In Defence of Dogs - John Bradshaw

Review of John Bradshaw's new book In Defence of Dogs - here:

"His account of the evolution of dogs is fascinating. Surveying the latest research, he concludes that the dog's epic journey towards domestication probably started around 20,000 years ago. Dogs have become almost a separate species from wolves, and their evolution continues to confound biologists. What Bradshaw is keen to stress, though, is the unique evolutionary pact between humans and dogs: we have programmed into them a deep need for relationships with humans, which we must treat with respect.

This material underpins Bradshaw's most compelling chapters, which explore the emotional lives of dogs. The revelation here for many dog owners might perhaps be that dogs' emotional repertoires are much more limited than we generally think. Research confirms that most dog owners are convinced their dogs can feel and display complex emotions – particularly guilt. In fact, there is almost no evidence for this; dogs simply do not have the self-awareness for such emotions. But in persisting with the notion that dogs have this advanced understanding of their actions – and our expectations – we end up punishing them in ways they cannot understand. Dogs are specialists in love, fear and joy. But we must stop assuming their knowledge of emotions beyond their grasp.

Elsewhere in these sections, Bradshaw tackles the question: "Does your dog love you?" The answer is yes: probably even more than you think. Dogs are profoundly attached to their owners, and this love – a term Bradshaw happily uses – is often at the root of their apparent misbehaviour. For example, dogs not properly trained to understand that when we leave we will return can be plunged into the depths of anxiety when we are not around. Bradshaw estimates that up to 20% of dogs suffer from "separation distress" when left alone at home."