Book Description

Scientist, author, and dog lover Stephen Budiansky draws on cutting-edge genetic research to reveal what really makes your dog tick, and why

With originality and keen insight, Stephen Budianksy offers an unprecedented look into the evolution and psyche of man's best friend. In The Truth About Dogs new evidence from behavioral science, archeology, neuroscience--and the Dog Genome Project--probes the unique relationship between Homo sapiens and Canis familiari.

Writing with an eye toward improving our relationships with our dogs, Budiansky discusses the enigma of the dog's very early evolutionary divergence from the wolf, and how the dog found the perfect survival niche in a symbiotic bond with humans. Just as we are genetically programmed to seek signs of love and loyalty, dogs are genetically programmed to complement this foible of ours. In fact, in the dog's evolutionary path, cognitive skills, and social constructions lies the key to understanding these wonderful but odd creatures. After this wry and informed tour of the world from a dog's-eye view, we'll never look at our pets the same way again. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

(A good deal of) truth about dogs
Just to second the opinions of several other reviewers - this is not a training manual, it's very readable and is well referenced for a work aimed at the layperson (that's 99% of us). As a long time kennel owner there were many Ah-ha moments, connections made for disparate behaviors I was already aware of and some things I wasn't totally convinced of. Although Budiansky doesn't make an airtight case for every single conclusion, the beauty of this book is in the approach and the number of times he hits his target with deadly accuracy. The underlying theme of Budiansky's book is that what was dogma 20 years ago can be examined in the light of new knowledge - and this is an ongoing process.

I have to contradict a previous reviewer - if you read the first two chapters and find yourself uncomfortable with what Budiansky has to say, you are the person that will gain the most from completing the rest of the book. So will your dog(s).

Entertaining and insightful
Both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal gave this book rave reviews and I couldn't agree more. Calling on the latest scientific studies on dog genetics, evolution, and psychology, The Truth About Dogs is both fascinating for its insights into what makes your dog tick as well as (VERY unusually for dog books) extremely humorous and well written. Though Budiansky does not set out to write a training manual, and tries to stick to what we really know from science, no dog owner can read this book without coming away with many practical insights into how to better handle--and better understand and enjoy--his or her dog. I especially liked the sections dealing with why dogs bark, whether some breeds are really smarter than others, and why dogs invent the incredible variety of attention getting devices that they do. Reviewers often say that this or that book is a "must" but this one REALLY is a must for all dog owners and dog lovers.

The truth about this book
There are a lot of lousy books about dogs, dog training, dog heroics, dog antics, etc., out there. This book is NOT one of them. Budiansky's thesis is simple: Dogs are dogs; they are not people. Dogs behave like dogs; they do not behave like people. Nonetheless, dog owners persist in thinking of their dogs as people and trying to understand dog behavior in human terms. This type of thinking is detrimental to dog and person alike--canine/human interactions are at their most rewarding when humans treat dogs as dogs. Budiansky goes on to explain dog behavior from an evolutionary perspective. That is, how does (or did) behavior X serve the survival and/or reproduction of the species?

I'd rate this book a five, but I don't follow Budiansky's argument that dogs are wolves in arrested, or altered, juvenile development. He suggests that a genetic by environment interaction took place, but he doesn't lay out the mechanism for such an interaction clearly. His assertions may well be correct, but I would have liked to see more evidence on this point.

Overall, however, I found the science to be concise and engaging. I recommend this book to people who wish to have a humane relationship with a dog and who want a dog to have a canine relationship with a human.

the Rosetta Bone of canine behavior
This offbeat, even controversial, book resists the urge to anthropomorphise, which is probably one reason why so many people are upset with this book. To me, his explanations make a lot of sense. He even effectively refutes Rupert Sheldrake's belief that many dogs are psychic.

Another reason people seem to hate this book is Budiansky's twisted Gary Larson-ish humor, which is evidently not to everyone's taste.

A third is probably the fact that he advocates hitting, but only in cases where dominance is an issue between dog and owner. I can understand readers being angry about this, because I think with most dogs a much gentler, albeit still firm, approach is all that is needed. Also, I would think that getting into a dominance battle with a very large dog will likely end with you being sent to the emergency room. Other than that, his advice on training and punishment make a lot of sense, and are NOT the thoughts of a dog hater.

Still, this is probably the best overall book on canine psychology that I have read.

dog lovers must read this
This is not a dog training manual but if you love dogs it's a must read. The Truth About Dogs provides a fascinating history of dogs; where they came from, their relationship with humans, and why they do what they do. Of particular interest is the section on purebred dogs, which turned me (a former purebred devotee) into a mutt lover. ... Read more