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Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know
Alexandra Horowitz
2009, 353 pages
Nonfiction
Alexandra Horowitz has a PhD in cognitive science, teaches psychology at Barnard College of Columbia University and is a dog owner. Her book, “Inside of a Dog,” takes its title from the quip of Groucho Marx, “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” The title of the book also indicates its mission: to understand the world from a dog’s point of view.
Horowitz starts by explaining her process and terms, to separate what is solidly backed by research and what is implied by research. She also sprinkles her writing with her own observations, being careful to indicate where the research ends and her opinions start.
The book is conversational in tone but academically neutral, with a few exceptions. For instance, she passionately defends research indicating dogs and humans have evolved closely together over such an immense time period as to make us mutually dependent. The research backs this up, but Horowitz is unambiguous when she denounces those who imply that dogs are merely domesticated wolves, consequently training and treating them as such.
Probably the most entertaining aspects of this book are the insights into why dogs exhibit certain behaviors that baffle their owner. For instance she explains why a dog can effortlessly catch a ball in flight at dusk but still miss a treat you place right in front of him. Other less humanly palatable behaviors will require you to check out this engaging and educational book.
