In Defence Of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding

Author: John Bradshaw
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  • : 24.99 AUD
  • : 9780141046495
  • : Penguin UK
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  • : 0.262
  • : July 2012
  • : 198mm X 129mm X 20mm
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  • : 22.99
  • : October 2012
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  • : books

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  • : John Bradshaw
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  • : Paperback
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  • : English
  • : 636.70887
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  • : Illustrations
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Barcode 9780141046495
9780141046495

Description

John Bradshaw is one of the world's leading dog experts, and In Defence of Dogsgives us a uniquely authoritative insight into what dogs would ask us for, if only they knew how. The dog has been mankind's faithful companion for tens of thousands of years, yet today finds itself in crisis throughout the western world. Until just over a hundred years ago, most dogs worked for their living, and each of the many breeds had become well suited, over countless generations, to the task for which they were bred. Now, in their purely domestic roles we fail to understand their needs. And it is time that someone stood up for dogdom- not the caricature of the wolf in a dog suit, ready to dominate its unsuspecting owner at the first sign of weakness, not the trophy animal that collects rosettes and kudos for its breeder, but the real dog, the pet that just wants to be one of the family and enjoy life. Biologists now know far more about what really makes dogs tick than they did twenty years ago - and John Bradshaw has been at the centre of this research. However, this new scientific understanding has been slow to percolate through to owners, and has not yet made enough of a difference to the lives of the dogs themselves. This book is here to set the record straight. It is time we understood one of the most successful species on the planet, our closest friends, the dog.

Reviews

A revelation - a major rethink about the way we understand our dogs ... there is no doubt about it - Professor John Bradshaw is a dog's best friend -- Kate Kellaway Observer Every dog lover, dog owner or prospective dog buyer should read this book. It will change how you feel about dogs and, likely enough, how you treat them, too -- James McConnachie Sunday Times A must-read for dog lovers everywhere Independent Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complicated psychology behind the growl, the rising hackles and the wagging tail -- Roy Hattersley Daily Telegraph Scholarly yet passionate ... nothing less than a manifesto for a new understanding of our canine friends ... fascinating -- Chris Cox Guardian A lovely and clear-headed book on all things dog-emotion, mind, and breed. John Bradshaw's authority and experience are matched by the thoughtfulness and humanity of his writing. Read this before you bring a dog into your life. -- Alexandra Horowitz author of 'Inside of a Dog' [A] wonderful, reassuring, and encouraging book ... distinguishes canine science from canine folklore -- Jonathan Mirsky Literary Review Truly fascinating ... rich in ideas and counter-ideas, and will reward anyone who respects animals ... enlightening ... Bradshaw's years of knowledge and his clear passion for dogs both shine through The Sunday Business Post Authoritative, wise and, in its sharp appreciation of the cost of dogs of living with us, rather moving -- Robert Hanks Independent The most fantastic book ... required reading for dog lovers everywhere Observer A well-grounded overview of the Canis family's evolutionary journey...this is what makes the book so appealing. He does more than simply lay out interesting theories; he uses science to advocate for a better life for companion dogs. The Bark A wonderfully informative, quietly passionate book that will benefit every dog whose owner reads it Economist Wonderfully humane, calmly-written and curiously moving ... [a] lovely book, illuminating for everyone who has or is thinking of having a dog -- Michael Bywater The First Post By giving the reader an overview of mankind's relationship with both dogs and wolves, [Bradshaw] also shows us ourselves -- Bella Bathurst Observer One may feel fully confident when reading [this] ... Bradshaw makes deft work of summarising important and novel insights on dog evolution Times Higher Education An alternative to conventional, dominance-based approaches to understanding dogs (Cesar Millan's methods, for example) in an informative...guide to how canine biology and psychology determine behavior... Bradshaw's book is useful to those looking to further their understanding of dog behavior and clarify common misconceptions Publisher's Weekly Both an interesting armchair read and an important primer for any dog owner Science Focus In Defence of Dogs provides an extensive insight into the minds of man's best friend - a must for all owners. John Bradshaw [is] a pioneer Big Issue

Author description

John Bradshaw is a biologist who founded and directs the world-renowned Anthrozoology Institute, based at the University of Bristol. He has been studying the behaviour of domestic dogs and their owners for over 25 years, and is the author of many scientific articles, research papers and reviews, which have not only shed new light on the dog's abilities and needs, but have also changed the way that dogs are understood and cared for all over the world.