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The Goodness of Dogs: The Human's Guide to Choosing, Buying, Training, Feeding, Living With and Loving Your Dog
This book is a celebration of happy dogs and the happy people who own them. At once a companion, a manual and a repository of useful information, The Goodness of Dogs also contains avid dog-lover India Knight's reflections on the sheer brilliance of dogs and the life-enhancing delight of dog ownership. If you have reached dog nirvana, you will recognize yourself. If you haven't yet - this book will help you.
With chapters ranging from how to choose a breed (and where to get it from), to the joy and chaos of puppies, to feeding and training your dog, to choosing a vet and even how to cope with illnesses and death, The Goodness of Dogs will take you through every facet of dog ownership.
Full of India Knight's inimitable wit and the sound advice she is famous for, and beautifully illustrated by artist Sally Muir, this book will make the perfect gift for any dog-lover.
With chapters ranging from how to choose a breed (and where to get it from), to the joy and chaos of puppies, to feeding and training your dog, to choosing a vet and even how to cope with illnesses and death, The Goodness of Dogs will take you through every facet of dog ownership.
Full of India Knight's inimitable wit and the sound advice she is famous for, and beautifully illustrated by artist Sally Muir, this book will make the perfect gift for any dog-lover.
- GenresNonfiction
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2015
8 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
India Knight
35 books150 followersIndia Knight is a British journalist. Her novels have been translated into 28 languages.
Knight, a native French speaker, lived in Brussels until about the time she turned nine. After migrating to the United Kingdom, she was educated in London. She was awarded an exhibition to Trinity College, Cambridge, where she read Modern Languages from 1984-1987, before starting her career in journalism.
In addition to writing for and contributing to major British magazines and newspapers, India Knight writes a prominent weekly column for The Sunday Times. She is also a regular guest on British radio and television.
After writing an article in The Sunday Times about her daughter's special needs - her youngest child has DiGeorge syndrome.
Knight lives in London with her three children.
Knight, a native French speaker, lived in Brussels until about the time she turned nine. After migrating to the United Kingdom, she was educated in London. She was awarded an exhibition to Trinity College, Cambridge, where she read Modern Languages from 1984-1987, before starting her career in journalism.
In addition to writing for and contributing to major British magazines and newspapers, India Knight writes a prominent weekly column for The Sunday Times. She is also a regular guest on British radio and television.
After writing an article in The Sunday Times about her daughter's special needs - her youngest child has DiGeorge syndrome.
Knight lives in London with her three children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 1, 2016
I have a theory, and India Knight clearly shares it, that dogs make us better people. I’m a dog owner. I’ve had a dog for 10 years and would never now be without one for long. There are few bigger fans of dogs than I.
And yet even I fall into the trap of taking my dog for granted. Of not giving her the time and attention she needs. Of treating her as a bit of a nuisance. And this book reminds me not to do that. It reminds me of how wonderful she is, and how patient and kind, of how much she loves and wants to please me.
The Goodness of Dogs struck so many chords with me. And I’m sure it will with most dog owners. I particularly liked the bit about dog haters. There are people out there, odd people I admit, who don’t like dogs. Now that’s fair enough, but having an attack of the vapours just because one comes near you just isn’t on. India, in her lovely bossy, head-girl style, takes the Nervous Nellies on and shuts them up.
This is a great book to give someone thinking of getting a puppy, who has recently bought a dog, or just someone who loves dogs. It’s packed with good advice about choosing and caring for a dog, some of it quite new to me, but it’s so much more than a puppy owner’s manual. It’s a celebration of dogs.
It’s also a beautiful book. A small, chunky hardback with a lovely matt cover and full of really gorgeous dog paintings and drawings. A great Christmas gift.
And yet even I fall into the trap of taking my dog for granted. Of not giving her the time and attention she needs. Of treating her as a bit of a nuisance. And this book reminds me not to do that. It reminds me of how wonderful she is, and how patient and kind, of how much she loves and wants to please me.
The Goodness of Dogs struck so many chords with me. And I’m sure it will with most dog owners. I particularly liked the bit about dog haters. There are people out there, odd people I admit, who don’t like dogs. Now that’s fair enough, but having an attack of the vapours just because one comes near you just isn’t on. India, in her lovely bossy, head-girl style, takes the Nervous Nellies on and shuts them up.
This is a great book to give someone thinking of getting a puppy, who has recently bought a dog, or just someone who loves dogs. It’s packed with good advice about choosing and caring for a dog, some of it quite new to me, but it’s so much more than a puppy owner’s manual. It’s a celebration of dogs.
It’s also a beautiful book. A small, chunky hardback with a lovely matt cover and full of really gorgeous dog paintings and drawings. A great Christmas gift.
October 8, 2024
There is no way a serious dog-lover like me could ever have given anything other than a 5/5 rating for a book about dogs. But India Knight's book deserves it for many more reasons, from anyone who picks up the book. This book is best read (and re-read many times later) before you bring your pet dog home. It is a reference book no less. Yet it keeps you engaged, with all the tidbits it contains. But here is a word of caution. Stop when you reach the appendix - but if you must, first have your heart transplanted with some nice hard piece of stone - at the very least, have a box of tissues handy! Having said that, the last chapter about dogs in heaven would have already tested your emotional lability, wouldn't it? Especially Ogden Nash's poem about his dog.
Perhaps the author would like to add a separate chapter in the next edition, on how to go about finding a lost dog. Our family went through that harrowing experience, and we died many times over, but were lucky to get our darling beagle back. When one is in total shock and denial about a missing pet, one really does not know what to do and how.
Whether you read the appendix or not, this book firmly belongs in every house with a pet.
Perhaps the author would like to add a separate chapter in the next edition, on how to go about finding a lost dog. Our family went through that harrowing experience, and we died many times over, but were lucky to get our darling beagle back. When one is in total shock and denial about a missing pet, one really does not know what to do and how.
Whether you read the appendix or not, this book firmly belongs in every house with a pet.
January 30, 2020
Only a few places that i disagreed with Knight's ideas on dog training. Her basic tenants are valid. Dogs who live with humans need to agree on some behaviors, but accept that the two types of animals need to adapt to each other, but in return gain something infinitely satisfying to both.
May 6, 2021
I read this on the verge of owning a dog so was looking for tips and guidance. In this regard I found the book useful with no perspective though if it is helpful or good quality. The ideas made sense to me so planning to put them into action.
May 5, 2017
Loved this, helped me to decide to get a puppy!
July 4, 2017
A down to Earth, easy to read book about dogs. Lots of information without being too technical, interspersed with funny stories and useful tips. Recommend it if you're thinking about getting a dog.
June 30, 2017
There are a multitude of books out there about dogs; how to choose a dog, how to care for a dog, how to train a dog, but none of them are quite like 'The Goodness of Dogs.' This is a charming, friendly, informal guide that reads like a friend sitting across the kitchen table with a cup of tea. Knight loves dogs, that is clear to see, and her love oozes from each page in a way that made me laugh and smile and, admittedly, cry.
There were certain facts that made me raise an eyebrow regarding their actual truth, most notably in the section on pedigree dogs in chapter two. The author included Dobermanns when talking about scent hounds (p.48) and said Dalmatians are classed in the companion dog group, along with Pugs and Toy Poodles (p.52). Surely a quick google or even an editor should have corrected that?
But otherwise, this is a truly charming book that I really enjoyed reading. For all her love of dogs and her joy at dog ownership, Knight is also refreshingly frank about the health issues faced by pedigree dogs and the problems of breeding for appearance. She is also openly critical of those who dress their dogs in clothes and treat them like babies, not allowing their dogs to simply be dogs. I also loved the fact that she included both addresses for useful websites and a list of books that she found interesting and thinks the reader will enjoy, too. I'll certainly be checking out some of those titles.
There was a very lovely quote somewhere in the book that I wish I'd made a note of now, about dog owners being the luckiest people in the world, and that couldn't ring more true. Dog ownership is a blessing and a privilege, and this book is a beautiful testament to that.
There were certain facts that made me raise an eyebrow regarding their actual truth, most notably in the section on pedigree dogs in chapter two. The author included Dobermanns when talking about scent hounds (p.48) and said Dalmatians are classed in the companion dog group, along with Pugs and Toy Poodles (p.52). Surely a quick google or even an editor should have corrected that?
But otherwise, this is a truly charming book that I really enjoyed reading. For all her love of dogs and her joy at dog ownership, Knight is also refreshingly frank about the health issues faced by pedigree dogs and the problems of breeding for appearance. She is also openly critical of those who dress their dogs in clothes and treat them like babies, not allowing their dogs to simply be dogs. I also loved the fact that she included both addresses for useful websites and a list of books that she found interesting and thinks the reader will enjoy, too. I'll certainly be checking out some of those titles.
There was a very lovely quote somewhere in the book that I wish I'd made a note of now, about dog owners being the luckiest people in the world, and that couldn't ring more true. Dog ownership is a blessing and a privilege, and this book is a beautiful testament to that.
June 21, 2024
I didn’t get on with this.
This appears to be written by a loopy dog person for other loopy dog people. It’s not objective. It’s not scientific. It’s very cult-y in its approach and heaven help you if you’re ambivalent or not fond of dogs. It reminded me rather starkly why I typically avoided dog parks and dog meetups with my Golden: obsessive “dog people” can be so tedious (and, frankly, a bit bizarre).
The “I’m so with it and relatable” tone is grating and unprofessional. This is the first dog guide I’ve ever encountered that has profanity within. There is some highly questionable advice in this and I strongly urge dog owners to seek a professional opinion of a veterinarian or an animal behaviourist if they need advice or help. Talk to your breeder. Talk to the Dogs Trust & RSPCA. Talk to your vet. Attend puppy school. Take this book with a grain of salt. What credentials does this author have to be doling out pet rearing advice?
I liked the illustrations best of all and although not to my taste at all, I can appreciate readability when I see it. However, I am quite disappointed in this book and do not recommend it.
This appears to be written by a loopy dog person for other loopy dog people. It’s not objective. It’s not scientific. It’s very cult-y in its approach and heaven help you if you’re ambivalent or not fond of dogs. It reminded me rather starkly why I typically avoided dog parks and dog meetups with my Golden: obsessive “dog people” can be so tedious (and, frankly, a bit bizarre).
The “I’m so with it and relatable” tone is grating and unprofessional. This is the first dog guide I’ve ever encountered that has profanity within. There is some highly questionable advice in this and I strongly urge dog owners to seek a professional opinion of a veterinarian or an animal behaviourist if they need advice or help. Talk to your breeder. Talk to the Dogs Trust & RSPCA. Talk to your vet. Attend puppy school. Take this book with a grain of salt. What credentials does this author have to be doling out pet rearing advice?
I liked the illustrations best of all and although not to my taste at all, I can appreciate readability when I see it. However, I am quite disappointed in this book and do not recommend it.
August 23, 2017
I have read a gazillion books on dogs and this has been the best so far. it's witty and funny and informative and no holds barred. it's brutally honest about what is kind and what is not when it comes to dog ownership and I loved it for that. It has also led me on to a whole new pile of dog books to read which is excellent news.
December 11, 2016
A dogged great read
The sainted India has written an amazing read on how hounds improve your life. Buy it if you are thinking of adding a doggy friend.
The sainted India has written an amazing read on how hounds improve your life. Buy it if you are thinking of adding a doggy friend.
December 16, 2016
The is the what to expect when you are expecting of the dog world. Highly recommend for puppy owners to be
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews