Dog lovers need an easy reference book that can help with practical information about dog care, dog cognition, dog emotions (yes, they have emotions just as we do), and dog breeds, and “Dogs Demystified: An A-to-Z Guide to All Things Canine” by Marc Bekoff is just that book. This is a book with important information that is helpful not just to the new dog owner, but even to seasoned dog people like me.
Dogs can be our best friends and loyal companions, but they also can be a source of stress and anxiety if not trained properly or not allowed enough time to decompress after adoption. The information in this book allowed me to feel better about my notion that I sleep better when there is a dog in bed with me, close to me. Bekoff relates, “One study found that 76 percent of homeowners allowed their dog to sleep with them, and 33 percent of married couples said their best quality of sleep came from sharing their bed with only their dog.” Bekoff also debunks the Cesar Millan method of dog training under the heading “alpha dog.” He does not mention Millan by name, but says, “it’s a myth that dominance-based training works for dogs. It doesn’t.”
What especially resonated with me, as someone who works with rescues, is what Bekoff says under the heading “breedism.” This covers breed stereotypes, and he indicates that “breed stereotypes or prejudices based on what dogs look like, are unfounded.” He says that there may be some general trends in how different breeds might behave, but even littermates vary widely in terms of behavior. He goes on to say, “The best way to view a dog is to consider them as an individual and not as a member of this or that breed.”
A really important section is the information he provides about “lost dog syndrome.” The three steps he shares are exactly what are listed under numerous Facebook posts in groups about lost dogs. Those who help catch those lost dogs implore the public not to chase or follow the dog. It could drive the scared dog into traffic or further into an uninhabited area. And he states, “Recapture is not a sprint but a marathon,” and then describes why. It’s all spot on, and it’s information that could very well save the life of a lost dog.
Many trainers these days, instead of working with dogs using positive reinforcement, slap on an electric collar. That gets results quickly because the dogs are terrified. Bekoff calls these shock collars, because “let’s call it what it is.” He shares that many countries ban the use of these electric collars. Bekoff believes that almost any behavior can be resolved with persistence using positive force-free training. But even for those who use shock collars as a last resort, he writes, “What concerns me is that, more often, people don’t use shock collars once and remove them; they leave them on, which means their dog is living in continuous fear of being shocked.”
Enough of me picking and choosing my special sources of irritation and having Bekoff support my reasoning. The foreward is by Jane Goodall, and she relates her own special connection with dogs. Bekoff is perhaps one of the premier dog experts of our time, and this book is truly one that dog lovers and dog parents should have on hand. It would be a terrific gift for a new dog person as well. The book is easy to read and provides easy-to-find important information. I highly recommend it.
Please note: This review is based on the final, softcover book provided by New World Library, the publisher, for review purposes.