Why Dogs Do That: A Collection of Curious Canine Behaviors

by Tom Davis, Peter Ring (Photographer)

Why do dogs bury bones? Why do they circle before lying down? Why do dogs chase cars? Or their tails? These and more than 30 other canine behavioral questions are informatively and lightheartedly answered in this handsomely illustrated book. 40 pencil illustrations.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Dogs

95 pages, Hardcover

First published June 22, 1998

Reviews

[Andree Sanborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give this five stars but simply couldn't. As a new dog owner, I wanted and needed to learn as much possible about dogs. There are fascinating tidbits, such as the origin of Alaskan sled dogs and other breeds. And the information about the word quarry ("derives from a French term for the ritual distribution of tidbits from slain prey to the dogs that participated in its capture") is something which I enjoyed learning.

However, the book simply was not as thorough and deep as I wanted it to be. Perhaps this is not the fault of the author, but is mine in this review. It was a fun, hour-long read. But not worthy of five stars. Sorry, Mr. Davis.

I borrowed this book from Listen Up! Vermont and the Barton Public Library.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that Why Dogs Do That by Tom Davis was a helpful and interesting way for me to learn more about adult dogs and puppies. I have two dogs that live with me and I really needed to know why dogs chase cars or their tails and this book tells you the answer to both of those questions and so many more. I recommend this book to people who need to know why their dog eats grass or any other questions you have about dogs. This book also has some very interesting and cute pictures of puppies and adult dogs.

[Amberly Dzimira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book! Picked it up at the library for fun. Super short and entertaining. I learned some new things too and held moosey extra tight afterwards because we don’t deserve dogs.

[Skyqueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short. Entertaining. I learned a few things.
Genetically speaking dogs are identical to wolves from which they are descended.
There are no genetic "markers" that enable scientists to tell one breed from another.
And above all, I agree with his statement: It is also why the dog, of all the creatures that inhibit this chaotic ark, is the one most surely infused by the spark of the divine.
And. . . they are the finest and most inherently noble being on the face of this earth.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A basic questions and answer book, but provides some interesting insight to the wiring of dogs. Behaviors, instincts, etc. Know why dogs circle before lying down? It's because in prior generations, they tended to sleep outside and have to trample down grass or hay to lie in...Things like that.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

a fun read, logical answers, cute

[Alaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Outdated and annoying.