Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World

by Stephanie Gibeault, Raz Latif (Illustrations)

A playful yet scientifically precise exploration of a dog’s five senses that will help readers better appreciate the canine point of view
Did you know that dogs have millions more olfactory receptors than humans and that their noses are built to reserve some air that they breathe in just for smelling? So why the butt sniffing? Actually, dogs discern a lot of information about another dog from a whiff of that region, including the dog’s health and eating habits. In five chapters that explore each of a dog’s senses, and an additional chapter that questions whether dogs might have senses that people don’t, this middle-grade nonfiction book explains canine senses from both evolutionary and scientific perspectives. Sidebars offer additional information throughout the text, including hands-on activities that let readers experience a dog’s sensory abilities for themselves. Written with an approachable tone and loaded with fascinating facts,  Making Sense of Dog Senses  presents readers with both curious and practical insights into their canine pals’ behavior.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books

48 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2024

About the author

Stephanie Gibeault is a children’s author and award-winning freelance writer. As a former biologist and certified professional dog trainer, she loves writing about dogs and other animals. She is the author of Toby Tootles (Sleeping Bear Press, illustrated by Mary Sullivan), a funny picture book about social emotional learning with farting rabbits, and Can't Get Enough Dog Stuff (National Geographic Kids, co-authored with Moira Rose Donohue), a middle grade packed with canine trivia, jokes, activities, and expert interviews. And there are more books about animals to come including From Calculating Chimpanzees to Brainy Bees: Mathematical Abilities in Animals (Candlewick/MIT Kids Press, spring 2024, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett), Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World (Owlkids Books, spring 2024, illustrated by Raz Latif), and Dogs Versus Humans: Showdown of the Senses (Owlkids Books, spring 2025, illustrated by Bambi Edlund).

Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in ecology and evolution and a Master of Science in animal behavior. Her time in academia involved grunting with gorillas and stinking like marmoset monkeys. Years later, dog training meant being covered in fur and drool. Now she spends her days just outside of Toronto, Canada, convincing her clumsy cat Heton not to take over her keyboard.

Reviews

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

You’re going to want to present this or pick it up as an adult or a very intrigued middle grader or teen. Nothing about this comprehensive look at dog senses is ‘easy’ to read. Even as an avid reader and dog owner, who is fascinated at my own dog’s reactions to the world and ability to sense things, I found myself yawning at times. It’s just a little too scientific and dry.

I’d have liked it if the cute illustrations maybe had some funny quips or comments from the dogs (in say a speech bubble) or the book made a bit of fun of itself? Just my thoughts of course; but it needed something more to make it more entertaining and less ‘just’ information. Not to say the information here wasn’t great; because it was. But if you want a middle grader to really care, or read this more than once then I think it needs to go a step further to make it at least mildly interesting on more than a scientific level. All that said a very keen kiddo or teen (or even adult) may really enjoy this book and its detail.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[Charity Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book hoping to understand my own dog a little better, but I found it to be an even more informative and delightful read than I expected. The scientific concepts related to the senses are explained in easy-to-understand language, with easy experiments to help young readers compare their own senses to a dog's. There's also a helpful summary, glossary, and list of further reading suggestions for readers who want to dig deeper. Readers of all ages who have a dog or like dogs will enjoy this creative book.

[JoyReaderGirl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children’s Author Stephanie Gibeault does an amazing job explaining with both intellectual concepts and humorous examples how human and canine friendships have evolved over thousands of years in the best of buddy cultures by comparing and contrasting their similarities and differences in her illustrated (by Raz Latif) short book, “Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World.”

With comprehensive scientific discussions on doggie senses—like eye sight, smelling and hearing; as well as humorous observations about why dogs like to roll in poop and tinkle on fire hydrants—Gilbeault provides children of all ages approachable answers to questions that have intrigued most dog lovers since the beginning of pet ownership.

One of the most fascinating things that is mentioned in “Making Sense of Dog Senses” is that most animals can detect magnetic North and South. As a result, many dogs are known to poop in a N/S direction. Fascinating. This is something that I will definitely check when I take our rescued sibling pups out for their afternoon constitutional—lol!

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Stephanie Gibeault, and Publisher Owl Kids Books for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Older elementary students who love dogs will appreciate this fairly comprehensive look at how their canine friends use the five basic senses of sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. The text is divided into small chunks on the page and there are frequent, almost cartoonish drawings of dogs throughout. The usual non-fiction text features of table of contents, bolded words, glossary , index, diagrams, etc are present to aid comprehension but there is a great amount of text and the font is fairly small. Recommended for strong readers in grades 4-6 and more for research and a genuine quest for knowledge rather than easy entertainment.

Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss Plus.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having had countless children run up to my usually bouncy corgi mix without permission (fortunately she adores kids), this book won me over with the detailed instructions to children on how to best approach a dog. Although aimed at young readers, this book should be of interest (and maybe help) to dog lovers of all ages. Lots of info and fun, interactive ideas to use and it appears that the book version has, yeah, stickers! One of the few times I've regretted reviewing a digital edition. Grin.

Each sense is explored with frequent mention of how the dog uses that sense to, well, make sense of the world and those about it. We all surely know by now that dogs sniff each others rear ends to quickly get to know that dog, but what exactly are they learning? Among other things, the dog's health and what it's been eating, perhaps even the type of area it comes from. It's a habit that may make its human cringe but it's one that quickly provides the dog with lots of information. Each sense is detailed, with frequently humorous but always helpful illustrations, though I won't detail them here but will note that it suggests ways we mere humans can get at least an idea of how those senses work. Those illustrations guide readers through their paces, that's for sure. Relax, it doesn't ask you to tinkle on a fire hydrant.

Having had a friend swear to me that his dogs liked facing east and seemed to manage to do so whenever possible, I found the discussion on whether dogs can really sense direction rather intriguing. I'm going to have to pay more attention to my own dog at leisure or rest in the yard, for instance, and see how she does. Bottom line, a fun book full of interesting info with equally fun but helpful illustrations. This one should be on dog lovers' shelves and, hint, would make a great gift. Thanks #NetGalley and #OwlKidsBooks for giving me this sneak peek. I was glad to catch a glimpse of the corgis included as illustration but liked the diversity of breeds offered.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is PACKED with content and relatable, kid-friendly examples. Although there are more than 5 senses (a fact that might be one of the first--but definitely not the last--aha moments for readers), this book focuses on the 5 main senses that we all know best: vision, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. We learn how dogs experience the world and how that's often different from how we as humans experience the world.

Each fascinating sidebar could be its own class lesson! Combine that with the adorable illustrations, hilarious titles like "Reading the Daily Pee-Mail," and an ick factor that will have kids giggling and/or gagging, this book is a winner! I loved the showdown between human and dog senses as the back as well as back matter that includes a glossary and further reading.

This book is highly recommended for homes, schools, and libraries!

[Wunderdrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is nominated for the 2026 Hackmatack Award in the English non-fiction category. The title tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the book. It is broken down into simple chapters exploring all of the major senses (vision, smell, taste, touch, and hearing), and a conclusion that breaks down how human senses stack up compared to dog senses. I really liked that the book has a glossary & index, and recommended titles for readers who want to go deeper into the topic. The design of the book was appealing, and the illustrations were excellent. Would definitely recommend to animal lovers, especially dog owners, and also kids who are into science.

[Hannah Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book front to back! A perfect read for dog lovers of all ages. Would be a wonderful science book for any young classroom. What sets Making Sense of Dogs Senses apart for me is the interactive elements throughout the book that helps you have a greater understanding of dog senses in human terms. 10/10 recommend!

[Stacey E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! Great for readers, young and old. Full of fun and interactive illustrations of dog facts and how our human senses are alike and also different. This would be a great addition to any young readers or dog lovers bookshelf! Thank you, NetGalley and Owlkids books, for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This content-rich book, structured as a competition between humans and dogs, has just the right balance of intriguing facts and witty humor throughout. Who sees it better? Who smells it better? Kids will have fun guessing and exploring as a dog keeps score.

[Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much cool stuff from this one! I've been talking about it for days to anyone who will listen!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice art lots of great facts easy to understand

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good information. Good science. Good comparative ‘experiments’

[Lana Button · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super fun book with lots of interesting facts for the dog lover!

[Lea Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely charming and interesting.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have several students who love reading facts about animals, and Making Sense of Dog Senses caught my eye! I loved learning more about my favorite doggies as I read this book. The colorful pages and interesting facts were a delight. The layout of the pages was busy but not overly chaotic. There was enough "white space" on the pages so that the information was easy to read and the illustrations nicely complemented the written sections.

[Bekka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to my husband after ordering it for my library branch. We both found it to be really informative and in a kid-friendly way. As dog owners, we enjoyed learning more about how our precious pup navigates the world. The illustrations are engaging and informative. I would recommend this to any dog lover who wants to learn more about our furry friends; ages 8+.

Second reading notes: I used this book in two programs for youth at the library. We did most of the experiments in the book and I found the book really useful in this regard. I recommend this, especially, to middle school teachers, librarians, and youth!