Inside of a Dog

I wrote my first review of a book on Goodreads today.  I rarely take the time to write up my thoughts on things I've read, but I value other people's critiques so I should contribute my own to the conversation, yes?  So here is my review of Alexandra Horowitz's book, Inside of a Dog:

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Horowitz explains a lot of fairly complex behavioral science in a way that is very accessible.  I see by other reviews that some folks think she is much too "permissive" with her own dogs, but I found that to be one of the most intriguing aspects of the book.  I've always had dogs in my life, and I've always trained them to fetch properly, heel properly, behave at all times like a model dog.  My dogs' behavior has always been a source of pride to me.  I've been very frustrated with our current puppy, now a year old, who has definite opinions about what she wants to do, and fetching and heeling properly are not high on her list.  Horowitz says,

When come here has been learned, a good argument can be made that there is little else by way of commands that an ordinary dog needs to know. Teach them more if you both enjoy it. ... Make clear what behaviors you dislike and be consistent in not reinforcing them.  Few celebrate a dog who jumps at people as they approach--but start with the premise that it is we who keep ourselves (and our faces) unbearably far away, and we can come to a mutual understanding." (NY: Scribner, 2009, p. 286)

  Taking this approach with our puppy--looking for what's really necessary for us to live well together and reinforcing that behavior, and considering her dog-perspective so that we can reach a mutual understanding--has made a huge difference in how we get along.  She can be a Good Enough dog in her way, and I can appreciate her way of being a Good Enough dog, and we can both relax and enjoy each other's company.