How Dogs Work by Raymond CoppingerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
At first I assumed this to be some kind of training book, at least indirectly. It is not. The behaviors it goes over are less about how to teach dogs, and more about why dogs do what they do in a general, scientific sense.
This book takes a mechanical (literally) approach to dogs. What about their bodies make them act a certain way? What evolutionary changes have occurred in order for a border collie to be different than a Maremma? Why do humans anthropomorphize dogs?
We want to believe our dogs are special, emotionally and cognitively. But just because we want to believe doesn't mean it's the truth. This book does NOT attempt to argue or prove that our dogs don't love us. What it does is takes the approach of: is this really special behavior? Why, or why not? This is about learning, dissecting information we've assumed and asking whether it is a fact or a belief.
For me it's about knowing the why behind the actions. I find it absolutely fascinating, and it actually increases my awe at these beloved companion animals.
I loved it. I learned so much about dogs as a species, and vicariously about a couple other animals, too.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in dogs going beyond the 'man's best friend' mentality.
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