Inside of a Dog

Posted on March 2, 2010

Cover by the awesome Erin Vey

I’m not even done with this book, yet, and I cannot help myself but sing praises!

This book has been on my list of books to read for a while. I did not order it, yet, in favor of reading different ones first for one reason: the reviews. And they are not bad, but they just left me with a feeling of “that’s not the book I MUST read”. I don’t recall them in detail, I know one said it mentions lots of things we already know. But it’s not one review in particular, it’s the feeling that many reviews left in me. And boy was that wrong!!!
A friend of mine had ordered it and said she thinks it’s something I would want to read (even before she opened the book). And I am so glad she brought it over. I am absolutely in love.

I probably have to explain something first. I love science. I studied equine science and I soaked up all of the scientifical articles I could find. I set out to become a journalist to spread the news of science, because I had the feeling that there is a lack of communication between the scientific community and the press and rest of the world, namely the people that need to actually APPLY the findings. In the end photography stole me away from journalism, but I love science nevertheless. And I am so happy, that Alexandra Horowitz, a scientist, wrote this book for everyone to understand.

Usually I rather read books about training and understanding dogs than heartfelt stories about dogs. This one is somewhere in between and totally different at the same time. Horowitz uses her own dog as example without boring me. She actually writes beautifully, almost poetic, about her dog as introduction to each chapter. And then each chapter is exactly what the title promises. A look from the inside out. How do dogs see, smell, hear and taste the world backed up by scientific evidence. How do they experience us, their toys, other dogs, and themselves.

Don’t we all sort of know how dogs see the world, how they smell much better than we do and how they descend from wolfs… or not? Horowitz clears up misconceptions and takes you a step further. Into the dogs mind. What information does the fire hydrant give him (it’s like the community board or local newspaper) and why do they not find the ball right in front of their nose. Day after day that I am reading, chapter after chapter, I am understanding my dogs a little better. In small, but significant ways.

I can only encourage everyone to read it. I might get back to you about when I’m actually done. Not with a reviewed review, but with more wisdom