Canine Confidential
Why Dogs Do What They Do
by Marc Bekoff
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Pub Date Apr 09 2018 | Archive Date Jun 13 2018
University of Chicago Press | University Of Chicago Press
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Description
Canine Confidential has the answers. Written by award-winning scientist—and lifelong dog lover—Marc Bekoff, it not only brilliantly opens up the world of dog behavior, but also helps us understand how we can make our dogs’ lives the best they can possibly be. Rooted in the most up-to-date science on cognition and emotion—fields that have exploded in recent years—Canine Confidential is a wonderfully accessible treasure trove of new information and myth-busting. Peeing, we learn, isn’t always marking; grass-eating isn’t always an attempt to trigger vomiting; it’s okay to hug a dog—on their terms; and so much more. There’s still much we don’t know, but at the core of the book is the certainty that dogs do have deep emotional lives, and that as their companions we must try to make those lives as rich and fulfilling as possible. It’s also clear that we must look at dogs as unique individuals and refrain from talking about “the dog.”
Bekoff also considers the practical importance of knowing details about dog behavior. He advocates strongly for positive training—there’s no need to dominate or shame dogs or to make them live in fear—and the detailed information contained in Canine Confidential has a good deal of significance for dog trainers and teachers. He also suggests that trainers should watch and study dogs in various contexts outside of those in which they are dealing with clients, canine and human, with specific needs.
There’s nothing in the world as heartwarming as being greeted by your dog at the end of the workday. Read Canine Confidential, and you’ll be on the road to making your shared lives as happy, healthy, and rewarding as they can possibly be.
A Note From the Publisher
**UNCORRECTED PROOF—ADVANCED READERS COPY**
Advance Praise
"Everyone who owns a dog, breeds or trains dogs, or works with dogs should read this informative book."
Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus
"With the discerning eye of a scientist and the compassionate heart of a dog lover, the incomparable Marc Bekoff illuminates the mysteries of dog behavior. Insights and surprises adorn every page of this wonderful book. But aside from being a great read, Canine Confidential offers deeper value: armed with fresh understanding of your dog’s senses, physiology and mind, you'll find fun ways to make your life together even more meaningful and rewarding for both of you."
Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: How Animals Think and Feel
"Canine Confidential is an incredibly accessible, plain-spoken book about humankind’s most loyal, most faithful companion. The many insights here will help you to earn all that loyalty and love that they so freely give. The stories and observations here will make you a much better human for your canine family members."
Mark Derr, author of How the Dog Became the Dog
"One of the world's leading ethologists, Marc Bekoff has devoted his life to understanding non-human animals of all persuasions as sentient beings and to providing them the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest measure, according to their natures, and without being abused or slaughtered by humans. In Canine Confidential, Bekoff turns his considerable powers as an observer of canids wild and domestic to providing readers with the scientific knowledge and investigatory tools that will help them understand their dog companions. Mixing often humorous anecdotes with clear, concise reports from the cutting edge of canine science, Bekoff details what we know and outlines what we have yet to learn about our closest non-human friends. Canine Confidential is a must read for anyone who has an interest in dogs. Even readers who think they know all there is to know about dogs may find themselves looking at and interacting with their companions in ways that enrich their time together."
Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, principal of the International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour
"This is a gem of a book, packed with information that answers the questions you have always pondered, and some that you may not have considered (such as 'Do dogs prefer to lift one leg more than the other?'). Canine Confidential deserves to become a primary resource for dog caretakers and those working professionally with dogs. Marc Bekoff, who is widely respected as a leading authority on ethology and animal emotions, shines the light of his immense experience and research on what makes our best friend tick. If you want to know why dogs do the things they do, this book is for you. Written with eloquence, insight and humor, peppered throughout with anecdotes and photographs, this wonderful book is a must-have for everyone who cares for, loves, studies, and wonders about our canine companions."
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, author of Pets on the Couch
"Marc Bekoff's vast experience, clear thinking, and unique philosophy come together to make this book a must-read for anyone wanting to know what makes dogs tick. A masterly work by the master."
Brian Hare, author of The Genius of Dogs
"Another thought provoking, insightful manifesto from one of the most brilliant scientists of our time. Canine Confidential is a revolutionary perspective into the minds of our best friends, answering the questions everyone asks, as well as the questions no one has thought to ask. Well written, funny, and fascinating--you will never look at dogs the same way again."
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9780226433035 |
| PRICE | $26.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 256 |
Featured Reviews
Fran W, Reviewer
Interesting look at “man’s best friend”. While the answer to many questions remains “we need more research” this provided some good insight.
Amy B, Reviewer
As a dog lover, I was excited to receive Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do as an ARC for my honest review. While this book reads more academic than I was expecting, I enjoyed the reminders of why dogs are man's best friend. Marc Bekoff is apparently one of the world's leading ethologists and has devoted his life to understanding the nature of dogs, as well as, other animals by constant observation, interaction and interviews with other human owners, observers, ethologists. In Canine Confidential, Bekoff describes many observations and ideas that are familiar to me, however, he does often state that "further research is needed". I enjoyed the fact that it was apparent to me that Bekoff is a compassionate lover of animals who had great empathy for their well being. I recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs or who wants to learn more about dog behaviors.
cindy l, Reviewer
Well, I love dogs, and pretty much love articulate writers who clearly love dogs as well. This book was a pleasure to read, not only for the humor but for the thoughtfulness and care.
Great book, loved it. Read it. Read it to your dog. Maybe to your cat.
Librarian 431790
Very informative and entertaining. A must read for any dog lover.
Many thanks to Netgalley and University of Chicago Press
Reviewer 284405
Canine Confidential by Marc Bekoff promises to explain Why Dogs Do What They Do. Mr. Bekoff is obviously a dog lover. I enjoyed reading his interactions with the dogs he lives with and observes. Much of the book focuses on dogs at dog parks. I did find the book informative and entertaining even though I live in an area with no dog parks. Most of the information will be common knowledge for anyone who has spent time around dogs, but it is still a good refresher. It reminded me to let my own dog be a dog. New dog owners will glean a wealth of information from Canine Confidential.
Antonia M, Reviewer
Okay, what can I say about this book? I absolutely and wholeheartedly adored it! As a veterinarian in real life, I'm always excited when it comes to books centered around dogs and their endless magic and wonder. While this book reads more academic than I was expecting, I still enjoyed it to a great extent. Slowly but thorougly, this book reminded me why dogs are considered man's best friend. Marc Bekoff is one of the most famous ethologists of the modern era, and this book deeply reflects his effort and research on dogs' behavior, traits and personalities. Even though some parts are somewhat detailed and may seem boring to the beginner writer, "Canine Condidential" as a whole reads as a fantastic novel on dogs' special characteristics. I definitely recommend it to teens or young people who are interested in learning more about the life -and minds- of animals. All in all, an amazing book!
Educator 317339
Students love dog books, and this is a great nonfiction read! I enjoyed it, and I know that my students will enjoy it and also learn a lot! (This is the sort of book that they will see a classmate reading and then want to check it out next.) I highly recommend it!
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