Stanley Coren

I've known of Dr. Coren's research into the intelligence of dogs for a long time. That knowledge came from articles and interviews and at least one other of his books, The Intelligence of Dogs. I have always found him to be an excellent communicator but in this book I learned much more about the man than just his research and communication skills.

Although this book is subtitled "My Adventures with an Irrepressible and Unforgettable Dog" Dr. Coren introduces us to a number of dogs who have shared his life. But it was his Cairn terrier Flint, a gift from the woman who would become his wife, who seemed to capture his heart. I imagine most dog lovers would say that although they owned a number of dogs in their lifetime there was one special dog for them. For me, the Border Collie that inspired my screen name was that dog. So I could really relate to Coren's bond with Flint. Flint wasn't a perfect dog; certainly Coren's wife Joan would testify to that. Dr. Coren had to use all his skills of behaviour modification to allow Flint and Joan to coexist in the same house. Despite the reputation that terriers have for being difficult to train Flint passed obedience trials of increasing difficulty. However, that process did involve a lot of work and patience and ingenuity. I am in awe of Dr. Coren's ability to "think like a dog" in order to get Flint to do these exercises.

I probably should have read this book long ago in order to train some of my own dogs better. Maybe it's not too late for our current pooch!… (more)

Left-handers unite!!!! We are the most persecuted minority in the history of humanity!!! Join me to fight the oppression of the right-handed world. Left handed lives matter!!!!! We demand our own country where we can be free from persecution and enjoy self-rule. How about Belize? It's not a real country and if the locals mind we'll just ship them to Guatemala! No more smudging ink with our hands, we'll write right to left! Every classroom will have left handed desks and every pair of scissors will be designed for lefties!!!! It's time for our own Zion!!! No? Ok...well, can we at least get a parade? No? How about a flag?… (more)