In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding

Description

The acclaimed Top Ten Bestseller that tells you everything you need to know about your dog 'Every dog lover, dog owner or prospective dog buyer should read this book' John Bradshaw, one of the world's leading dog experts, brings us a compelling insight into what dogs would ask us for, if only they knew how. The dog has been mankind's faithful companion for tens of thousands of years, yet today finds itself in crisis throughout the western world. Until just over a hundred years ago, most dogs worked for their living, and each of the many breeds had become well suited, over countless generations, to the task for which they were bred. Now, in their purely domestic roles we fail to understand their needs. And it is time that someone stood up for dogdom- not the caricature of the wolf in a dog suit, ready to dominate its unsuspecting owner at the first sign of weakness, not the trophy animal that collects rosettes and kudos for its breeder, but the real dog, the pet that just wants to be one of the family and enjoy life.

John Bradshaw is a biologist who founded and directs the world-renowned Anthrozoology Institute, based at the University of Bristol. He has been studying the behaviour of domestic dogs and their owners for over 25 years, and is the author of many scientific articles, research papers and reviews, which have not only shed new light on the dog's abilities and needs, but have also changed the way that dogs are understood and cared for all over the world.

A revelation - a major rethink about the way we understand our dogs ... there is no doubt about it - Professor John Bradshaw is a dog's best friend -- Kate Kellaway * Observer * Every dog lover, dog owner or prospective dog buyer should read this book. It will change how you feel about dogs and, likely enough, how you treat them, too -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times * A must-read for dog lovers everywhere * Independent * Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complicated psychology behind the growl, the rising hackles and the wagging tail -- Roy Hattersley * Daily Telegraph * Scholarly yet passionate ... nothing less than a manifesto for a new understanding of our canine friends ... fascinating -- Chris Cox * Guardian * A lovely and clear-headed book on all things dog-emotion, mind, and breed. John Bradshaw's authority and experience are matched by the thoughtfulness and humanity of his writing. Read this before you bring a dog into your life. -- Alexandra Horowitz * author of 'Inside of a Dog' * [A] wonderful, reassuring, and encouraging book ... distinguishes canine science from canine folklore -- Jonathan Mirsky * Literary Review * Truly fascinating ... rich in ideas and counter-ideas, and will reward anyone who respects animals ... enlightening ... Bradshaw's years of knowledge and his clear passion for dogs both shine through * The Sunday Business Post * Authoritative, wise and, in its sharp appreciation of the cost of dogs of living with us, rather moving -- Robert Hanks * Independent * The most fantastic book ... required reading for dog lovers everywhere * Observer * A well-grounded overview of the Canis family's evolutionary journey...this is what makes the book so appealing. He does more than simply lay out interesting theories; he uses science to advocate for a better life for companion dogs. * The Bark * A wonderfully informative, quietly passionate book that will benefit every dog whose owner reads it * Economist * Wonderfully humane, calmly-written and curiously moving ... [a] lovely book, illuminating for everyone who has or is thinking of having a dog -- Michael Bywater * The First Post * By giving the reader an overview of mankind's relationship with both dogs and wolves, [Bradshaw] also shows us ourselves -- Bella Bathurst * Observer * One may feel fully confident when reading [this] ... Bradshaw makes deft work of summarising important and novel insights on dog evolution * Times Higher Education * An alternative to conventional, dominance-based approaches to understanding dogs (Cesar Millan's methods, for example) in an informative...guide to how canine biology and psychology determine behavior.... Bradshaw's book is useful to those looking to further their understanding of dog behavior and clarify common misconceptions * Publisher's Weekly * Both an interesting armchair read and an important primer for any dog owner * Science Focus * In Defence of Dogs provides an extensive insight into the minds of man's best friend - a must for all owners. John Bradshaw [is] a pioneer * Big Issue *