How Dogs Think

What the World Looks Like to Them and Why They Act the Way They Do

By: Stanley Coren PhD

Narrated by: Bob Dio

Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's Summary

Best-selling author, psychologist, and world-renowned expert on dog behavior and training Dr. Stanley Coren presents the most informative, in-depth, fascinating book yet on dogs.

Acclaimed for its solid scientific research and entertaining, eminently accessible style, How Dogs Think gives you the insight that you need to understand the silly, quirky, and apparently irrational behaviors that dogs demonstrate, as well as those stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity that they also can display. It lets you see through a dog's eyes, hear through his ears, and even sense the world through his nose, as Coren presents a fascinating discussion of the way dogs interpret their world and their human companions, and of how they solve problems, learn, and take in new information.

How Dogs Think also answers questions about our canine companions that have puzzled many. Can dogs count? Do they have an appreciation of art or music? Can a dog learn how to do something just by watching another dog or even a person do it? Do dogs dream? What is the nature of dog personality? Which behaviors are prewired into your dog, and which can you actually change? And, can dogs actually sense future earthquakes or detect cancer?

©2004 SC Psychological Enterprises, Ltd. (P)2017 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"This book should be widely read among dog fanciers, from pet owners to professionals. Highly recommended." ( Library Journal)

EXCEPTIONAL BOOK

I discovered more about dogs in this book than all others ive read put together !!

T book was extremely informative at times it seemed to be a little long-winded but it was due to the fact they were telling stories in order to dramatize the information being given..

Superb! But take your time...

This was absolutely breathtaking, with enormous amounts of great information and science- and research- based facts. I took lots of time, listening to one chapter at a time, occasionally reversing for a bit and re-listening to some areas.
I have learned a lot from this book. It will certainly assist my understanding and relationship with my canine contemporaries.
The first part was REALLY great.... it explains why canines don’t readily pick up on our verbal cues: their brains aren’t organized for it, since verbal speech is not native to them.
The narrator is okay for the most part; his impersonation of an British person had me laughing out loud.... it sounded like an old Maine down’east-er! Sorry, sir... at least you tried.

Agree with some things, disagree with some

I liked the part that explained issues that dogs might experience as they age. I lost a beloved dog two years ago who lived to 19 years old, but the last 7 months of his life were very difficult for everyone. My experience with veterinarian doctors is that they are very vague in diagnosis so one is left wondering why one’s dog is behaving or doing certain things. I have an issue with using dogs or any type of animal as test subjects. I know that we have learned a lot, but there are knowledge that can be erroneous, too. In the 21st century, there should be no more animal testings and if we are to study any species behavior, etc, it should be done in the most ethical and empathic way. As I listened to this book, I kept on thinking: What we can’t prove does not make it untrue. This universe is too big for the tiny human being.

good facts and research on dogs but...

i'm not gonna lie i found the author to sound pretty condescending, and the narrator seemed to pick up on that and amplify it, which sucked to listen to for so many hours. this book would probably have been more enjoyable as text alone in my very personal opinion

Informative and Enjoyable

I absolutely loved this book. I learned so much, and the reader's performance was wonderful.

perfect!

the best I've read so far regarding the minds if dogs looking forward to reading more by the same author

Thorough, but a practice in hedging your bets

I found this book interesting but frustrating. The author know what they are doing and provides the proper groundwork to successfully approach the topic. You will get a lot of information about canines and why they do what they do. But if you are looking for definitive answers about whether your dog "thinks they are people" - the answer is probably more appropriately stated as "your dog thinks you are a (sort of slow) dog".

wayyyy too scientific for my taste.

I was bored within the first 30 minutes. for me, it was not entertaining in the slightest and honestly, the longer I listened the more I stopped actually listening. I'm looking for more practical information not a textbook of studies.

Loved it!!!

Very entertaining! I appreciate the level of research put in to this book and the simple and clear wording it was delivered in.
So much fun to read!

Brilliant

Great book. So informative and uses scientific studies to back up statements. Good for per who know nothing about dogs and people who know a lot.

detailed and thorough

If you're really interested in everything about dogs rather than just wanting to stop your barking then it's good. probably a bit dry and detailed for most people other than dog professionals.
loved the impersonations.

Comparing a Collie and it's owner to wolves?!

This book contains antiquated ideas and long disproven theories.
I brushed off the ridiculous references in early chapters but couldn't get half way through the book without having to stop and decide that enough was enough. Domesticated dogs are not wolves! Please don't waste your money or credits on this peddling of nonsense.

poor narrator

impossible to listen to his interpretation of dialogues and quotes; when he is using higher pitch voice

Lovely

Very nice book. It took me a long time to finish but worth it. Thanks

Very informative and enjoyable

I thought that this was an excellent audiobook. It covered pretty much all aspects of owning a dog from birth to death. There was a lot of good science within. Being a long, comprehensive book, it is difficult to take everything in the first time through so I will need to listen to the whole 12 hours again ... something I'm looking forward to doing.

Bloody brilliant

Fascinating, interesting, thought provoking, funny and so much more. This should be taught at schools to give kids more understanding of our four legged friends. Highly recommended.