Dog Sense

March 28, 2011
Bradshaw, the Waltham director of the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Bristol, offers an alternative to conventional, dominance-based approaches to understanding dogs (Cesar Milanâs methods, for example) in an informative if somewhat dry guide to how canine biology and psychology determine behavior. Dogs, he argues, are less similar to wolves than genetics suggest; we must "widen the search for the biological characteristics that make up the dogâs true nature." His analysis of dogsâ emotional landscape provides insight into typical misinterpretationsâthat dogs feel guilt, say, or that there is a "pack mentality." Save for one sectionâ"Home Alone: Can Dogs be Trained to Cope?"âBradshaw does not offer training advice. His bailiwick is psychology, in the vein of Alexandra Horowitzâs Inside of a Dog, so readers looking for practical training tips will find this lacking. Bradshawâs book is useful to those looking to further their understanding of dog behavior and clarify common misconceptions, but those seeking strategies for training should look elsewhere.

June 1, 2011

An anthrozoologist dissects the history and behavior of man's best friend.

How did the domesticated dog become domesticated? What makes our canine companions tick? Bradshaw (Waltham Director of the Anthrozoology Institute/Univ. of Bristol) draws upon two decades spent studying canine science to debunk the myths surrounding dog ownership. Readers who believe their puppies can exhibit guilt, for example, would be wise to shelve that kind of thinking, the author writes: "The evidence that dogs can experience any emotions more complex than jealousy...is flimsy." He offers advice on how to build stronger human-dog relationships as well as a sharp-tongued critique of modern trends in dog breeding. According to Bradshaw, inhuman treatment of canines can often manifest itself in selective breeding for appearance and behavior, whether in creating a teacup-sized pooch, a goliath or an overly aggressive dog. For the non-dog lover, Bradshaw's work may appear rife with esoteric ponderings, as illustrated in Chapter 6, "Does Your Dog Love You?" But for readers with well-loved pets who view their canines as family members, there's much to digest as the author traces the dog's cognitive growth process as he matures from a sensitive pup into adulthood. Above all, Bradshaw advocates for increased public awareness and education to create healthier relationships between people and their pets.

Enthusiasm for all things dog will help offset the sluggish pace of the author's prose and dense scientific reasoning.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

May 1, 2011

Bradshaw (Waltham Director, Anthrozoology Inst., Univ. of Bristol) presents a wide-ranging review of canine psychology and behavior intended for a more general audience than his 1995 chapter on social behavior and communication in James Serpell's The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People. Beginning with wolves and domestication and using examples mostly from the U.K., Bradshaw moves through cognition, emotions, senses, traits, and attention to humans, ending with a cautionary tale of genetically manipulated modern dogs. He reveals a wealth of scholarly literature in biology, psychology, veterinary medicine, and zoology through detailed analyses and uses those findings to support and critique popular dog-training methods. Clear and charming black-and-white drawings illustrate key points and provide a welcome break in the text. Complex sentences and terminology require close attention, but the information is worth the effort. VERDICT Pet owners and those interested in the animal mind will learn from this balanced, well-referenced guide to the science of canine behavior.--Kristine Alpi, North Carolina State Univ. Libs., Raleigh

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.