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Chandi (4)

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In Defence of Dogs (5)

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In Defence of Dogs (6)

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In Defence of Dogs

The dog has been mankind's faithful companion for tens of thousands of years, yet today finds itself in crisis throughout the western world. Now, in their purely domestic roles we fail to understand their needs. The author, one of the world's leading dog experts, brings us insight into what dogs would ask us for, if only they knew how.

Average Customer Rating:

4.2

out of

(5 Reviews) 5

Rating snapshot (5 reviews)

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4 of 5(80%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.

Customer Reviews for In Defence of Dogs

Review 1 for In Defence of Dogs

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Miss Smiley

Location:Hampshire, England

Age:24

A fascinating read.

04 September 2012

This wasn't the normal kind of book that I would usually pick up. However as a dog lover and dog owner this book has been a very interesting if not slightly challenging read compared to my normal reading matter. Although I did originally think this book would be similar too Marley and me. Instead it was a very detailed and accurately researched book about dogs , how they came about and have been domesticated. It was fascinating to read about his research and how it differed from my understanding. . I enjoyed the book, it was clearly laid out and I found it quite easy to dip in and out of. It would be a great read for dog trainers to see if their own experiences match up to the authors and even dog owners who want to know a little bit more about the history of dogs.

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Review 2 for In Defence of Dogs

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Gee

Location:Hemel Hempstead

Age:26

Excellent for dog trainers

31 August 2012

I received this book as a review copy after entering a review lottery and I must confess this was not what I was expecting. The book is extremely well written and so extensively researched by Bradshaw that it reads more as an academic text than a guide to dogs. Beginning with how dogs became domesticated and exploring the behaviour and psychology of dogs this books goes way beyond the 'looking after your dog' manuals. This book is superb if you want to learn about the psychology behind your dog’s behaviour but I feel it may be too complex for your average dog owner. I read some of this fascinating book and then passed it on to a man who appreciates the information far more than myself.

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Review 3 for In Defence of Dogs

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

R Lee

Location:Suffolk

well written and informative

10 August 2012

I will start with confessing I am not a dog owner. Having said that, this is so much more than a caring for your dog manual. This is about the history of the dog inc DNA and archaeological finds to the present day, pedigree and training. Well written and informative.

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Review 4 for In Defence of Dogs

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Rebecca Noble

Location:London, England

Age:25

Not a book I would ordinarily choose!

10 August 2012

I will firstly admit that this is not my preferred type of book and I think it is better suited to people in the relevant field, e.g. dog behavioural experts and dog trainers. Nevertheless, it provided an interesting, if somewhat complex, understanding of the ways and mind of a dog.

Being a dog owner myself, I found some of the descriptions and concepts to be somewhat overreaching, for example, in the chapter ‘does your dog love you?’ Bradshaw explains how humans are capable of assuming emotions of dogs akin to the context which they are in (and perhaps what a human would feel in the same situation). An example which Bradshaw uses is the dog owner who proceeds to take his dog for a walk, takes the lead, and at the last minute changes his mind and never leaves the house. The audience watching this situation assumed the dog to be disappointed, as opposed to those who only saw a picture of the dog afterwards, who assumed no emotion or not disappointment. I cannot comprehend another way in which humans could continue to have a successful relationship and communicate with their dog, without assuming some emotion from their dog. Understanding what the dog wants, i.e. to eat, to play, is based on the assumption of an emotion, as it is when communicating with humans.

Despite this, I found the book to be well researched and well set out and I enjoyed the author’s references to his personal relationships with his own dogs, such as Ginger. The book is worth a read for those interested and who work in the field but I would not recommend this for a reader looking for a light and free read.

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Review 5 for In Defence of Dogs

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Xurfie

Location:Milton Keynes

Age:36

Absolutely wonderful

05 March 2012

Absolutely wonderful, I can't recommend this book enough. Outdated outmoded arguments for 'dominating' your dog are presented and related theories are dicussed, the evidence (yes, that's right, actual proof as opposed to the monkey see monkey do dogma from the the dominance school of thought) is presented and analysed, leaving you with a pretty clear understanding of what your dog is (and is not!!!).

It makes sesne, it is thorough, and it is humane. Going to great lengths to discuss this animal in your home that is a Dog and neither Wolf or Human, ad why that is. Your relationship with your pet will improve no end. After all, having a great relationship, isn't that why we have pets?

If you care for your furry friend and want to do right by them then you'll do well to get this book.

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