Helpful Score: 3
Fascinating study, done over a period of 30 years, on the lives of dogs. Thomas is an anthropologist who uses her background to give a superior and touching account of her canine companions and their young through several generations. I would highly suggest this book to anyone who loves dogs! I was sorry to see it end!
Helpful Score: 3
I didn't find this book that much of a 'breakthrough' in canine behavior---it seemed more of a study of dogs that are roam and interact at will, with very little interaction between them and the humans. In the end the dogs basically form a pack and seem very uninterested in their human family. This doesn't help me relate or understand how to interact with my dogs.
In this book the author gives an account of thirty years of living with dogs, wolves, dingos and the ways their lives are interetwined with her own. There is Misha, a husky that roams widely, and Maria his true love, their puppies, as well as Bingo and Violet the two pugs that also share the house.
In this book the author gives an account of thirty years of living with dogs, wolves, dingos and the ways their lives are interetwined with her own. There is Misha, a husky that roams widely, and Maria his true love, their puppies, as well as Bingo and Violet the two pugs that also share the house.
Helpful Score: 3
This is not a bok about training or bringing up your dog. "This is a book about dog consciousness." Elizabeth Marshall Thomas talks abot the drama in her dogs life and who interesting their approach to life is. It is a samll book with a big punch! I liked it a lot.
Helpful Score: 2
I'm a cat person, and *I* even liked this book! Anyone who likes animals and senses their hidden intelligence will enjoy this book. It is entertaining as well as heartbreaking. A good read all around.
Helpful Score: 2
I'm a certified applied animal behaviorist. I read this book when it was first published (it was actually a gift) and was totally appalled by the manner in which this woman lived with her dog pack. Not only is there NO validity in her observations of domestic dog behavior, but this book portrays the absolute worst sort of collector who is negligent of her dogs' social and psychological requirements and does little to care for them physically in an appropriate manner. If you want to learn about domestic dog behavior, read Dr. Ian Dunbar, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Roger Abrantes, Karen Pryor, Dr. Jon Bailey.
