Best Book to Learn More About Your Dog
Unleashing the Best Dog Parent in You: Insights from "Inside of a Dog" by Alexandra Horowitz
I delved into the pages of Alexandra Horowitz's "Inside of a Dog," and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for every pup-loving human out there. So, grab a comfy seat, maybe a squeaky toy for your fur baby, and let's dive into the best takeaways from this insightful read.
In the delightful rhythm of my mornings, where the turning of pages harmonizes with my love for a good read, I found myself on a quest— to discover the perfect guide for being a stellar dog parent and deciphering the behaviour of my dog. You see, as a content creator immersed in crafting tips for fellow dog enthusiasts, delivering the cream of the crop to my subscribers is my top priority. And guess what? I stumbled upon the most incredible dog owner's guide in the treasure trove of canine wisdom.
Some of my favourite and thought-provoking moments in the book:
Humans project our own emotions & preferences onto our dogs.
Raincoat example: Dogs can go out into the rain, their coats do not need protection from the rain, but we assume because they don’t want to go out, a jacket might help. The issue with the jacket is that though they may willing to put it on, it may be for other reasons. Like they are excited about the idea of the walk signal or the close attention from mom or dad. It doesn’t necessarily mean they like the jacket. The other issue is the rubbing or the hood on the top of the head and back of the neck is actually a force of submission, felt by fighting/playing with dogs. By putting the jacket on them you are forcing them into submission. Not necessarily a good thing or what you think you’re doing for them.
Replace behaviour reading with instinct reading.
Determine what your dog can perceive: what they can see, hear, smell or otherwise sense. Only objects that are perceived can have meaning to your dog: the rest are not even noticed or all look the same.
The meaning of things.
She talks of “tones” - specifically functional tones. That big pillow you call my bed looks like the sleeping tone, that couch a sleeping tone, that pile of blankets a sleeping tone. But with Mom and Dad’s big comfy bed, it is more than just a sleeping tone, it’s also warm and smells of mom and dad and they both seem awfully interested in it too which makes me interested. It takes the training from mom telling me over and over that my bed is the big pillow and “No” to the big comfy bed that i really want to be in.
The meaning of kisses from your dog … or licks
*I made a Youtube Short video about this, very controversial in the comment section which surprised me: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZExvlWO-HGE
Before getting Willa, I read a lot about how you shouldn’t get frustrated about licking so I normally let her lick me as much as she likes, but not my face because I break out easily. But now I want to let her. Let me tell you why…
Licking the face actually comes from wolf pups licking their mother’s face upon return from a hunt to lick the blood and guts from her face, but also as a welcomed relief that their mom returned home safe. At this point, mom would regurgitate the rabbit or whatever she hunted for her pups to enjoy. So if your pup licks your face you can rest easy knowing that your dog sees you as her mother and if you just finished eating it is in her instinct as a wolf pup to lick the food that remains on your face. It also should be seen as a welcome if you come home and receive licks that your dog is relieved you’ve returned home safe and she’s letting you know by her licks. How sweet is that?
Dog is an animal domesticated.
Meaning belonging to the house. Dogs belong around the house, they are no longer wild animals. The dog is a member of a human social group; it’s natural environment, among people and other dogs. Dogs' exposure in the first few months is critical for social learning. They learn who is an ally, dog or stranger. They learn how to behave in the house. Dogs show a preference for the primary caregiver over others.
Trainers who reference the need for dominance or an alpha, based on their wolf ancestors are sadly mistaken. Wolf packs are generally families with the mother and father at the top and a respect of age/wisdom within the pack. Thus we should not think of ourselves as the dominant and our dog as the submissive. We are also not a pack.
Dogs make eye contact and look to us for information.
About the location of food, about our emotions, about what is happening. Wolves avoid eye contact. Dogs inspect our faces for information, reassurance, and guidance. It is believed that the wolves selected for domestication and selective breeding were likely the wolf pups that made eye contact with humans, creating a deep connection and being chosen by the human.
Living with a dog is a long process of becoming mutually familiar.
Each dog has to be taught this set of parameters for his life with people. The dog learns, through you, the kinds of things that are important to you.
As we see the world, the dog smells it.
The world of scents is at least as rich as the world of sight. Dogs smell emotions: fear, anxiety and sadness. Sweat under stress carries a specific odour. Adrenaline increases blood flow. Dogs have become skilled readers of our behaviour.
Human noses have about 6 million sensory receptor sites. Sheepdog noses have over 200 million and beagle noses over 300 million. They not only have more cells, but more kinds of cells to detect and decode the world around them.
The nose is also the fastest route by which information can get to the brain. Dogs sniff other animal's pee to understand personalized information about the animal.
When a dog runs up and sniffs deeply up against you, this sniff sniff can be thought of as “Mom, is it really you?”
The rose example: we see a red rose, a green thorny stem, with a flowery scent and pedals tightly wound. A dog can’t see the difference between red and green, instead, they can smell the cells left by the bee from 2 days ago, they can tell the difference between the bee from 2 days ago and the wasp who just left an hour ago.
Spark Notes:
1. See the World Through Their Nose:
Dogs experience the world in a way that's practically alien to us. Horowitz emphasizes the power of a dog's sense of smell, which is like a superpower they use to interpret their surroundings. So, next time your furry friend is sniffing around on a walk, let them— it's their way of gathering information and enjoying the canine symphony of scents.
2. Speak the Canine Language:
Ever felt like your dog is trying to tell you something with those expressive eyes and wagging tail? "Inside of a Dog" teaches us to decipher our dog's body language. Understanding their cues helps build a stronger bond and ensures you're meeting their needs. It's like having a secret code only you and your pup understand.
3. Embrace the Playful Spirit:
Dogs are eternal optimists, and playtime is serious business for them. Whether it's a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or a simple belly rub, engaging in play fosters a sense of joy and fulfillment in your furry friend. So, loosen up, throw that ball, and relish the joy of play— it's the key to a happy dog-parent relationship.
4. Create a Doggie Haven at Home:
Our homes can be a sensory overload for our canine companions. "Inside of a Dog" encourages us to create a cozy haven where our dogs can retreat when they need a break. Provide a comfortable bed, some favourite toys, and a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle. It's like creating a spa day for your pup right at home.
5. Cherish Every Moment:
Dogs live in the present, and "Inside of a Dog" urges us to do the same. Every walk, every snuggle session, every goofy expression— savour these moments. Time with your pup is precious, and being present enhances the quality of your relationship.
So, there you have it— a sneak peek into the doggy wisdom shared by Alexandra Horowitz. Let's embark on this journey of understanding, love, and joy with our four-legged companions. Remember, being the best dog parent is all about embracing the unique, wonderful world "Inside of a Dog." Here's to wagging tails, sloppy kisses, and a lifetime of paw-some adventures! 🐾