Our Dogs, Ourselves

How We Live with Dogs Now

By: Alexandra Horowitz

Narrated by: Alexandra Horowitz

Length: 8 hrs

Publisher's summary

From the number one New York Times best-selling author of Inside of a Dog, an eye-opening, informative, “entertaining, and enlightening” (BookPage) celebration of the human-canine relationship for the curious dog owner and science-lover alike.

We keep dogs and are kept by them. We love dogs and (we assume) we are loved by them. We buy them sweaters, toys, shoes; we are concerned with their social lives, their food, and their health. The story of humans and dogs is thousands of years old but is far from understood. In Our Dogs, Ourselves, Alexandra Horowitz explores all aspects of this unique and complex relationship that “dog lovers will savor and absorb” (Shelf Awareness). As Horowitz considers the current culture of dogdom, she reveals the odd, surprising, and contradictory ways we live with dogs. We celebrate their individuality but breed them for sameness. Despite our deep emotional relationships with dogs, legally they are property to be bought, sold, abandoned, or euthanized as we wish. Even the way we speak to our dogs is at once perplexing and delightful.

In 13 thoughtful and charming chapters, Our Dogs, Ourselves affirms our profound affection for this most charismatic of animals — and makes us “see canine companions in new ways” (Science News).

©2019 Alexandra Horowitz (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

I would give this more stars if I could

This was an absolutely wonderful and informative read. I will be listening to it over and over and suggested to any and every pet owner.

Things I didn’t know about dogs

I have been an advocate of animal welfare and the humane treatment of all animals especially dogs. I have donated my time for over 40 years to help animals and educate people about the importance of humane treatment and was very impressed with this book and all that was covered in it. I was also very surprised at all the information I received from it, and shocked by what I didn’t know about the treatment of dogs past and present. I enjoyed this book immensely.

whatever

I didn't finish the book because it's all statistics and world science or something I kept thinking today somehow I eat listening to s different program all the sudden. it's really hardly anything about a dog, living with dogs or anything. it's like how many dogs does China eat, and shopping for toys and collars and leashes and crap I don't want to know that stuff that's not what I wanted the book for its not what they sample sounded like. I didn't like it

great dog/ animal book

very good and made me think in a new direction. we really came believe everything we think. I will recommend it.

Understanding your dog & others.

I love books well written by “Positive Reinforcement Trainers” ..
No need to buy into the “Alpha Theory”..
There is no need for us to be the boss & intimidate our new family member..
Our dogs are “wonderful additions-like children”..
Our dogs mature faster, do not need a college fund, love us unconditionally & work for chicken!,
Ileen Green, CPDT-KA

informative

informative esp. disposal of unwanted dogs whether by animal control, breeders, dog fighting groups, and back yard breeders, research labs.

Moving analysis of dog-human bond

Like other books by Alexandra Horowitz, this book provides interesting, valuable insights into dogs and their relationships with us. However, it left me feeling a little depressed and guilty that I don’t give my dog as much stimulation and dignity as Horowitz prescribes. I don’t know if it’s possible to do so if you’re over 50 and don’t have children around to interact with the dog constantly. My dog seems pretty content and she surely displays a lot of love for us, and we do a lot for her, but would Horowitz think it’s enough?

Brilliant book, loved listening

This book is truly a masterpiece and should be read by every dog owner. It is eye-opening, intriguing, provoking, self reflecting, sometimes funny, and a lot of times sad. This book summarizes everything that is wrong in the modern dog world.
As an R+ trainer, I really appreciated the scientific insights and brutal honesty.
Thank you, Alexandra Horowitz, for all the work you do! Im sure every dog out there would feel the same.

All around awesome and honest.

Author reads as well as she writes. Splendidly. The content is thought provoking, sometimes uncomfortably so.

Scientific and thought provoking

I have a really hard time being captured by audiobooks but Horowitz's writing and wit was always able to capture me the instant she started speaking. I recommend this book to any dog lover, especially if you are interested in animal welfare.