Through a Dog's Eyes: Understanding Our Dogs by Understanding How They See the World

I thought this book would be something different. I did get something out of the Help chapter, but while I’m interested in my dogs, I don’t feel like I need to know that scientists argue over their origins. I skipped most of the first chapter, and was about to skip the second when I just decided No.

Through a Dog's Eyes is the title of both this book and a companion DVD. The DVD features a documentary about the placement of service dogs, focusing on twin boys with cerebral palsy. The book is written by the founder and director of the service dog organization that placed the dogs and describes several closely bonded human-dog teams. The author, Jennifer Arnold, does a wonderful job of weaving delightful anecdotes into her book and drawing lessons about dogs from them. Though it is not a training manual, Arnold does describe some common dog "behavior" problems -- from the dog's perspective. She does so in a way that will help owners see why the traditional methods of "correcting" these behaviors don't work, which is helpful and very dog-friendly.Arnold's view of dogs might be astounding to some readers, however: she states, for example, that dogs demonstrate "theory of mind," providing several examples. In this, she's willing to go farther toward recognizing dogs as thinking decision makers than most dogs experts -- but I don't think she goes far enough. She clings to a common but, I think, incorrect view that dogs cannot make "moral" choices, dismissing the idea that dogs can "know better," that is, that a dog can make "the right" choice, even if it goes against his training, instinct, or even self-interest. She cites as one example dogs who take food from countertops, stating that "nothing that hunts for a living will leave available food untouched unless they are not hungry, and even then they may take what's available." This not only echoes the familiar, if incorrect and outdated, view of "dogs as wolves" (after all, how many domestic dogs hunt for a living?) -- it's simply not true. Dogs can be taught not to take what's not theirs; all of the dogs I have trained have learned that lesson in early puppyhood.Another area where I hesitantly venture to disagree with Arnold is that I think she over-idealizes dogs, sometimes making them sound too much like the "good wives" described in 1950s marriage manuals: eager to please, living only to serve, selfless, and heroic. I do not mean to detract from dogs' many good qualities -- I find dogs to be the most interesting and pleasant companions around -- but I have certainly encountered in all dogs individual preferences and agendas that don't always mesh with the ideas of the humans around them. Their individuality and complexity is what makes them interesting to be with, and I think painting them broadly as helpful and eager to do our bidding shortchanges them.Arnold and her organization (Canine Assistants, a top service dog organization located in Georgia) are strongly opposed to the use of force in training and she presents her viewpoint articulately. Since she and I studied with the same mentor (Bonnie Bergin of the Bergin University of Canine Studies), we advocate nearly identical approaches to educating dogs. Arnold strongly emphasizes the bond between the human and the dog in her methods of raising and educating dogs, and this comes across strongly in her book.Overall, the book is a fun and heartwarming read and will give readers not only a new appreciation for the wonderful abilities of dogs but a great insight into the ways service dogs transform people's lives as well.

GOOD FOR PRICE

If you are a dog person, reading this book will make you become better understanding of your dog or just any dog in sight – in his perspective. This book is written with knowledge and heart by Jennifer Arnold, the Executive Director of Canine Assistants, a school for educating dogs to help people with disabilities, including epilepsy, paralysis of broken spinal cords, and others that prevent them from functioning their ordinary tasks of daily lives . The author specifically emphasizes on the word “education” of her dogs, not “training” because the student dogs are taught to respond to foreseeable/unforeseeable situations that require their immediate problem-solving skills for the safety of their human partners based upon the author’s belief on ethology, the scientific and objective study of animal behavior, by incorporating Operant Conditioning method to modify a behavior by reinforcement andpunishment.What Ms. Arnold avers in the book actually corroborates what I have always believed to be true: (1) that dogs do have feelings without filtering them through the intellect, which can be found in the cerebral cortex of human. But because of this absence, dogs are artless in expressing their emotions toward us; (2) that dogs’ characteristics of being loyal and empathetic indicates that consciousness, the state of being awake and aware, enables them to do what’s in the best interest of others; (3) that in no way, is a concept of “alpha dog” in a human-canine relationship useful or even sensical; and; (4) that operant conditioning in which positive reinforcement (rewarding with a teat) and negative punishment (not giving it) works the best to reinforce intended behaviors.You will find a kindred spirit in this book filled with laughters by the wonder dogs at the Canine Assistants, tears by the pains of those who were and are in need of their canine assistants, heartaches by those fallen dogs because of misunderstanding on our human parts, but most of all, joy by understanding our fido friends in their own paws.

Through a Dog's Eyes is so such a good book I have now bought three copies. I got one for my Kindle but then decided I wanted a hard copy. Recently I got another copy for my sister-in-law. We both have new dogs. I bought masses of dog books recently and some of them think I will never train my new Border Collie. This book is so laid back that it makes you realise you just need lots of love and bit of common sense. I would recommend it to people who have had dogs for ages as well as new dog owners.

Jennifer Arnold presents in a clear and dispassionate manner the scientific arguments and how these relate to her experience. Her approach to interaction with dogs rings true with me - every dog owner knows their mutt understands more than traditional dog trainers would suggest. Reading this book has made me re-evaluate the way I interact with my dog and has taught me to listen to him and to trust both his and my instincts. Our relationship is happier, healthier and more fun.

Very interesting and in depth account of the the writer's account of living with, and training of, assistance dogs. Up to date accounts of studies showing the intelligence and empathy of dogs.

Thoroughly enjoying this book. What an inspiring lady who clearly understands both dogs and their owners. Recommended read for all dog owners and others.

For anyone looking for a book on training that is more anecdotal yet highly insightful, this book is fantastic. A really, really good read.