor.

This is a very helpful and well researched book about dogs. I found it much more interesting to walk with my dog after reading it, sort of like learning your friends language so you can better understand each other.

The author tries her best to think of the most ridiculous vocabulary words no one has ever heard of. Get out your dictionary if you plan on reading this. Hard to understand. Gives very little insight into dog training, if thats what youre after.

A fascinating book about man's best friend in the animal kingdom. The writing is easily followed, the reasoning is appropriate, and while written by an accomplished psychologist it is easy to understand.

Pretentious writing style. I wish I would have read a sample in advance. I only read a few chapters before putting it back on the shelf.

If you are at all observant and have owned a dog for awhilem, you will have already be aware of the "gems" that this books professes to uncover. We've owned several dogs. It's obvious that each one of them has a unique personality. We didn't have to be told that. We are also aware that many of the gestures a dog makes are intended to communicate with each other and with humans. When I'm fixing a snack, across the room one of my dogs suddenly shakes his head slapping his long ears, his dewlap, and his collar around his head generating an unmistakable noise stating his presence. He wants me to know he's right there and leaves no doubt that he would like some of what I'm having. Didn't take much to figure that out. And when he needs to relieve himself? He stands at the door and looks directly at me. I get it. No mystery here. The author's credentials seem impressive. Unfortunately, academics often expend a good deal of time and effort establishing a foundation from which to launch a thesis. While the intent of this foundation is to clarify the author's starting point, the facts presented in these foundational materials can appear to be obvious and tedious to readers with empirical experience. Dog owners who have owned a dog for more than 6 months to a year have already acquired much of this experience. Like the book, I've already spent a lot of time stating the obvious here. I don't believe that the book has any value to anyone who is observant and has owned a dog for any length of time. I gave it two stars only because it may be useful to a reader who has had next to no interaction with a dog.

Where's the beef? Writing much to "cute"; too much work for the reader to get to the substance. Hope I can still return it.

Great Book! A wonderful read for dog lovers and all animal lovers alike. I bought myself a copy of this book a few years back and loved it so much I have purchased a few copies over the years for a friend and family member. Great book to read, enjoy, and pass along to share.

How she knows these things without actually being able to talk to dogs is amazing. But, the information is priceless. It's not absolutely correct all the time or our chiweenie is just ornery, but reading this book is delightful.

If you want to learn more about your dog and it's behavior patterns, give this book a go. Interesting so far (I'm only half way through) and as eager as I am to get to the end, it's a tough read. The author is a dog behavioral scientist and it's almost as if she's written this work for a scientific journal, for fellow scientists, using big, laborious scientific words - hence the 3 star rating. I skip the silly words and am still able to get the gist of her communication using layman's terminology. I say give it a good shot. It's interesting what you can learn about your furry loved one.

As a dog owner for 30+ years and a dog lover all my life I found this book absolutely fascinating. Unlike other reviewers who thought it was academic or dry I thought it was an easy read and full of statistics and scientific findings that I wouldn't have believed were true about dogs had the author not had the references to back up the findings. (For example, she often refers to the work of Temple Grandin, which has had a major impact on the field of animal behaviorism.) I also enjoy the stories about her own dog that the author weaves through through the book. Highly recommend it!

I've been reading this book slowly over the past few weeks since it arrived, and I'm savoring it in tandem with Horowitz other book, On Looking. Her scientific orientation provides us with plenty of data and her natural humanitarian interests keeps my interest when I can stop staring at my two Shih Tzu pups with new eyes. I didn't intend on buying it when I ordered On Looking, but I'm really pleased that I did. I've unlearned a lot from her that makes total sense.

If you have a dog, a must read. I am a relatively new dog owner and got so much pleasure learning about all the canine habits, personalities, nuisances, etc that I'd been ruminating over the last 2 years. Extremely enlightening. Our daily walks will never be the same....in a good way.

Good book but too many references to other animals. Was expecting a light hearted book. Not so much.

Great read - really helps you understand life from the dog's point of view. Tons of well supported information that is highly relevant and easily applied to your own dog. It's very technical, so don't expect it to read like a story book, but they content is very high quality.

If I liked dogs more, I would probably love this book. I recommend it to dog lovers.

This is a great book to let you see how your dog views the world, mainly with his nose! It combines science with humor. I have shared this book with many of my friends that have dogs and all have enjoyed it.

My beloved irish setter died last year, so when someone gave me this book I thought it would be another sob story about losing a dog. As such I put it off. Egads, was I wrong! This book is a scientific look at dogs and actually explains how dogs perceive us humans. I wish I'd read this book when my dear Glory was still alive. I would have been such a better human companion. Please, please don't miss out on reading this book. This author is a genius.

Read this and never look at your dog the same way again. The author takes us into unexplored territory that educates regarding vision, smell, cognitive behavior, etc. Communication through movement, eye contact, and touch are all known by dog owners but I suggest that each of us will, at some point, have a tear in our eye as Alexandra Horowitz explains in depth what our four legged friends are capable of expressing through their gestures. I consider this a must read for anyone who loves his dog (and who doesn't?) and wishes to better understand and nurture his or her canine companion.

La autora describe muy bien cómo sensorialmente perciben el mundo los perros y cómo esto ayuda a conformar su visión de mundo, sus emociones y su identidad. Si el lector tiene un perro, este libro puede cambiar tu forma de entenderlo y relacionarte con él.

A dog adopted us two years ago. I've always been a cat person, not anti-dog but a job with travel warrants a realistic assessment of what's possible when it comes to living with a pet. So Lovee Boy adopted us, showed up on the property one day and then just stayed. He had been abused and walked around tail between his legs and head down - his whole demeanor reflected a down trodden spirit that broke my heart. He wouldn't let us near him and touching was out of the question. So sitting on the patio, it's 115 degrees, Dog walks by and we say - we either have to call the pound or accept this dog into our family - it's cruel for him to not have food. We knew if we called the pound that he would be euthanized given his anti-social stance. So we basically accepted him into our family and began the process of meeting him and introducing ourselves. Three months later - he finally let me stroke his chin. Today he comes in the house, loves hugs, and touch is no longer a bad thing. I've learned a lot about people by getting to know Lovee. Trust is a precious thing and once sufficiently damaged such that walls come up....you have to earn trust and even then the walls remain. You have to love people enough to stay (trust restoration takes time) and be consistent in loving them even when they withdraw due to their fear. Inside of a Dog expanded my understanding about dogs, how they communicate, and how they interact. 3 star review - I gave this book 3 stars due to the writing and organization. I found myself skimming a lot and wishing the key observations were more overtly presented so I didn't have to dig to figure out what the point was.

How do we know what they are thinking??? This book has insight to the topic and is well written and your dog wants you to buy it. They really do notice the world differently that do we, and understanding that perspective starts you on the road to being the dog whisperer you want to be. I, for one, am glad they don't talk. Yeesh I would be in terrible shape if they could do that.

The premise of this book is great...that in order to understand our dogs we should try to see things from their point of view, imagining what it must be like to sense the world in their, not our, manner. The execution of that premise, though, just didn't seem to work. The actual scientific information presented felt fairly scanty--and too often interrupted by little tales about the author's own dog, Pump. I could have done without those. Rather than adding to the content, they took away from it, without accomplishing what they were probably intended to: inject personal narrative that reaches out to the reader. Thinking about it, whereas I should have come away from this book with a wealth of knowledge about dog-think, it simply didn't happen. Although I read very quickly, this little book seemed to take forever to finish. it didn't keep my interst, and the language, while graceful, was slightly soporific (no reading this one up late at night!)and had a tone that seemed just a little inexact for what you would expect from even a soft science book. Bottom line: OK, not wonderful.

A lot of valuable insight and information. Helped me to not be as anthropomorphic as I can get!

Interesting take on what our canine companions may perceive compared to how we see things. Helped me to reflect on my role as an owner of one and hopefully soon two dogs and how to help provide them a happy, healthy life and home as shelter adoptions made into family members

Dog lovers should get a lot of enjoyment out of this fine book. Although I consider myself to be a rather knowledgeable person when it comes to dogs I did learn some new things and I have it in both a hard copy so that I can lend it to other members of my humane society and on my Kindle so that I can have access when it is out on loan.

Horrible read

The author brings rich insight into what dogs experience therefore guiding our interactions with these animals that share our lives. Her conclusions stem from research so they are well informed. I have never read anything so helpful in truly understanding my dog.

I just cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. Ms. Horowitz's writing is casually elegant and she treats her subject with objective, but loving care. It seems to me that no one but a dog owner/lover could be so insightful. I genuinely appreciate her scientific approach, delivered in an "everyman" sort of way. I've had dogs from the no-so-bright to the, recently, very bright. She gives me insight into this range of personality, helping me understand why I loved them all.

oh my. i'm a life-long dog-lover, but over the last year and and a half, i have bonded more fully with two dogs, Molly and Wobbles (Wally is his formal name), to a greater extent than ever before. Naturally, i sought to learn more, about me, about them, about our us-ness. There is popular crap from every conceivable angle about dogs. But I'm an intellectual snob. I require strong writing skills. I require ideas -- trails, leads, implications -- that are above the level of the average 5th-grader. (Nothing against 5th-graders or those who cater to them, it's just not where I'm at.) Horowitz is readily charming, but she takes a little while to build to her full head of steam. Somewhere around the third chapter she emerges properly. Smart, researched (and sometimes researched by her), erudite, and funny, she works rather brilliantly to bring me to my dogs and my dogs to me. This is not a masterwork, not yet. This isn't Konner's _Tangled Wing_ or Hrdy's _Maternal Instincts_. But this is a worker who will make one, and when she does, I will be there. I've queued up the rest of her work, and I await her opus magnum, panting. (For this review, shouts out to Molly and Wobbles, who started me on this path, but, sadly, read very poorly and often focus overmuch on chewability and odor.)

I bought this book as a gift for my adult daughter who loves her dog beyond measure. She is thrilled to learn more about what makes a beloved dog tick.

This was a gift, and it's a FUN, interesting and valuable book that truly unlocks the 'mind' and behaviors of dogs. It is slow reading because it's full of information, but it's a GREAT book. It's NOT a 'how to' but rather a "WHY" book. I'd recommend it to any person wanting to better know the motivations and actual reasons for doggie's actions. Virginia from Florida

A very well-written book, presenting new information on the physical workings of a dog in a way that is easy for the lay reader to comprehend. This old woman with many years experience with dogs learned a lot from this book. Read it!

I have had dogs all my life and am also in the healthcare field. This book was so informative as well as delightful to read. I learned lots about the dogs I have lived with for years. I enjoyed knowing that what was written was researched-based. Things are starting to make sense for me, as to why dogs do what they do. Dogs are the greatest and now I always take them on "smell walks".

The title certainly describes this book. I did not enjoy the beginnings of the book,, wherein the dog's ancestry - wolves -were outlined. Then certain dog types were discussed. Slowly the dog's inner feelings, and relationships to his human master was covered. All-in-all a very thorough, but sometimes dry, read.

I really enjoyed this book. Some of the things I learned are things you never really thing about or you think they do for other reasons...like why your dog gets crazy after taking a bath and rubs all over everything. If you are a dog lover, this book should be added to your collection. You will definitely take some things away from it to use with how you interact with your own dogs.

This book is a look into a dogs mind that reads more like a doctoral paper. the ideas or theories often contradict a previous thought. I realize no one can know exactly what's going on in another persons mind without asking them and even then a few long discussions on a doctors couch may be required. So to write about what's going on in a dogs mind is an exercise in futility. I choose this book on the recommendation of a web site dedicated to dogs. I wanted it as an escape from your normal book on dogs. Looking back that's exactly what I got. It's just written in a manner much like an advance level history book. I can tell the author is passionate about the study of a dogs mind, as that passion spills onto the pages. But I fill, through my simple observation of my present dogs and reflecting on dogs of my past that they live for the moment. Meaning they are thinking about whatever is right in front of them at the moment. Also just like a child the more quality time you spend with them the greater the likely hood of desired results. With that said dogs are not miniature people, just as children are not miniature adults, and can not be expected to proformance as such. Both simply require all the love you can give them.

A wonderful book! Clearly written, with excellent information and just enough personal story to make it touching and relatable. It made me look at my dog in a different, and I think better, light. It has also been useful for training in a way that I did not expect, as I now take into account more of how she would percieve the world. Highly recommended!

Pretty Good. Im on my 5th Drahthaar Hunting Dog, been at it about 40 years. AH points out some cool stuff. Her expectation of what a well trained dog is are low and although she speaks of the great olfactory capabilities of dog, no mention of blood tracking. Still a good Scan read.

Enjoyed this book completely. Learned quite a few things I didn't know.

Really enjoyed this book. Helped me even more appreciate my dog. The author has an amazing way of combining scientific information and stories.

Fun read, passed it on to another dog lover

I enjoyed this book very much. I learned or confirmed my own suspicions about why dogs act as they do in reading this book. Alexandra Horowitz has a wonderfully warm but not sentimental writing style. I was fascinated by her research and reread many passages. One of those books I just hated to finish. I cannot imagine a dog lover not enjoying this rare revisioning of the creatures we thought we knew and loved so well. I do look at my sweet collie with new eyes and try to listen better. Thank you Alexandra. More please! PS: I do wish Pumpernickel could have graced the front dust cover.

A guide to the formerly perplexed, better understand your dog, become a better dog-partner.

I absolutely love this book! Everything you ever needed to know about your dogs vision, hearing, and their ability to smell everything under the sun. I wish I would have bought his book before I paid for the class at the Karen Pryor Academy! I'm not knocking the Karen Pryor class, but I do wish I would of read this first!!

It was so refreshing to read a story based upon research. The author is a scientist who has an understanding of the research going on in the field of animal science. She adds to that the personal experience observing her own pet. I have learned a lot and have passed on the recommendation to several friends. They have enjoyed the book as well.

The writer is experienced, and an expert on the topic. Her style of writing is somewhat self effacing, entertaining, educational and debunks a lot of myths and inaccuracies in the dog 'psychology'. Great read, my dogs appreciate it :)

It was charming to read about the author's experiences with dogs, but I was constantly asking myself questions and hoping the book would provide answers. Sadly, that was not the case. I suppose I was expecting much more science, and perhaps that is just an indication of the gaps in dog research. Check it out of the library, if you must, but don't buy it.

Some parts get a little too nerdy for my taste.

Its a gift

This book while using some scientific references is a great help in understanding a dog and why the dog does what it does. Tracing dog behavior back to wolves at some points helps bring a dog to life. The many daily situations discussed and identifying how a dog might see them is useful. It really helped me understand my dog and his behaviors.

It really allows you to understand the thought process and why dogs do the things they do. Their thought process is so intricate and this book really allows you to connect with them on a different level. So glad I made this purchase!

How a dog manages his world. I loved it.

Get in your dog's head. Read this book. If you read only one book this year . . . you really should read more books next year.

Love this book an indepth look into your pooch & best friend. Everything you've ever wondered about your buddy. You'll want this one in your personal library as you will read it more than once. Thanks for another fantastic book!

Great book! The author did an excellent job of balancing a neutral, scientific perspective on the behavior of dogs with that of being a pet parent herself; enamored with her precious Pumpernickel and Finnegan. I looked forward to reading this book every spare minute I had. Additionally, I purchased this as a used book from Amazon and received it in what seemed perfect condition. Delivery was fast. Thanks Amazon!

I wasn't expecting the book to be so scientific- I was expecting more behavior tidbits- I did learn how dogs look at the world through their keen sense of smell whereas we look at the world visually-- plowed through it but book could have been condensed and maybe kept my interest better-JT

Great combination of science and devotion to dogs everywhere.

This book really made me think about my dogs and taught me to be more patient and let them just be a dog rather than treating them like they should be mini people like so many other people do. They have so much love & joy to give if we would just take time to pay attention

This is the most illuminating, engaging and delightful scientific account of a dog's umwelt that I have ever read. My own dog's life is better for my having read it, so I'm sure she would endorse this review.

Good book, lots of examples, except - when my dog gives me a kiss, I just don't think she is hoping I'll throw up to share my last meal. I just happen to believe there is a little more affection there then simply a wild animal's behavior, and the author is much more focused on alligning domestic dog behavior with their ansestors' behavior. But I am not a scientist.

I'm an animal behaviorist by training (although I worked professional in other areas) and found this book to be well written and insightful. Horowitz found a way to speak to ethologists, psychologists and regular dog lovers so we all could appreciate her insights into our furry best friends.

Very entertaining and easy read with some funny stories that helped to understand what it must be like to be a dog in our world. Deep background into wolves to dogs and how that probably came about. Interesting stuff that helps to understand that dogs experience world thru nose, while we experience world primarily thru eyes. Some of the conclusions I think are false, but that's no reason to not enjoy the book. Spoiler alert. She talks about experiments where owners faked heart attacks or other serious problems, and dogs didn't respond in heroic manner, and concludes that dogs are not heroic. But says earlier that dogs can tell minute changes in order and behavior, so I conclude that dogs are smart enough to know their owner is playing, and is not in serious danger. Still nice book for people with or without dogs.

It was s gift

rambling and repetative

Learned a lot

People that love dogs think of them as four legged people. We talk to them and they, in essence, communicate in return. They understand us and we understand them. This book allows the reader to get closer to understanding the way dogs communicate to us. We can gain a better understanding and insight as to why a dog does what it does. And more importantly, we can learn how to make our special friends and companions happier. After reading this, when you take your dog on a "smell walk", you will understand how very important this is to the dog.

This book can get really tedious, and I kept putting in down to read other books. There was some interesting scientific information in the book about the physiology of the dog, but I wasn't satisfied with the idea that physiology drives so much of what a dog does. Dogs have been a part of my life since birth, and while I learned the general traits of the species, such as the fact that dogs interpret looking directly into someone's eyes as a challenge (just as a gaze by a human for too long can be interpreted), I also learned that each dog has unique traits that set it apart and define its relationships with those around it--canine or human. I think dogs have shared traits that define some behaviors, and are instinctual, just as do humans. However, I don't think this book in any way disproves the belief by many that dogs have what humans experience as emotions. Six years ago we rescued a young male English Pointer who had been horribly abused (our first rescue experience), and who had just recovered from a life threatening case of heartworm, and we were witness to a slow, but steady metamorphosis in his behavior and demeanor as he learned to trust and feel secure. No one will convince me that this dog wasn't "happy" to be living the life he had with us, even if he didn't have the ability to understand the word. So, if you have the time and patience, you might want to read this book to learn exactly how much more sensitive a dog's senses of smell and hearing are, and what their body language means. But, I think if you want to understand how dogs think and feel, you won't find it here.

Very meaningful book. Highly recommended if you're a dog person.

The essay gently disabuses the reader of the notion that dogs are merely furry children who are endowed with human-like characteristics. Dogs are really better than that.

This is a great book. Good for any dog owner who really wants to get inside his dogs head to understand what his dog is "thinking". I bought several of these as gifts for my dog-loving friends. And they've bought the book for other dog-loving friends.

Every time I pick up this book, I appreciate my furry family members more. Reading this has helped me understand some behaviors, and why or how they think. Well worth the time to read, especially if you have one, or are thinking of adding a dog to your family. This item was shipped quickly, and was in great shape.

Good read, well explained.

great book

As a therapist for humans, I worried that this book might do the thing to my beloved pets that so many humans worry will happen to them. None one wants their personal mythologies, their idiosyncrasies, their emotions to be reduced to bare science. Some people balk to think their irresistible need to cuddle their loved ones a product of oxytocin or to imagine their hearts to pitter pat when seeing their partner only because of a norepinephrine spurt. I worried learning more about the science of dogs would diminish the richly imagined myths of my furry kids. While reading this book, I've found myself loving them more, watching them more carefully to imagine what they might be seeing or smelling, and trying harder to play the games they like best. And for added benefit, a single sentence in this book has finally stopped all "accidents" indoors. Several reviews have complained the science may be shoddy. But, in reality, isn't all science only what we've learned to the best of our ability? Much of what we know could be disproven tomorrow by a simple lack of knowledge today. I think this book is pretty thorough, considering how little we know of each other. Even after hours of listening. Now if Ms. Horowitz would only become a cat person....

I enjoyed this book very much. I always wonder what my dog Sammy is thinking and why he does some of the things he does. I feel I have a better understanding of my sweetie now.

Or,rather, what would it be like to BE a dog? This book will cause any dog owner to look at his companion with new eyes, indeed...and maybe nose as well. This is not a how-to training book, and it's not about Lassie. Ms Horowitz has done a careful and heart warming investigation of the many things we misunderstood about dogs, or never knew to begin with. Several times while reading this book, I looked at my Lab, Sophie, and rather wondered what SHE thought about ME. Then I got on the floor and looked at things from her point of view. She didn't say anything, but she did give me a careful licking and put her paw on my hand. A good conversation.

I don't think this book was intended to be a scientific paper on dog intellect or dog training. It was for the many dog lovers that want to know a little more about how their dogs think. It was the first book I have read and immediately started to read again when finished. And, the cover was so appropriate! My dogs already appreciate my training.

I purchased this book from Amazon I enjoyed the book very much. The author weaves a beautiful, loving, and sometimes very poignant story of her own relationship between herself and her beloved dogs throughout the book, while at the same time sharing with the reader her vast knowledge of dogs which makes for a nice combination.

Wonderful Insight, you will look at your dog differently. Sometimes the science part goes a little over my head, but it's written with a sense of humor to balance things out. Love it. About 1/2 through it and it's hard to put down but I am reading it in small chunks so I can digest it and notice how my two dogs fit into the equation.

This is a thoroughly delightful and very interesting book about dogs. It's not the usual "how to get your dog to behave and to x, y, z". Instead, this book is about how dogs see and experience the world, how they interact with other dogs and humans, and what sets them apart from many other animals, both wild and domesticated. One big take-away for me from this book, is that dogs are special: the way they are able to bond with humans, how good they are at working with humans, and understand us is something rather unique. This book is an engaging and easy read, with lots of new insight and information for any and all dog owners. It also promotes a much more easy going and relaxed relationship between dogs and dog owners than many "dog books", something I very much appreciated.

This book also is interesting and gave me new insight into my dogs' behave and know things.

Every dog owner should read this book!

I'll never look at my dog the same way again, after reading this wonderful book about how dogs think and what makes them do what they do ... the author uses her own research and the research of other scientists to explain what dogs think, how they respond and why you can't expect them to act like people ... early on, she suggests getting down on hands and knees and looking at the world from your dog's point of view ... Shiner looked like he thought I was crazy (he doesn't think that way, by the by) and I even followed her advice and smelled things at that level ... fascinating ... in places a little dry, but you'll never learn more about what goes on in your dog's head than you will in this volume.

Provides great insight into your dog's behavior.

Understanding my dog more

Dr. Horowitz combines the training of a psychologist with the heart of a dog lover. It is a delightful book.

The author takes the reader inside the mind of the dog. At least as well as any other human can. He enlightens the journey with anecdotes about his dog which makes the read all that more human, or from my dog's perspective, more canine.

I haven't finished reading this book as yet but the knowledge the write has is amazing and so thorough. The only negative part is the big, technical words the author uses occasionally but overall I am finding this an excellent book.

The author reminds me of Dr. Temperance Brennan of the t.v. show "Bones". She has carefully communicated her thoughts, and in her own way is quite humorous. I found myself bookmarking whole pages. It made me cry a few times when I read some of the things that she wrote about her own dog.

If you know nothing about dogs this is where to start learning. Many people have no idea how dogs react to everything around them including people, so this is an excellent guide as to how your cute little bundle of fur is going to react and why. Read it! It will help with training as well.

This author tends to be very wordy in her writing style. Why not just state the fact & move on? Her content was insightful once you waded through all of her words. I find myself watching my 2 dogs more closely as I try to figure out their thoughts / sights / actions.

Excellent read.

I haven't quite finished this book yet, but I'm already learning so much! I love that it's written from a scientist, and it's about dogs. I love learning more about what they think and how their minds work. I feel like I'll be able to better understand my dog now.

An excellent book. It gives you about as much insight of a dog that you can have since we can't transform ourselves into dogs.

The book was in brand new condition and loved the whole process of buying from this seller. Highly recommended and will definitely buy more books from the sellers incredible collection.

This book is great. really gives you an insight into your dog. i learned quite a few things. would recommend it.

Horowitz has outdone herself here. A scientifically accurate, lovingly written paean to the dog.

Horowitz knows what she's talking about. She's a well-trained and thoughtful scientist and dog owner. No hyperbolae here, just the facts, clearly and warmly and sometimes humorously presented. And some of it was quite surprising. A nice read.

Wonderful book. Excellent read.

good

An okay read to get into the mind of an animal. Good for getting some insight into how behavior is formed and how perspective plays a role.

Interesting book, kinda of dry reading

Ms. Horowitz starts off a bit shaky with a personalized style that is cloying, but once she delves into her subject we start to appreciate the fascinating world of dogs. This is a fine companion to John Bradshaw's excellent "Dog Sense."

Very good condition for used

This book comes as close as anyone can expect to seeing into the mind of the dog. It rebuts a lot of the preconceptions people hold about their pets. I don't currently own a dog, but if I should acquire a canine companion I'm sure that I will be referencing Inside of a Dog.

Should be read by any dog owner, but can be bit tiring because it covers the same ground a few times and overuses the rhetorical question as a lead in to topics. Well worth the read in spite of this. The author has a keen behavioural eye and the subject is wee- researched.

has good insight into how a dog would perceives their environment.

I enjoyed reading the book - especially the author's evident attitude toward her dog but I ended up feeling that I had not gained many insight into the inner workings of a dogs mind and personality.

This is a great educational and fun to read book. I have found that it has so much data that I can not just sit and read it. I have to read a chapter or two and then think about what it read and how it might apply to my dog.

Interesting perspective on what a dog thinks and why he acts. Goes a bit against the grain from what today's seemingly accepted idea of a dog's psyche.

Do you really know what your dog thinks, what your dog is saying to you and why your dog behaves they way it does. All is revealed in the well written book. A must for any one who wants a well behaved dog.

This is a great book for any dog owner who has ever wondered what their dog is thinking. Fun to read--made me laugh and cry. As a scientist, I was sometimes disappointed with the weakness of certain explanations, but I think that has more to do with the current lack of scientific knowledge not the knowledge of the author.

I've been looking forward to reading this book!

No book jacket - definitely not good condition, much less like new :(

Disappointed

I Love this book!! Thank you so much for getting it to me quickly!

What can I say about it ? I haven't read it but our son who was the recipient LOVED it. That means his parents would also love it. Anything about dogs (other animals too, like ferrets, cats) but especially THE DOG! A true dog lover can kneal by the side of his sleeping, snoring, dirty dog, on a dog bed that has seen better days, and count the hairs and say "oh, look at his sweet little feet", never mind that this is not a puppy, but more like an old tired dog who does his best work 'napping'. He doesn't even have to sit pretty for treats. Yes indeed, the book is good.

It was better than I expected and the stories remain with me now over 2 months later. I often wish that I could really understand what my dogs thinking. We can only fantasize that there's some truth to our dogs inner thoughts as so appropriately described in this story.

An excellent book. I still can't put it down. I've already recommended it to others. It's throughly researched and she presents her findings logically. I've been a dog owner for most of my life and I found myself saying, "Yes, she's right" or "I never thought of that!" You end up observing your dog more closely after you've read this book. This is a great book for anyone who's had or has a dog, or is considering a dog. Great for the older reader. It maybe too complex for young readers.

great book

The inside story on man's best friend.

I loved it ......and now I am trying to get it back from a friend!!!

The book arrived much sooner then expected and looked brand new! I was very pleased and will definitely use their services again.

The book was recommended by several friends connected to the Pet Partners therapy group. This is a gift for my daughter who is a maximized puppy lover.

I think this book could have been written in a more 'human' and friendly manner. Have some fun with it for heaven's sake! Instead it was very clinical, with some fun personal antidotes thrown in. Thank God for those, or it would have been very dry reading indeed. There has to be a more interesting book out there about the life of being a dog.

Very informative book. It is such fun to find out what you dog's feeling! I read everything I can get my hands on... and this one is worth it!

This is a very informative book that gives us humans a better understanding of what a dogs life is about. One of the most amazing things is that a dog can be trained to alert health care professionals that a person has a particular type of cancer. The dog smells the cancer. Great read.

I love how the research debunks the myths even trainers and doggy day care professionals still believe. Such an informative and enjoyable read.

A fun read for anyone who loves dogs. Made me look at mine in a different way.

Excellent book gave us a new perspective of our relationship with our dog!

I bought this book for a friend who has a standard poodle who needs the understanding that this book engenders in dog owners. I absolutely loved the knowledge gained here. Wish I had had it back in the day on the farm in Idaho. I would have better related to all my four-footed animals!

You have probably been told that your new pup is joining your pack so make sure he knows you are the alpha. In reality you feel like he is joining your family and needs to know how to live in harmony with your family. Written by a behavioral researcher, you will learn what is actually known about dog behavior and not what we anthropomorphize about it.

Having a dog isn't easy if you want to communicate back. This book gives great insight into what dogs are thinking and doing behind that sweet, quiet face. Enjoy this book!! I will be buying more for family and friends.

If you have a dog, want a dog or love a dog, read this to better understand this special companion!

Canine insights for sure.

Very informative with insights into canine behavior. I now have a much better understanding of what goes on in my dogs world, and how he views what we humans are up to.

Bought this as a gift for niece. I have to assume it is good through her eyes.

The book came quickly and in excellent shape. I enjoyed the book very much. As a pet owner I found it interesting, well writen, and a fun read. I recomend it, even if you don't have a dog it is insightful.

Very interesting insight into the canine mind.

Great book for dog owners, helping us keep focused on the things that effect and matter to our dogs.

Quick shipper, and the book was very informative

Loved this book. Easy to read, very interesting. Makes me look at my dog in a completely different light.

it's not a hard read by any measurement, but left me feeling unfulfilled. interesting stories and nicely written, but there's no real science to it, and it's just not worth the read. I read it for a book club.

Fast shipping. The book arrived early and was exactly like how it was described. Happy customer :)

A well written and fascinating read. It will make you a better dog owner

Heard an interview on NPR's Fresh Air with the author, and decided to get her first book. Fascinating revelations on dog behaviour, as the author studies dogs. Right off the bat, the author describes how most dog owners anthropomorphize their pets...we ascribe human thoughts and emotions to them, even though they have a very different world view. I still think the dog and I are in a power struggle though!

This helps to paint a different picture for you of your dog's perspective. Has permanently changed the way I look at dogs.

A scientific look into what makes dogs tick. Very insightful and not full of anthropomorphic nonsense. If you are a dog lover, you should read this book.

Shipping was fast and the book was in perfect condition. Great book for dog lovers.

A very impressive study of dog psychology; well documented. I particularly like the anecdotes about the author's dog. It helps me understand the behavior of my own dog better.

Alexandra tells us the REAL reason our pups are doing what they are doing. Any dog lover should read this book.

Great read. Interesting perspective and well written