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The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions (1994)

by Stanley Coren

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411562,155 (3.67)7
How Smart Is Your Dog? If you've ever wondered what is really going on inside your dog's head, here is your chance to find out. In this revised and updated version of this perennially popular book, psychologist and prizewinning trainer Stanley Coren provides a startling view of the intelligence of our oldest and closest animal companions. Do dogs really think? Are they conscious in the same way humans are? What is the nature of canine memory? Can dogs communicate with us -- and, if so, how can we understand them? Do they have feelings such as guilt, loyalty, and jealousy? Do they experience joy and sorrow? Drawing on scientific research that has stood the test of the past decade, interviews with top breeders and trainers, and his own personal observations as a lifelong dog lover, Stanley Coren speculates on these and many other fascinating questions about man's best friend. He offers practical tips on how to evaluate your dog's body language and understand the sophisticated "language" of a dog's bark, and how to tailor a training program to suit your dog's special needs. Here, too, are the famous, controversial lists and rankings of more than 100 breeds for obedience and working intelligence, as well as for specialized tasks such as hunting, home security, and companionship. Rich in wit, wisdom, and anecdote, The Intelligence of Dogs is a book that will bring you a greater understanding and enjoyment of the habits, antics, and abilities of your dog.… (more)
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» See also 7 mentions

Showing 5 of 5
This book was quite helpful in understanding a little bit more about my wild and crazy English Springer Spaniel. Supposedly his breed's intelligence is in the second rank (still quite bright but not quite as smart as a poodle, for instance). The book mixes scientific inquiry with anecdotes of the author's dogs and others. Fascinating and useful reading for anyone who shares his or her life with a dog. ( )
  auntieknickers | Apr 3, 2013 |
I probably should have read this book 13 years ago when we first acquired my border collie, Gypsy. As Coren repeatedly mentions border collies are one of the most intelligent dogs. But that very intelligence can drive you crazy because they will amuse themselves (and not always in a way you would like) if you don't provide enough stimulation for them. I really could have used some of his wisdom at the time we were first getting to know each other.

So, I hope the person who gets this book has a young dog so they can make full use of this book. Having said that I found lots of really interesting information about dogs in the book so anyone who is interested in dogs will probably enjoy it.

I also really liked the last chapter which talks about older dogs and how to keep their intelligence at a higher level. The story which ends that chapter is one that will stay with me for a long time. ( )
  gypsysmom | Dec 3, 2011 |
Stanley Coren has written many amazing books, and this one is a good one to start with.
caitrei
  dobermantalk | Sep 11, 2010 |
I enjoyed this book in the beginning but the second half was a struggle. Those parts on historical attitudes towards dog's intelligence, and dog evolution were interesting. Then there were parts arguing for the intelligence and consciousness of dogs which seemed rather obvious to me. He then turns to intelligence but here the focus turns almost exclusively to intelligence as illustrated in obedience/training. His prejudice is that a dog is only tolerable as a companion or valuable as a dog as of function of its obedience. He does present an intelligence test and a personality test.
A couple of the anecdotes were great, almost worth reading the whole book. ( )
1 vote snash | Oct 23, 2009 |
NA
  pszolovits | Feb 3, 2021 |
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How Smart Is Your Dog? If you've ever wondered what is really going on inside your dog's head, here is your chance to find out. In this revised and updated version of this perennially popular book, psychologist and prizewinning trainer Stanley Coren provides a startling view of the intelligence of our oldest and closest animal companions. Do dogs really think? Are they conscious in the same way humans are? What is the nature of canine memory? Can dogs communicate with us -- and, if so, how can we understand them? Do they have feelings such as guilt, loyalty, and jealousy? Do they experience joy and sorrow? Drawing on scientific research that has stood the test of the past decade, interviews with top breeders and trainers, and his own personal observations as a lifelong dog lover, Stanley Coren speculates on these and many other fascinating questions about man's best friend. He offers practical tips on how to evaluate your dog's body language and understand the sophisticated "language" of a dog's bark, and how to tailor a training program to suit your dog's special needs. Here, too, are the famous, controversial lists and rankings of more than 100 breeds for obedience and working intelligence, as well as for specialized tasks such as hunting, home security, and companionship. Rich in wit, wisdom, and anecdote, The Intelligence of Dogs is a book that will bring you a greater understanding and enjoyment of the habits, antics, and abilities of your dog.

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