Description

What would dogs ask for, if they knew how? In the Sunday Times bestseller In Defence of Dogs John Bradshaw, an anthropologist at Bristol University who has been at the centre of the latest research into what makes dogs tick, gives us the answers.

Overturning the most common myths about dogs’ emotions and behaviour, this book shows how we should really treat our pets, and stands up for dogdom: not the wolf in canine clothes, not the small furry child, not the trophy-winner, but the real dog, who wants to be part of the family and enjoy life – mankind’s closest friend. This is the real science that every dog lover needs to know.

Publisher Review

In Defence of Dogs provides an extensive insight into the minds of man's best friend - a must for all owners. John Bradshaw [is] a pioneer * Big Issue * Both an interesting armchair read and an important primer for any dog owner * Science Focus * An alternative to conventional, dominance-based approaches to understanding dogs (Cesar Millan'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 * Publisher's Weekly * One may feel fully confident when reading [this] ... Bradshaw makes deft work of summarising important and novel insights on dog evolution * Times Higher Education * By giving the reader an overview of mankind's relationship with both dogs and wolves, [Bradshaw] also shows us ourselves -- Bella Bathurst * Observer * Wonderfully humane, calmly-written and curiously moving ... [a] lovely book, illuminating for everyone who has or is thinking of having a dog -- Michael Bywater * The First Post * A wonderfully informative, quietly passionate book that will benefit every dog whose owner reads it * Economist * A well-grounded overview of the Canis family's evolutionary journey...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 * The most fantastic book ... required reading for dog lovers everywhere * Observer * Authoritative, wise and, in its sharp appreciation of the cost of dogs of living with us, rather moving -- Robert Hanks * Independent * Truly fascinating ... rich in ideas and counter-ideas, and will reward anyone who respects animals ... enlightening ... Bradshaw's years of knowledge and his clear passion for dogs both shine through * The Sunday Business Post * [A] wonderful, reassuring, and encouraging book ... distinguishes canine science from canine folklore -- Jonathan Mirsky * Literary Review * A lovely and clear-headed book on all things dog-emotion, mind, and breed. John Bradshaw's authority and experience are matched by the thoughtfulness and humanity of his writing. Read this before you bring a dog into your life. -- Alexandra Horowitz * author of 'Inside of a Dog' * Scholarly yet passionate ... nothing less than a manifesto for a new understanding of our canine friends ... fascinating -- Chris Cox * Guardian * Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complicated psychology behind the growl, the rising hackles and the wagging tail -- Roy Hattersley * Daily Telegraph * A must-read for dog lovers everywhere * Independent * Every dog lover, dog owner or prospective dog buyer should read this book. It will change how you feel about dogs and, likely enough, how you treat them, too -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times * A revelation - a major rethink about the way we understand our dogs ... there is no doubt about it - Professor John Bradshaw is a dog's best friend -- Kate Kellaway * Observer *