- Published: 19 September 2012
- ISBN: 9780141046495
- Imprint: Penguin Press
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 352
- RRP: $22.99
In Defence of Dogs
Why Dogs Need Our Understanding

















- Published: 19 September 2012
- ISBN: 9780141046495
- Imprint: Penguin Press
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 352
- RRP: $22.99
A revelation - a major rethink about the way we understand our dogs ... there is no doubt about it - Professor John Bradshaw is a dog's best friend
Kate Kellaway, Observer
Every dog lover, dog owner or prospective dog buyer should read this book. It will change how you feel about dogs and, likely enough, how you treat them, too
James McConnachie, Sunday Times
A must-read for dog lovers everywhere
Independent
Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complicated psychology behind the growl, the rising hackles and the wagging tail
Roy Hattersley, Daily Telegraph
Scholarly yet passionate ... nothing less than a manifesto for a new understanding of our canine friends ... fascinating
Chris Cox, Guardian
A lovely and clear-headed book on all things dog-emotion, mind, and breed. John Bradshaw's authority and experience are matched by the thoughtfulness and humanity of his writing. Read this before you bring a dog into your life.
Alexandra Horowitz, author of 'Inside of a Dog'
[A] wonderful, reassuring, and encouraging book ... distinguishes canine science from canine folklore
Jonathan Mirsky, Literary Review
Truly fascinating ... rich in ideas and counter-ideas, and will reward anyone who respects animals ... enlightening ... Bradshaw's years of knowledge and his clear passion for dogs both shine through
The Sunday Business Post
Authoritative, wise and, in its sharp appreciation of the cost of dogs of living with us, rather moving
Robert Hanks, Independent
The most fantastic book ... required reading for dog lovers everywhere
Observer
A well-grounded overview of the Canis family's evolutionary journey...this is what makes the book so appealing. He does more than simply lay out interesting theories; he uses science to advocate for a better life for companion dogs.
The Bark
A wonderfully informative, quietly passionate book that will benefit every dog whose owner reads it
Economist
Wonderfully humane, calmly-written and curiously moving ... [a] lovely book, illuminating for everyone who has or is thinking of having a dog
Michael Bywater, The First Post
By giving the reader an overview of mankind's relationship with both dogs and wolves, [Bradshaw] also shows us ourselves
Bella Bathurst, Observer
One may feel fully confident when reading [this] ... Bradshaw makes deft work of summarising important and novel insights on dog evolution
Times Higher Education
An alternative to conventional, dominance-based approaches to understanding dogs (Cesar Millan's methods, for example) in an informative...guide to how canine biology and psychology determine behavior.... Bradshaw's book is useful to those looking to further their understanding of dog behavior and clarify common misconceptions
Publisher's Weekly
Both an interesting armchair read and an important primer for any dog owner
Science Focus
In Defence of Dogs provides an extensive insight into the minds of man's best friend - a must for all owners. John Bradshaw [is] a pioneer
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