I have just finished reading The Genius of Dogs by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods. It’s a keeper!
I’ve always felt that many people don’t give our dogs the credit they deserve; they are not ‘dumb animals.’ This book outlines research into dog cognition and what it means for your relationship with your dog.
Hare, who is the founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, started his research at the young age of 7 with his dog Oreo. He used a basic cognitive test involving two cups and a treat to test whether Oreo would respond to hand signals. Later in life, as part of his research, he travels to places like the Congo to work with bonobos, Australia to observe dingoes on Fraser Island, and New Guinea to test a group of New Guinea Singing Dogs.
Here are a few of my favourite excerpts from this book:
- People who own pets tend to be more extroverted, less lonely, and have higher self-esteem than people who do not own pets.
- Breed-specific laws based on appearance as opposed to bad behavior are doomed to fail in protecting the public because it is difficult to judge a dog by her cover.
- In return for a lifetime of loyalty, they (dogs) depend on us for food, the warmth of a loving family, and a good home. It is up to us to uphold our end of the bargain.
This book is thoroughly referenced with 67 pages of end notes, something I believe is as an indicator of quality.
Enjoy this book, from its first page to last. I found the book’s dedication particularly poignant…
For all dogs
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