5 BOOKS EVERY DOG OWNER SHOULD READ
I’ve lived more of my life with dogs than without. For the majority of that time, I never gave much thought to the ins and outs of how a dog thinks, feels, and experiences the world. They were simply a constant companion and faithful sidekick that I couldn’t imagine going through life without.
It wasn’t until we lost our quirky and loveable Great Dane, Juno, that I started to think more about the human-dog connection, the relationships we form with these creatures, and how they function. I wanted to know that we had given her a good life and to learn how I could do best by the new puppy about to join us.
This list deals less with the myriad of practical aspects of dog ownership – training, nutrition, etc. – and more with what makes a dog tick. Each focuses more on how dogs function, perceive the world around them, interact with humans, think, and feel. I can honestly say that reading these books has changed the way I look at my dogs and has resulted in a bond and understanding on a whole new level.
Whether you have a dog, are looking to get a dog, love dogs from afar, or are looking for a great gift idea for a dog lover in your life, I highly recommend diving into the recommendations below.
INSIDE OF A DOG: WHAT DOGS SEE, SMELL, AND KNOW
A scientific journey into the world of dogs paired with relatable anecdotes from the real-life experiences of the author, Alexandra Horowitz. This is a fascinating read on the abilities, behaviours, and emotions of dogs that will completely change how you look at your furry companions.
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THE GENIUS OF DOGS: HOW DOGS ARE SMARTER THAN YOU THINK
A cognitive-science based look at how dogs adapt to the world around them. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about your dog’s personality quirks, how they process information, their motivations, feelings, and behaviours, this is an excellent read. By Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods.
THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH: WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO AROUND DOGS
This one turns the study of human-dog interaction back onto ourselves. Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviourist and dog trainer, helps us to understand how primates (humans) and canids (dogs) can better understand and interpret one another. A fresh approach to how altering your communication style can change the way you interact with your dog.
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WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A DOG: AND OTHER ADVENTURES IN ANIMAL NEUROSCIENCE
A deep dive into neuroscience and how the brains of dogs (and other animals) function. Gregory Burns takes what he learned from years of performing MRI brain scans on dogs and marine mammals and condenses it down in an approachable way. A very interesting read about how animals experience the world and their ability to feel emotion.
DOG SONGS
While the other books in this list are very much science-based and look at better understanding dogs through this lens, Mary Oliver’s Dog Songs is a departure from this. A book of poetry that follows Oliver’s experiences with various dogs in her lifetime, it’s full of passages that any dog owner can relate to.
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I hope this short list of books fosters a better understanding of how humans and dogs interact and how you can communicate more effectively with the dogs in your life. If you have recommendations for further reading on dogs, please share in the comments below!
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