Dog Sense Audiobook By John Bradshaw cover art

Dog Sense

How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet

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Dog Sense

By: John Bradshaw
Narrated by: Michael Page
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Dogs have been mankind's faithful companions for tens of thousands of years, yet today they are regularly treated as either pack-following wolves or furry humans. The truth is, dogs are neither - and our misunderstanding has put them in serious crisis. What dogs really need is a spokesperson, someone who will assert their specific needs.

Renowned anthrozoologist Dr. John Bradshaw has made a career of studying human-animal interactions, and in Dog Sense he uses the latest scientific research to show how humans can live in harmony with - not just dominion over - their four-legged friends. From explaining why positive reinforcement is a more effective (and less damaging) way to control dogs' behavior than punishment to demonstrating the importance of weighing a dog's unique personality against stereotypes about its breed, Bradshaw offers extraordinary insight into the question of how we really ought to treat our dogs.

©2011 John Bradshaw (P)2011 Tantor Biological Sciences Pets & Animal Care Science Dog Behavior

Critic reviews

“Bradshaw… offers an alternative to conventional, dominance-based approaches to understanding dogs (Cesar Milan’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.” ( Publishers Weekly)
"Bradshaw…provides a well-grounded overview of the Canis family’s evolutionary journey. He also considers dogs’ brainpower, emotional states, sensory capacities and problems that come with breeding for looks rather than temperament. The point of all this science is to lay the foundation for his central thesis…. Ultimately, 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)
Scientific Information • Informative Content • British Accent • Detailed Research • Evolutionary Insights
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Love the inside and information given all pet owner should read it and take notes-
Would be a good read before you make a decision on a dog/

Informative

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this book is great for dog trainers or anyone who truly loves dogs. the scientific lingo might be a bit hard for some beginners to digest

good for dog trainers

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I liked this book because it dispelled much of the prevalent notions of dominant and submissive behaviors that encompass dog training. I think anyone that really works with and lives with dogs feels that the whole notion of your dog vying to dominate you at all times is faulty. That philosophy puts man and dog in a continuous state of conflict. Although I enjoyed the latest scientific information on dogs I think this book may be a little to academic for the casual listener. That's why I give it 4 stars.

Good book

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This book was a superb presentation of the latest scientific knowledge about dog behavior. It's laid out in an easy to digest manner and I'll likely listen to it several more times as I listen when I'm driving and sometimes get distracted from the book. Oh, and the narrator is wonderful, but I've always been partial to a nice British accent. Best one I've heard yet.

Extremely Informative with Latest Knowledge

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Would you consider the audio edition of Dog Sense to be better than the print version?

Yes and No. I liked the audio version, but because of the subject matter, I will most likely purchase the book as a reference book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. But that's not a bad thing. There was just so much information I wouldn't want to try to absorb it all at once.

Any additional comments?

This book was highly based in science. For people looking for a training manual, this would not be a good choice. The purpose of this book is to review what we know in the science of the domesticated dog and what we still need to learn. I found it very interesting, but I'm also pursuing a PhD in canine cognition. The great thing about Bradshaws writting, however, is that it's written for the general public, so it's not just understandable to academics.

Full of information!

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Learned a lot of dog facts. Especially about wolves, which now we know/think are dog's cousin,and pack behavior in the wild.

Balanced

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I started listening to Dog Sense but put it down quickly after hearing the narrator reading and thought I'd never get through this with him droaning on and on as he read.... Then I happened to catch an interview of John Bradshaw and I totally changed my mind deciding to give it another chance. I had to remind myself at times what Bradshaw must have sounded like when the narrator's voice became almost unbearable to listen to. Page has a old stuffy, stoic, 18th century, prim and proper voice that is uninviting in its appeal to me. It did take some perservearance to get through this. Fortunately, I would get caught up in the information that was interesting and could almost forget the narrator. I wish publishers did a better job of matching audience with the narrators they choose. I think the publisher did a huge disservice to Bradshaw by having Page narrate his book.

The information was good and interesting. Bradshaw examines and dissects each topic with extreme accuracy, leaving no stone unturned. This unfortunately only accentuated Pages monotous, monotone voice. I was so glad when it was over. I learned a lot but it was like going to the dentist.


I seldom write about the narrator in so much detail as I an in this book review. I'd almost say that a person would be better off buying the book because it has so much good information in it and you would enjoy it more than having to listen to hours upon hours of Mr. Page' boring voice.

Narrator flavored the book.

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have, all my friends with dogs in fact. Though its not always well received by those who take Caesar Milan's word as gospel.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dog Sense?

How the author explained dogs are not "pack animals" in the sence that they are like wolves. I found this very interesting.

A new perspective on dogs behavior.

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Not an "easy" read, but the density is worth it if you are a trainer or training enthusiast!

Dense and worth it!

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If you could sum up Dog Sense in three words, what would they be?

This helps me understand my dog so much more

What did you like best about this story?

It brought my dog and me closer together.

Which character – as performed by Michael Page – was your favorite?

NA

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

That dogs are our beloved companions and we should love them and understand them

Making Sense of Dogs

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