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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is an incredibly fascinating book! I actually completed reading it a few weeks ago, but just haven't found the time to write about it yet. Sometimes, the dissertation does have to take priority.


The book is written by Stanley Coren, Ph.D. Dr. Coren is a psychologist and a member of the faculty at the University of British Columbia. He is a highly renowned and well-known expert in the field of dog psychology and dog-human interactions.


At first, I was a little apprehensive that the book might be similar to the drivel that appears on that Dog Whisperer show. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It is a smart, informative, and interesting read. Maybe this is because I am not only a dog owner and lover but also a psychologist. But I truly believe that anyone who reads this book will be impressed with the remarkable sensory and perceptual abilities of dogs and the One who created them and everything else.


The book dedicates a significant amount of time to discussing the sensory systems and abilities of dogs. Each of the five senses is explored in a separate chapter, all supported by solid empirical research and enhanced with interesting anecdotes. For instance, did you know that young dogs possess a heat-sensing ability in their noses, which unfortunately fades as they grow older? This is how they are able to locate their warm mother when they are blind and deaf newborns.


The book also extensively discusses the evolution of dogs, with a particular focus on the ways in which humans have directed that evolution to serve our own purposes. The incredible smelling abilities of hounds, the rescue skills of St. Bernard's, the hunting prowess of dachshunds, and the herding talents of the herd dogs are all explained in evolutionary and genetic terms. And it's all presented in an understandable way for those who are not evolutionary psychologists or biologists.


If you're an animal enthusiast or an armchair psychologist, I highly recommend this book. At the very least, it will fill your mind with a wealth of facts that might come in handy the next time you play Trivial Pursuit!

July 15,2025
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A well thought-out and fascinating discussion of the workings of a dog's mind.

It delves deep into the inner thoughts and processes that drive a dog's behavior. The author presents a comprehensive analysis, exploring various aspects such as their instincts, emotions, and learning abilities.

This article offers valuable insights into how dogs perceive the world around them. It examines their acute senses, like their keen sense of smell and hearing, and how these senses shape their understanding of the environment.

For anyone who is interested in how dogs behave and how they see the world, this article is a must-read. It provides a wealth of information that can help us better understand and communicate with our furry friends.

The author's engaging writing style makes the complex subject matter accessible and enjoyable to read. Whether you are a dog owner, a trainer, or simply someone who loves dogs, this article will surely captivate your attention and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the canine mind.

July 15,2025
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While this book may not be the kind of light and leisurely reading that one might pick up on a lazy afternoon, it is truly an invaluable resource for understanding how your beloved dog perceives the world. Coren embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the canine sensory system, guiding the reader through a detailed journey. Along the way, he intersperses the narrative with the occasional allegory, adding depth and interest to the discussion. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to any new dog owner. In fact, I would urge you to read it before you even begin to embark on the wonderful yet complex human-canine relationship. By doing so, you will save both yourself and your furry friend a great deal of potential grief in the long term. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand and connect with their dog on a deeper level.

July 15,2025
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I truly appreciate Coren's remarkable ability to seamlessly combine scientific evidence with astute observation. He delves into some highly controversial and heavily debated topics regarding dogs' perceptions, comprehension, logic, and many other aspects. What I find most impressive is that his conclusions seem to be based on solid research and analysis, making them highly trustworthy.


It's quite possible that we humans may have completely misinterpreted many things about our canine companions. However, one thing is certain: my dogs love me unconditionally, regardless of what we may think or believe. Or perhaps, as the author suggests, am I simply projecting my own emotions and desires onto them? It's an interesting thought to ponder. ;0)

July 15,2025
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One can't go wrong with any of his works. His creations are truly remarkable and have a certain charm that captivates the audience. Each work is a masterpiece in its own right,展示了他的才华和创造力. Whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or a piece of literature, he manages to convey his ideas and emotions in a unique and powerful way. The details in his works are often overlooked but are what make them truly special. Every brushstroke, every curve, and every word is carefully chosen to create a harmonious and engaging whole. His works have the ability to transport the viewer or reader to another world, where they can experience different emotions and perspectives. It's no wonder that his works are highly regarded and have stood the test of time. No matter which one you choose to explore, you're sure to be impressed and inspired.

July 15,2025
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This is an outstanding book.

It encompasses the latest scientific knowledge, which is presented in a way that makes it highly accessible and engaging for the non-scientific reader.

The author has done a remarkable job of translating complex scientific concepts into understandable language.

Moreover, the book is filled with numerous fascinating stories that further enhance the reading experience.

These stories not only add an element of趣味性 but also help to illustrate the scientific principles being discussed.

Whether you are a science enthusiast or simply someone who is curious about the world around you, this book is sure to captivate your attention and expand your knowledge.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest scientific advancements without getting bogged down in technical jargon.

Overall, this is a truly excellent book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable and informative read.
July 15,2025
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I won't rate this one because I had mixed feelings on it as a dog trainer and a behaviourist-in-training.

There is a wealth of really excellent information in this book. It also features some truly fascinating discussions about how dogs think and the experiments that have led us to this knowledge. I believe that was the most enjoyable part for me. It didn't just explain how dogs think but also how we arrived at the conclusions we did and how we discovered the knowledge we have about dogs. It is very valuable in that aspect.

On the other hand, it is a rather old book, and the science of behaviour progresses at a reasonable pace. We make new discoveries every year, which cause us to change our opinions and form new ideas. There is a lot of outdated information in this book, such as lengthy discussions on pack theory, which has long been debunked at this point. I'm not sure why it wasn't edited out during any of its reprints.

Stanley Coren is also a psychologist and not a dog trainer, and his training advice can best be described as bizarre and potentially harmful. One particularly notable example includes punishing a shoe (in front of the dog) in the hope that the dog will stop chewing shoes for fear of being punished in the same way as the shoe was. That's the theory anyway. If this were my client, my simple management for this would be: a) put your bloody shoes away when you leave the house, and b) give the dog appropriate outlets for chewing. A dog is going to chew; it's up to you to ensure that the item they are chewing is safe for them and not something that is valuable to you. I don't think beating a shoe has ever been a successful method for stopping this behavior.

Overall, I'm glad I read it. It is certainly a very valuable foundational text. However, I wouldn't recommend it to a client or friend who doesn't already have fairly extensive knowledge, as I think they would come away with incorrect ideas. There are also many much more recent books that reflect our current knowledge of dogs much more accurately.
July 15,2025
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Xmas present from Mama. It's something that has me on edge. I'm scared to know how my dogs think. You see, I keep procrastinating when it comes to reading it. The thought of what it might reveal is terrifying. What if it turns me into the greatest neurotic dog-mother that ever existed? I can't help but worry. Every time I look at that present, my heart skips a beat. I wonder if I'm ready to face the truth about how my beloved dogs perceive me. But deep down, I know that I'll have to find the courage to open it and find out. Maybe it won't be as bad as I think. Or maybe it will change my relationship with my dogs forever. Only time will tell.

July 15,2025
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I have recently come across a book that I must share with you. I found this book to be extremely informative and it is truly filled with research-based knowledge. The author has done an excellent job of presenting the information in a clear and engaging manner.


Every page is filled with valuable insights and facts that are not only interesting but also useful. Whether you are a student looking to expand your knowledge or a professional seeking to stay updated in your field, this book is a must-read.


I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It has truly been a great learning experience for me and I am confident that it will be the same for you. So, go ahead and give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

July 15,2025
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There are some really good comparisons made between the thought patterns of canines and humans in this work. It's not the kind of book that you can simply read "straight-through" from beginning to end. Instead, it is definitely a book that you might want to skip around in. This approach allows you to explore different aspects of the comparisons at your own pace. You can focus on the sections that interest you the most and come back to others later. The author has done a great job of presenting the material in a way that makes it accessible and engaging, even though it deals with some complex ideas. Whether you're a dog lover or just interested in learning more about the differences and similarities between human and animal cognition, this book is well worth checking out.

July 15,2025
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A Good Book about Dogs

This is a really good book that delves deep into the psychology and physiology of dogs. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how dogs think, feel, and behave. The author explores various aspects such as their social behavior, communication methods, and the factors that influence their personalities. By understanding the physiology of dogs, we can also better take care of their health and well-being. This book is not only informative but also engaging, making it a great read for dog lovers and anyone interested in learning more about these wonderful animals. It offers valuable insights that can help us build stronger and more fulfilling relationships with our furry friends.
July 15,2025
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I thoroughly enjoyed the information presented in this book.

It covers all the senses, aging, and much more.

The content is scientifically based, yet it is presented in a very readable manner.

Anyone who owns a dog should definitely read this book, especially if you have ever found yourself asking questions like, "I wonder why my dog does that," or "I wonder what my dog is thinking."

After reading this book, I have a much better understanding of my furry friend.

Now, I find myself in search of a similar book on cats.

I'm sure there are many great books out there that can help me understand the behavior and needs of my feline companions just as well as this book did for my dog.

I can't wait to discover more about the wonderful world of cats and deepen my bond with them.
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