Key pointsĪmong some of the book’s surprising conclusions:

The studies run the gamut from those of pampered pooches in developed countries to shelter dogs to those of street dogs in places where they are treated more like pests instead of pets. He sprinkles in observations about Xephos and other dogs he has known. He pores over dozens of scientific studies, visits other scientists who have experimented on dogs and other animals such as foxes and wolves and runs a number of his own experiments to look at the behavior of dogs from every conceivable angle. Wynne lays out his case that affection is the very essence of dogs in astonishing detail. He makes a compelling case that dogs are unique in the animal world in their affection for people, and they do so even when humans don’t always return the love. Wynne, the director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University, set out to prove definitively that it’s not just a learned behavior that makes dogs act cute and sweet in search of food or shelter. He’s also a pioneering dog behaviorist who has always been skeptical about attributing human emotions or traits to animals, also known as anthropomorphism. Clive Wynne, the author of the illuminating new book “Dog Is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You,” has a dog, Xephos, that he shares a loving relationship with. In fact, it can feel even more potent than the affection we receive from human companions since it seems so unconditional and unwavering.ĭr. The way your dog gazes intensely at you, the nuzzling for pets, the anxiety or sadness they seem to feel if you leave their sight for even a minute. Book: ‘ Dog Is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You’Īny dog lover has experienced it.

Bookdog books review