The Secret Life Of Dogs

by Sarah Hodgson

Brief but enjoyable pamphlet chok full of information on the ways dogs communicate with you and themselves.

14 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Zeuspunx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have owned Siberian Huskys and Alaskan Malamutes for 40 years now and WOW did that book make me see the beautiful light of the behaviors most pet owners miss. We are a pack and once you understand their secret signals, all benefit. Thank you so very much. You like so many people have said Are the Jane Goodall of dogs. Bless you so much.

[Larry Verstraete · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Secret Lives of Dogs thinking it would be a nifty research tool for a novel I hoped to write. With its simple format and detailed index, it was easy to breeze through the pages to find the information I needed. The book is packed with useful information, the tone is light-hearted and humorous, and I was enamored by factual gems spread through the pages. I didn't know, for example, that dogs have scent glands in their paws (which helps to explain their compulsive digging behavior) or that dogs favor leather shoes over other materials (yummy cowhide combined with human sweat - the best of two worlds). Sidebars offer other tidbits. Well written and a most enjoyable read.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Easily the precursor to the whole dog-whisperer rage. The anecdotes are told by Sarah, who was at the time an anthropologist on an extended leave of absence. She got bored and began to study her dogs. She chronicles behaviors and emotions such as the expected devotion -- to other dogs as well as to humans -- but also abuse, strict self-imposed order, manipulation and even rape. Very eye-opening. You'll never look at dogs the same.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO not an animal person but I read this book over ten years ago and it was absolutely fascinating. The author, an anthropologist, decided to follow her dog around at night and wrote this book about it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge animal lover but I think this book lost me in its analytical look at dogs and its application of human-like characteristics to them. I agree with the viewer who called Sarah Hodgson the Jane Goodall of Dogs. I just don't think that was the type of book I was looking for.

[Jaymie Weinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting! She's like the Jane Goodall of dogs.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll never look at dogs the same way again. An anthropologist decides to doggedly follow a friend's Huskie through the streets at night.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good study on a subject not really addressed too often: domestic/wild reversion in behavior within urban environments. a solid example of the power of adaptation.

[Danica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this was the same book I remember, I loved it . It looked at stray dog behavior, vs. House dog pug -like behavior and I was intrigued the whole time.

[Thundarr Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

crazy dog lady. if you collect dolls and you're an adult you'll probably love this book.

[Elizabeth Koutny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not crazy about this one. I couldn't relate to her ideas about dogs.