There are a lot of resources out there about dogs, dog training, intelligence, care, and dog-human bonds.  Some approaches talk about dogs as if they are small (or frustrated) wolves.  Other approaches talk about dogs as if they are four legged humans, anthropomorphized more than understood.  Both extremes miss the mark.  The canine is neither wolf nor human.  Resources that bridge those two extremes are more helpful, and Inside of a Dog is one of them.

Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz offers an insightful look at the latest science surrounding dog cognition.  With warmth and attention to the strong emotional bonds we share with canine companions, Inside of a Dog provides a one of a kind look at the world from a dog’s eye view.  Including informative summaries of how dogs’ senses operate, what they can know, and more, it’s a book bound to help readers become more caring and effective companions to our canine pals.

An interesting tip: Despite the popular (and often competing) trends among styles of canine training, Inside of a Dog notes that recent evidence suggests that many different training approaches are comparably effective.  In a nutshell, it’s a human’s consistent effort that may be the key to modify a dog’s behavior, not the approach assumed.  Why? Because nearly all training programs require two (human) ingredients: time and attention.  By bonding with your canine companion in regular training exercises and programs, you are learning what to expect and how to communicate with your dog.

Inside of a Dog reminds readers that th best way to “train” dogs is to learn about dogs.  What dogs need.  What dogs can do.  How dogs think.  Understanding the basics enables humans to train ourselves about reasonable expectations and techniques to achieve them.  This book points those who love dogs toward that better understanding.