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The New Work of Dogs: Tending to Life, Love, and Family
In an increasingly fragmented and disconnected society, dogs are often treated not as pets, but as family members and human surrogates. The New Work of Dogs profiles a dozen such relationships in a New Jersey town, like the story of Harry, a Welsh corgi who provides sustaining emotional strength for a woman battling terminal breast cancer; Cherokee, companion of a man who has few friends and doesn’t know how to talk to his family; the Divorced Dogs Club, whose funny, acerbic, and sometimes angry women turn to their dogs to help them rebuild their lives; and Betty Jean, the frantic founder of a tiny rescue group that has saved five hundred dogs from abuse or abandonment in recent years.
Drawn from hundreds of interviews and conversations with dog lovers and canine professionals, The New Work of Dogs combines compelling personal narratives with a penetrating look at human/animal attachment, and it presents a vivid portrait of a community—and, by extension, an entire nation—that is turning to its pets for emotional support and stability in a changing and uncertain world.
Drawn from hundreds of interviews and conversations with dog lovers and canine professionals, The New Work of Dogs combines compelling personal narratives with a penetrating look at human/animal attachment, and it presents a vivid portrait of a community—and, by extension, an entire nation—that is turning to its pets for emotional support and stability in a changing and uncertain world.
- GenresDogsNonfictionAnimals
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
49 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Jon Katz
56 books467 followers Jon Katz is an author, photographer, and children's book writer. He lives on Bedlam Farm with his wife, the artist Maria Wulf, his four dogs, Rose, Izzy, Lenore and Frieda, two donkeys, Lulu and Fanny, and two barn cats. His next book, "Rose In A Storm" will be published by Random House on October 5.
He is working on a collection of short stories and a book on animal grieving.
He is working on a collection of short stories and a book on animal grieving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 17, 2012
I highly enjoyed and recommend this book. I have not read Katz's other books, but I anxiously look forward to it based on The New Work of Dogs. He addresses many issues I've often thought about through the use of individual vignettes of dog owners. The stories are both literal and allegorical, full of examples of good and bad, right and wrong, and how the lines between the two are many, many shades of grey.
Have you ever been annoyed by a friend who posts about his/her dog constantly, calls them her baby, or seems to put the welfare of the dog above their own? - Then read this book and understand why some people do this, its pros and cons.
Have you ever been horrified at the callousness of owners who insist "its just a dog"? Or been shocked to see someone walking their dog yelling at them or jerking them? - Then read this book and understand a little bit of their perspective, their good intentions, the complex nature of human behavior.
I'm relatively new to the world of dog lovers. I'm a cat person since very young. Sure, dogs were ok, but I could live without them. Since acquiring our most recent dog, a 100+ lb lab mix, my perspective of everything dog-related has changed. I suppose I'm trying to walk the fine line that Katz illustrates so very well. Dogs are more than the average pet, but yet not quite as much as some place onto them.
Have you ever been annoyed by a friend who posts about his/her dog constantly, calls them her baby, or seems to put the welfare of the dog above their own? - Then read this book and understand why some people do this, its pros and cons.
Have you ever been horrified at the callousness of owners who insist "its just a dog"? Or been shocked to see someone walking their dog yelling at them or jerking them? - Then read this book and understand a little bit of their perspective, their good intentions, the complex nature of human behavior.
I'm relatively new to the world of dog lovers. I'm a cat person since very young. Sure, dogs were ok, but I could live without them. Since acquiring our most recent dog, a 100+ lb lab mix, my perspective of everything dog-related has changed. I suppose I'm trying to walk the fine line that Katz illustrates so very well. Dogs are more than the average pet, but yet not quite as much as some place onto them.
June 23, 2012
I found this book at a Goodwill while I was on my honeymoon. Each chapter details a different person's unique relationship with his or her dog, and shows how, in many cases, dogs are filling a particular emotional need. In one chapter, we see a boy who beats his dog to "toughen the dog up" so that the boy feels less threatened in his neighborhood; in another chapter, we see a woman who wanted children but never had them, who then "babies" her dog to the extent that she can't bear to discipline her, not even for potty-training. We see dogs let go that should have been kept with their families, and dogs kept with their families who should have been let go. We see healthy and unhealthy human-dog relationships. Each one is heartbreaking in its own way.
But what really makes this book worthwhile is the last chapter. After Jon Katz has laid out his examples, he examines what this means. Is it healthy for humans or for dogs now that dogs' "work" has become providing emotional support to humans rather than herding sheep or catching rats? Are so many dogs abandoned because their humans no longer find them "necessary" after working through a particular trauma, or because they can only disappoint when they're expected to fill roles that should be filled by other humans? The questions posed and the research presented are thought-provoking and urge the reader toward healthier relationships with both their pets, and with other humans. Any dog lover will probably see a little bit of themselves in at least one of these stories--for better or for worse.
But what really makes this book worthwhile is the last chapter. After Jon Katz has laid out his examples, he examines what this means. Is it healthy for humans or for dogs now that dogs' "work" has become providing emotional support to humans rather than herding sheep or catching rats? Are so many dogs abandoned because their humans no longer find them "necessary" after working through a particular trauma, or because they can only disappoint when they're expected to fill roles that should be filled by other humans? The questions posed and the research presented are thought-provoking and urge the reader toward healthier relationships with both their pets, and with other humans. Any dog lover will probably see a little bit of themselves in at least one of these stories--for better or for worse.
October 14, 2013
This is a well written and important book by Jon Katz, a prolific writer on dogs. The author’s approach in researching this book was deceptively simple. Interview and observe dog owners, usually with their dogs, in a small community in northern New Jersey. Interwoven with these reports and observations there is some intelligent analysis of the state of values and relationships in modern American society.
The author’s conclusions are fascinating and important for dog owners. He argues that while traditional roles of working dogs, such as guarding and herding stock, have declined; the new roles of companion dogs have emerged on an unplanned and largely unsystematic basis. These new roles revolve around the emotional support and comfort dogs provide. Dogs often help their owners through difficult phases of their lives, through illness, divorce, bereavement, or lack of meaningful contact with people. He shows how dogs often adapt to these roles brilliantly, but points out that it is here that the problem resides. Some people become so emotionally dependent on the dog, that they anthropomorphise their companion, and forget its own natural instincts and drives. The dog’s own needs as an animal, which is over 98% wolf, in genetic terms, are often overlooked. Dogs do have the need to sometimes just be dogs.
Owners can forget that their companion is a dog at all, and expect a level of emotional support and understanding that dog is not equipped to give. The author argues successfully, that this is usually detrimental to the dog and can give rise to some canine behavioral problems. These include: over protectiveness, jealousy, fear or aggressive biting. Or if the problems become unmanageable or if the owner's problems were temporary, and the owner’s need for this canine emotional support ends, then the dog mat be rejected. Placing too high expectations on the dog, often without an understanding of a dogs need for some freedom and some training, and some boundaries and structure in its life, can create problems. Katz is not being overly negative or judgmental here, just emphasizing the pitfalls of this type of co-dependency. The result of dogs failing to meet impossible expectations and not being given the training and exercise they need, just leads to more “problem dogs” and dogs being tied up in a yard, or shut in crates, or simply abandoned or put to sleep.
Some of the case studies in his account end happily, and the dog is clearly comfortable and contented in it’s role; but others do not, and the author is frank but non-judgmental in his appraisal of the problems. I am not going to dwell on the problem cases Jon Katz outlines. We are all familiar with pattern which leads to some dogs being abandoned or spending their lives tied up, or in cages. Instead I want to dwell on two of his cases which are resounding tributes to the adaptability of dogs.
The first is 78 year old Mrs Giamatti, who has a host of medical problems, and her devoted 17 year old poodle Trixie, with her own list of medical problems. The frail old lady would have had to go to a nursing home if it wasn’t for Trixie. As she says, “Trixie keeps me company and keeps me busy.” She walked her three times a day. The little poodle had been by her side after the death of her husband, and the death of her best friend. She didn’t spoil or over-feed the dog and she didn’t anthropomorphize the dog. Katz comments that this is partly a generational issue. I have to confess that the end of this story had me in tears, but I shall leave readers to discover that for themselves.
The other success story which had the same effect, was about the author’s own border collies Devon and Homer. Devon was the difficult dog of the pair, highly strung, jumpy and nervous. The author had spent two hard years, calming the dog down and training him, including some work on sheep herding. He took the collies to a sheepdog demo, at Scottish Country Fair, to help with the PA commentary for a friend and to put his two collies through their paces. As the collies waited their turn, a group of disabled children arrives and one boy called Joey, a 12 year old in wheelchair, makes straight for Devon, stamping his feet and shouting. It was a nightmare scenario for the author, he expected the normally nervous Devon to at least bolt at the noise and unpredictable movements of the child. Instead, the dog put his head in the boy’s lap, and then climbed onto his knee. The boy squeezed the dog and Jon Katz tried to explain to him to be gentle. The dog relaxed and was very reluctant to leave the boy. Both collies managed to complete the shepherding demo, and the author agrees to take the dogs to visit the kids at their residential care home. Even the sheep obsessed Homer, came around to the idea of being petted by these kids when they went to visit.
This story struck many chords with me. I remember Vicky, my Sheltie’s gentleness with a boy with Down’s Syndrome when I was about 12. I remember Paddy, my huge, normally boisterous Irish Setter, being as gentle as lamb when a blind girl in our village came to my daughter’s birthday party and wrapped her arms around his neck. Dogs are of course are descended from pack/ family based predators. By instinct they know when another animal is sick, weak or injured. Many dogs have strong prey drives, re-directed in case of shepherd dogs. As family pack animals, they have strong protective drives too. So, they will tend to protect a person or animal seen as weak or vulnerable, if they don’t see them as prey. Collies of course will herd sheep all over the hills, but if they find a weak or injured lamb, they will try to help it. My German Shepherd Dog, Pepsi, has strong hunting instincts, but he is as gentle as anything with puppies, kittens, even with tiny wader chicks if he finds them at the reservoir. He never harms them, and his body seems to relax as he checks that they are OK. Given all this, the author’s account of Devon’s behavior is still highly impressive.
One reason I find this book so fascinating is that the differences between the USA and Thailand in attitudes to dogs, are immense. Thailand is overrun with stray and semi owned dogs. People will grab a puppy from a feral litter, find it amusing for a few weeks, and then just abandon or ignore it or dump it at a temple. The result is thousands of stray or semi owned dogs, wandering around, often causing problems, scavenging for food, chasing cars, motorbikes, anyone walking by, squabbling, breeding more litters. The majority are perfectly nice, intelligent dogs, many learn that if they are friendly to people, they will get food. But most Thais will not take responsibility for these dogs, or get them medical attention when they are sick or injured. The notion of training a dog, or putting it on a lead and exercising it, still less emotionally bonding with a dog; are alien to most Thais. In the street of 15 houses where I live, there are about 28 dogs, all owned and kept in the owners gardens and yards. Of these, only my two ever get taken walks. My two dogs go out at with me for walks at least twice day, and get at least an hour off lead running and swimming, as well as trips to the market, seeing friends, etc.
I am happy to say there are rare exceptions to this. Yesterday evening I was out with my two dogs and a friendly stray dog they play with, at the local reservoir. A Thai guy was swimming with his beautiful pit bull type bitch. My dogs were fascinated. She ambled up to them to make friends, completely unfazed by three randy male dogs, her body language was completely relaxed. She then ran up to me to get a pat and some attention. She was totally obedient, and I told her owner how lovely she was ,and how good it was to see her exercising with him. He said most Thais were too lazy to take care of their dogs. He admired my German Shepherd, and then called his dog over. She jumped onto the foot panel of his motor scooter and off they went.
For more on the cross cultural differences in dog ownership and some different approaches to dog-training, see my book:
OF MICE & ZEN. ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS IN THE LIFE OF A WANDERING BUDDHIST
Free sample chapters on Goodreads or Amazon or
http://www.taichi-exercises.com
The author’s conclusions are fascinating and important for dog owners. He argues that while traditional roles of working dogs, such as guarding and herding stock, have declined; the new roles of companion dogs have emerged on an unplanned and largely unsystematic basis. These new roles revolve around the emotional support and comfort dogs provide. Dogs often help their owners through difficult phases of their lives, through illness, divorce, bereavement, or lack of meaningful contact with people. He shows how dogs often adapt to these roles brilliantly, but points out that it is here that the problem resides. Some people become so emotionally dependent on the dog, that they anthropomorphise their companion, and forget its own natural instincts and drives. The dog’s own needs as an animal, which is over 98% wolf, in genetic terms, are often overlooked. Dogs do have the need to sometimes just be dogs.
Owners can forget that their companion is a dog at all, and expect a level of emotional support and understanding that dog is not equipped to give. The author argues successfully, that this is usually detrimental to the dog and can give rise to some canine behavioral problems. These include: over protectiveness, jealousy, fear or aggressive biting. Or if the problems become unmanageable or if the owner's problems were temporary, and the owner’s need for this canine emotional support ends, then the dog mat be rejected. Placing too high expectations on the dog, often without an understanding of a dogs need for some freedom and some training, and some boundaries and structure in its life, can create problems. Katz is not being overly negative or judgmental here, just emphasizing the pitfalls of this type of co-dependency. The result of dogs failing to meet impossible expectations and not being given the training and exercise they need, just leads to more “problem dogs” and dogs being tied up in a yard, or shut in crates, or simply abandoned or put to sleep.
Some of the case studies in his account end happily, and the dog is clearly comfortable and contented in it’s role; but others do not, and the author is frank but non-judgmental in his appraisal of the problems. I am not going to dwell on the problem cases Jon Katz outlines. We are all familiar with pattern which leads to some dogs being abandoned or spending their lives tied up, or in cages. Instead I want to dwell on two of his cases which are resounding tributes to the adaptability of dogs.
The first is 78 year old Mrs Giamatti, who has a host of medical problems, and her devoted 17 year old poodle Trixie, with her own list of medical problems. The frail old lady would have had to go to a nursing home if it wasn’t for Trixie. As she says, “Trixie keeps me company and keeps me busy.” She walked her three times a day. The little poodle had been by her side after the death of her husband, and the death of her best friend. She didn’t spoil or over-feed the dog and she didn’t anthropomorphize the dog. Katz comments that this is partly a generational issue. I have to confess that the end of this story had me in tears, but I shall leave readers to discover that for themselves.
The other success story which had the same effect, was about the author’s own border collies Devon and Homer. Devon was the difficult dog of the pair, highly strung, jumpy and nervous. The author had spent two hard years, calming the dog down and training him, including some work on sheep herding. He took the collies to a sheepdog demo, at Scottish Country Fair, to help with the PA commentary for a friend and to put his two collies through their paces. As the collies waited their turn, a group of disabled children arrives and one boy called Joey, a 12 year old in wheelchair, makes straight for Devon, stamping his feet and shouting. It was a nightmare scenario for the author, he expected the normally nervous Devon to at least bolt at the noise and unpredictable movements of the child. Instead, the dog put his head in the boy’s lap, and then climbed onto his knee. The boy squeezed the dog and Jon Katz tried to explain to him to be gentle. The dog relaxed and was very reluctant to leave the boy. Both collies managed to complete the shepherding demo, and the author agrees to take the dogs to visit the kids at their residential care home. Even the sheep obsessed Homer, came around to the idea of being petted by these kids when they went to visit.
This story struck many chords with me. I remember Vicky, my Sheltie’s gentleness with a boy with Down’s Syndrome when I was about 12. I remember Paddy, my huge, normally boisterous Irish Setter, being as gentle as lamb when a blind girl in our village came to my daughter’s birthday party and wrapped her arms around his neck. Dogs are of course are descended from pack/ family based predators. By instinct they know when another animal is sick, weak or injured. Many dogs have strong prey drives, re-directed in case of shepherd dogs. As family pack animals, they have strong protective drives too. So, they will tend to protect a person or animal seen as weak or vulnerable, if they don’t see them as prey. Collies of course will herd sheep all over the hills, but if they find a weak or injured lamb, they will try to help it. My German Shepherd Dog, Pepsi, has strong hunting instincts, but he is as gentle as anything with puppies, kittens, even with tiny wader chicks if he finds them at the reservoir. He never harms them, and his body seems to relax as he checks that they are OK. Given all this, the author’s account of Devon’s behavior is still highly impressive.
One reason I find this book so fascinating is that the differences between the USA and Thailand in attitudes to dogs, are immense. Thailand is overrun with stray and semi owned dogs. People will grab a puppy from a feral litter, find it amusing for a few weeks, and then just abandon or ignore it or dump it at a temple. The result is thousands of stray or semi owned dogs, wandering around, often causing problems, scavenging for food, chasing cars, motorbikes, anyone walking by, squabbling, breeding more litters. The majority are perfectly nice, intelligent dogs, many learn that if they are friendly to people, they will get food. But most Thais will not take responsibility for these dogs, or get them medical attention when they are sick or injured. The notion of training a dog, or putting it on a lead and exercising it, still less emotionally bonding with a dog; are alien to most Thais. In the street of 15 houses where I live, there are about 28 dogs, all owned and kept in the owners gardens and yards. Of these, only my two ever get taken walks. My two dogs go out at with me for walks at least twice day, and get at least an hour off lead running and swimming, as well as trips to the market, seeing friends, etc.
I am happy to say there are rare exceptions to this. Yesterday evening I was out with my two dogs and a friendly stray dog they play with, at the local reservoir. A Thai guy was swimming with his beautiful pit bull type bitch. My dogs were fascinated. She ambled up to them to make friends, completely unfazed by three randy male dogs, her body language was completely relaxed. She then ran up to me to get a pat and some attention. She was totally obedient, and I told her owner how lovely she was ,and how good it was to see her exercising with him. He said most Thais were too lazy to take care of their dogs. He admired my German Shepherd, and then called his dog over. She jumped onto the foot panel of his motor scooter and off they went.
For more on the cross cultural differences in dog ownership and some different approaches to dog-training, see my book:
OF MICE & ZEN. ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS IN THE LIFE OF A WANDERING BUDDHIST
Free sample chapters on Goodreads or Amazon or
http://www.taichi-exercises.com
July 31, 2018
This book was in interesting look at why people have dogs and what the dogs do for that person. Every chapter was a different person and their dog. Most of them were emotional support of some kind. There was the divorced dog club, the gal with cancer, the lonely kid, the old man. Some of the stories were very sweet. The gal with her Corgi was adorable. Two of them were awful. These two the dogs were neglected or abused. I couldn't have just written those stories. I would have had to call and report them. Luckily, one of them went on to a better life.
I didn't agree with everything that this guys said. He said that dogs will completely forget their owners if needed to. I disagree with that for all dogs. You hear stories about dogs that travel long distances to find their homes again. We see stories about dogs that are devoted beyond comprehension and I personally saw a dog grieve herself to death when my ex moved out. She was never happy again and died six months later.
Overall, this book was very sweet about people and their canine companions. I know that my life is better with my dogs (and my kids dog). They are always happy to see me and they always seem to know when I am down and need extra love. I wouldn't say this is a must read but it is good and enjoyable.
I didn't agree with everything that this guys said. He said that dogs will completely forget their owners if needed to. I disagree with that for all dogs. You hear stories about dogs that travel long distances to find their homes again. We see stories about dogs that are devoted beyond comprehension and I personally saw a dog grieve herself to death when my ex moved out. She was never happy again and died six months later.
Overall, this book was very sweet about people and their canine companions. I know that my life is better with my dogs (and my kids dog). They are always happy to see me and they always seem to know when I am down and need extra love. I wouldn't say this is a must read but it is good and enjoyable.
May 19, 2019
After finishing __Saving Simon__, another book by this author, I remembered I had a copy of __The New Work of Dogs__, which I had never read. With all of the negativity still "out there" about Katz, I decided to read this earlier work, published in 2003. Like other reviewers have written, I, too, felt the book is a somewhat sad look at how we humans have anthropomorphized our canine companions, leading, in some cases, to abuse, neglect, and abandonment. I almost abandoned this book after reading that the author stood by while "Jamal," a teenage punk, repeatedly hit his pit bull with a board. Journalistic "distance?" No. (I will give credit, though, to the author who uses his connections to have this same dog rescued when it is finally--and gratefully-- surrendered to an animal shelter.)
Perhaps the overriding message is this: Not everyone should own a canine.
Perhaps the overriding message is this: Not everyone should own a canine.
May 17, 2017
One of Jon Katz's earlier books, wherein he articulates his theory of animal attachment. He had Orson and Homer, the sheepdogs, but hadn't yet bought Bedlam Farm. Through stories of individual dogs and their owners he illustrates how dogs are done a disservice when people choose not to train them, and treat them too much like people. He writes with sensitivity and understanding, and is convincing.
December 21, 2018
I have enjoyed seven of Jon Katz’ books, but this one wasn’t one of my favorites. It did, however, reveal some sad truths about the place of dogs in today’s society, and that was sad and hard to accept. It surely does not speak positively about people today, and makes me feel really sad for the dogs who suffer because of our short sightedness. Good and important information here, just hard to read while thinking of the poor dogs who are the victims of such selfishness.
January 3, 2019
I learned so much reading this book.
I read this book because I love dogs. Little did I know that while reading the book, I would have to put my beloved dog down. She had cancer and there was nothing left but to let her go. This book has given me insight to dogs and people living with them. I will read again before I get another dog just to remind myself how to be a great dog owner. Thank you for this book.
I read this book because I love dogs. Little did I know that while reading the book, I would have to put my beloved dog down. She had cancer and there was nothing left but to let her go. This book has given me insight to dogs and people living with them. I will read again before I get another dog just to remind myself how to be a great dog owner. Thank you for this book.
May 21, 2018
Interesting profiles of our imperfect relationships with dogs. I found myself reflecting on the emotional work expected of my own pack, how demands to be furry humans might conflict with their own primal drives, and how refactoring their environment and incorporating more ongoing training might better set them up to succeed.
September 2, 2017
Excellent book! I like how the author investigated these various dogs & their owners exploring their home lives without tainting their stories. Each situation was a revelation to me showing me how people relate to their pets. Some are a little hard to read and some are very heartwarming!
June 18, 2019
Did not really like this book. The author seemed to take way too long to get to point.
November 13, 2019
I always enjoy a Jon Katz book - thought provoking. Well done.
November 21, 2024
A good look at what dogs mean to a range of different people. Dated language, in general and in science of canine cognition. Still made me cry, damn it.
July 21, 2019
I hadn't read any other of Katz's books prior to this one, although I would be inclined to investigate other titles. His focus on one community and residents' relationships with dogs was a strategic approach. The various studies are revisited at the end to give the reader a sense of resolution. I did cringe at one chapter (a teenager's treatment of his pit bull) and found myself wondering what I might have done had I been in the author's shoes. Overall, the book reminds the reader of the ways that humans seek companionship and the lengths people will go to achieve it.
March 9, 2009
I have a sort of love/hate relationship with Jon Katz's writing. Some of it I really love. This one, unfortunately, falls more on the "hate" side. I think Katz has learned a LOT about dogs in the 5 years since he wrote this. This book touches on the idea that dogs are no longer being used for work (herding, hunting, etc.) and are being used more as emotional support for people. To get to this end, he discusses the lives of a handful of people from the town he lived in. The stories about the people are interesting, if a bit skewed. He generally chose people who were on the fringes -- a boy who adopted a pit bull and then hit it with a board once a day before taking it out because then it would look tough and over-aroused; a woman who adopted a dachshund because she wasn't going to ever have kids; the family who gets a lab puppy for their son who didn't want it and never took care of it. As he examines these and other cases, he comes to one basic erroneous conclusion: we expect a lot out of dogs and give nothing back. I really had a difficult time enjoying this book. I'd much prefer Katz to stick with what he knows: his own dogs and his own reactions to them.
July 22, 2009
I loved this book. The author speaks about how the "new work" of dogs is to provide emotional support for humans, as opposed to their
"old work" which was hunting and herding. There were a lot of short stories about pet owners and their dogs. They were not cheesy or sappy like the "Chicken Soup" kind of stories, though. In our contemporary world, for some, it is difficult to initiate and/or maintain the relationships and connections with humans that we require. For some, dogs provide this emotional connection. They do this in most instances very knowingly and purposefully. The author poses the question - "Are dogs able to provide these connections, and this emotional support because they have some kind of sixth sense about human emotions and behavior, or is is pure behavioral theory, where dogs are just behaving in ways in which they are reinforced to behave?" The author does not provide an answer or any insight to this quesion. He just wants to pose it. Anyway, does it really matter if we know WHY dogs do this for humans? I have a sign in my home that says - "Dogs Are Not Our Whole Life, But They Make Our Lives Whole."
"old work" which was hunting and herding. There were a lot of short stories about pet owners and their dogs. They were not cheesy or sappy like the "Chicken Soup" kind of stories, though. In our contemporary world, for some, it is difficult to initiate and/or maintain the relationships and connections with humans that we require. For some, dogs provide this emotional connection. They do this in most instances very knowingly and purposefully. The author poses the question - "Are dogs able to provide these connections, and this emotional support because they have some kind of sixth sense about human emotions and behavior, or is is pure behavioral theory, where dogs are just behaving in ways in which they are reinforced to behave?" The author does not provide an answer or any insight to this quesion. He just wants to pose it. Anyway, does it really matter if we know WHY dogs do this for humans? I have a sign in my home that says - "Dogs Are Not Our Whole Life, But They Make Our Lives Whole."
July 2, 2013
To say this was an excellent book would be to undervalue it in my opinion. As Rocky Mountain News said it is "Thoughtful and heartbreaking..."
Jon Katz, a dog owner himself and writer of his experiences with his own pets, put together an interesting and delving study of our new relationships with dogs - These are no longer the animals that help us hunt, but creatures that have taken on a new job on a more emotional level. It is truthful and insightful, sometimes almost painfully so and lacks sentimentality that can often be seen in other books about dogs. The thing is, as much as this book is about our four legged friends, it is more about we as human beings. Our needs have changed and the dogs have been forced to change as well to try to fulfill those needs - and the book goes into what that really means.
If you are a dog owner, want a dog, are thinking of getting a dog, or are a dog lover, you should definitely read this book. If you want to look at human behavior in this modern world, then you should read this book.
It is a compelling read and one worth taking the time to do.
Jon Katz, a dog owner himself and writer of his experiences with his own pets, put together an interesting and delving study of our new relationships with dogs - These are no longer the animals that help us hunt, but creatures that have taken on a new job on a more emotional level. It is truthful and insightful, sometimes almost painfully so and lacks sentimentality that can often be seen in other books about dogs. The thing is, as much as this book is about our four legged friends, it is more about we as human beings. Our needs have changed and the dogs have been forced to change as well to try to fulfill those needs - and the book goes into what that really means.
If you are a dog owner, want a dog, are thinking of getting a dog, or are a dog lover, you should definitely read this book. If you want to look at human behavior in this modern world, then you should read this book.
It is a compelling read and one worth taking the time to do.
November 5, 2015
A good book, even if I don't always agree with Jon Katz. He's REALLY smart, and he approaches most things from a fairly jounalistic viewpoint where he is just the reporter, reporting the facts ma'am. Then he tosses in some research and offers his thoughts on what place dogs have taken in our lives.
The section of this book where he follows the young man who has a pit bull that he brutalizes to 'toughen it up' was painful for me. I actually felt a panicky, tight feeling in my chest, where I wanted to help the kid, the dog, ALL kids and dogs on the mean streets of American cities. The fact that my city (Baltimore) has a real problem with people raising dogs to fight makes me sick if I focus on it too long. When I read in the afterword that the kid eventually moved on from "pit bull" to "basketball" and the dog was rescued, I was happy. At least that's one dog saved.
The section of this book where he follows the young man who has a pit bull that he brutalizes to 'toughen it up' was painful for me. I actually felt a panicky, tight feeling in my chest, where I wanted to help the kid, the dog, ALL kids and dogs on the mean streets of American cities. The fact that my city (Baltimore) has a real problem with people raising dogs to fight makes me sick if I focus on it too long. When I read in the afterword that the kid eventually moved on from "pit bull" to "basketball" and the dog was rescued, I was happy. At least that's one dog saved.
April 22, 2009
An engaging, fast read, if you like reading about dogs. The author is a journalist who writes about his neighbors' dogs in Montclair, NJ. He thinks that "attachment theory" (this is where "attachment parenting" comes from, btw) explains why dogs are so important to many people today. They can fill in the emotional gaps in needy peoples' lives - as demonstrated by "The Divorced Dog Club" (a group of women), several seniors, a teenager, a dog rescue worker, a lonely businessman, etc.
The flip side of this is that some people overlook the fact that these are animals, and then they are disappointed when their untrained dogs can't provide exactly what they need, or they poop on the carpet, jump on people, or destroy the pantry they're locked in for days on end. This part is just depressing. Bottom line: train your dog, and don't get one if you don't have time to spend with it.
The flip side of this is that some people overlook the fact that these are animals, and then they are disappointed when their untrained dogs can't provide exactly what they need, or they poop on the carpet, jump on people, or destroy the pantry they're locked in for days on end. This part is just depressing. Bottom line: train your dog, and don't get one if you don't have time to spend with it.
March 21, 2014
This book was thought-provoking and it made me look at humans' relationship with dogs in a new way. The author uses vignettes to explore different relationships people have with their dogs. You can tell he spent a lot of time with these people. The first couple are particularly touching and the endings to these vignettes are strong. The latter ones, not so much, but I suppose with nonfiction, you have to work with what you get!
I found the final chapter, where the author puts all the vignettes into context, effective -- especially the part about one of his own dogs and its reaction to a disabled boy. Some of the scientific information is outdated already -- fascinating studies about how dogs' brains work and how they interact with humans have come to light recently. But for the time period it was written, it was spot-on.
I found the final chapter, where the author puts all the vignettes into context, effective -- especially the part about one of his own dogs and its reaction to a disabled boy. Some of the scientific information is outdated already -- fascinating studies about how dogs' brains work and how they interact with humans have come to light recently. But for the time period it was written, it was spot-on.
April 26, 2014
Starts off great. The friendship between man and dog is described historically and scientifically. Then things are brought up to date in the high class city of Montclair, NJ. Interesting facts and statistics on dogs in America are well-researched and interesting.
Unfortunately, the rest is short articles. Each one a personal dog story. The first was a most mundane tale of a twice divorced woman who helped herself by getting a dachshund. The author is trying to make something out of nothing with this. Then more of the same. Companion work is nothing new. Not enough substance for a whole book.
Good Line: "What does it say about a country that's developed an extraordinarily sophisticated and comprehensive structure for saving dogs, but no equivalent one for rescuing endangered or troubled people?"
Unfortunately, the rest is short articles. Each one a personal dog story. The first was a most mundane tale of a twice divorced woman who helped herself by getting a dachshund. The author is trying to make something out of nothing with this. Then more of the same. Companion work is nothing new. Not enough substance for a whole book.
Good Line: "What does it say about a country that's developed an extraordinarily sophisticated and comprehensive structure for saving dogs, but no equivalent one for rescuing endangered or troubled people?"
December 13, 2007
This book like A Dog Year explores the relationship between human and canine, but goes past the author's personal experiences as he interviews other dog owners, vets, breeders, trainers,etc. to explore how the work of dogs has changed in the latter part of the 20th century. Often sad or bittersweet these stories illustrate both the immense positives that come out of these relationships but also the abuse and neglect that occurs when dogs are not seen to be living up to their expected roles. I often saw bits of myself or others in the people interviewed. This book really helped me to understand how I could have been a better dog owner in the past, and the type of relationship that I want to have with my new dog.
October 5, 2010
Jon Katz reviews how Americans treat their dogs and how dogs fulfill people's lives in this book. Dogs have changed from something that helps you put food on the plate, watches the house, or catches rats to a confidant, companion and perhaps even reason for living. He compares it to how society in the US has become more disjointed, so that even though there are more people we know less about each other. He proposes that as one of the main reasons many people have elevated dogs to that position in their lives. I know that my dog, Eddie, fulfills a role for me that would not have been conceivable to my grandparents. He does this by profiling several different people, which really brings the message home. Showing is always more effective than telling.
January 16, 2011
As a dog lover, I really enjoyed this book. I especially liked that how the author integrated theory and research into the stories of people he met. Reading the chapters on the people and dogs he had met was very interesting, especially in light of the questions he raised: Are these new responsibilities we are asking/expecting dogs to take on good for either them or us? It's a question that is hard to answer and easy to ignore. Most importantly, though, it's a question that probably doesn't really have a set answer. The people-dog relationships described in this book make that clear.
As far as content goes, there was some language in some of the chapters, but it was not pervasive throughout the book.
As far as content goes, there was some language in some of the chapters, but it was not pervasive throughout the book.
April 7, 2011
Katz argues that the work of dogs has changed from tasks such as fetching nets and corralling animals (while also offering companionship) to filling emotional voids in humans' lives. But he cautions that while this "new work" can lead to extraordinarily beautiful relationships, many dogs end up victimized by the unrealistic demands placed on them -- owners who expect their dogs to have human minds, owners who give little in the way of structure and support but ask for flawless behavior ... the list goes on. The book weaves through several people's stories and looks at how their early lessons in attachment inform their approach to dogs.
October 15, 2007
I enjoyed this book but I didn't buy into the author's complete thesis. He states that because people are no longer interacting with one another they use pets to fill the void. However, a dog is a dog...and can't fill the empty.
For example, the author would say that I am using dogs to fill the void of not having children. I agreed with some of his points and disagreed with others. This book was also emotionally charged in some chapters. Yes, I cried. It was also a discussion starter and it fueled many lunchroom converstations.
For example, the author would say that I am using dogs to fill the void of not having children. I agreed with some of his points and disagreed with others. This book was also emotionally charged in some chapters. Yes, I cried. It was also a discussion starter and it fueled many lunchroom converstations.
January 2, 2012
I LOVE DOGS. I LOVED THIS BOOK. IT IS ABOUT THE BONDS BETWEEN HUMANS AND THEIR CANINE FRIENDS, SOMETIMES ORDINARY OFTEN TIMES, AMAZING. A WOMAN WHO IS DYING OF CANCER AND WHOSE LOVE FOR HER SMALL DOG HELPS HER THROUGH THE PAINFULL PROCESS OF DYING ALONE. A RESERVED HUSBAND WHO DOES NOT FEEL TRUE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH HIS WIFE AND KIDS, BUT BONDS WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH THE FAMILY DOG. A WOMAN WHO HAS LED AN ISOLATED EXISTENCE: FRIENDLESS AND DATELESS WHOSE LOVE FOR HER DOG RE-INTRODUCES HER TO SOCIETY. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHOSE EVER BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO LOVE A DOG.
March 27, 2008
Katz has done it again. I read his books in reverse order, however! He makes some really important points about dog-human relationships. I couldn't help but think about the unfulfilling life of most dogs in cities. And the celebrities who use the poor pups as accessories! Still, we ALL need that that kind of unconditional love, whether we recognize it or not. Intelligent reading for dog lovers and non-dog lovers, alike.
May 20, 2008
Normally, I love Jon Katz's book on dogs and really got a lot out of his book on dog training, but this was really, really depressing. Not that it shouldn't be read, but its just has a pretty strong message--that too many of us are really using our dogs for the wrong reasons. Not that this always turns out badly for the dog, but in a lot of cases it does and it keeps our pets from the better life that they deserve.
March 2, 2009
I really liked the premise and the stories in this book. I only wish he had treated it a little less like a college thesis assignment: I kept thinking that he had been required too cite a certain number of other sources or something. Other than that, I enjoyed it and it made me think. I still love my doggie, though, and I know that he loves me, and I'll continue to anthropomorphize him as much as I want to so there.
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