"Vibrant, fun and inspiring, Dogs Demystified is all about dogness!" 🐶📚🐾

This is the title of the blurb I wrote for the new Marc Bekoff's book. You can read the entire blurb in the book, alongside that of many other contributors. It is just a few lines though, not enough for all I wanted to say on this interesting work. So, let me unleash more in this post. 📖🐕

If you've ever wondered what goes on in the mind of your beloved canine companion, you're not alone. 🤔🐶 Dogs have been on our side - and us on theirs, for centuries, yet there is still much we don't fully understand about these fascinating creatures. Thankfully, Marc Bekoff - who has dedicated his life to unraveling the mysteries of dogs, in his new book, "Dogs Demystified: An A-to-Z Guide to All Things Canine," delves once again deep into the world of dogs, exploring their behavior, emotions, and the unique bond they share with humans. 🌟🔬

Marc Bekoff shared some thought-provoking insights from his extensive research and experience. One of the main messages he emphasizes in his book is the importance of becoming "fluent in dog." By understanding the language of dogs, we can create happier and more fulfilling relationships with our four-legged friends. 🐾💬 Dogs, he explains, are not unconditional lovers or necessarily our best friends. I know some of you may not agree with that. Please open your mind and heart, and you may discover that those notions do not diminish the relevance of dogs, on the contrary, they push it forward! Dogs have their own needs and boundaries. Recognising their individual personalities, and treating them with kindness and respect is key to fostering a harmonious relationship. ❤️🐾

Dr. Bekoff also addresses the debate surrounding dog parenting. He encourages prospective dog parents to educate themselves about basic dog behavior and emotional needs.

Recognizing that dogs are emotional beings and allowing them to have a say can significantly enhance their well-being. 📚🐕🧠

The concept of dominance in dog-human relationships is another topic Dr. Bekoff tackles. He emphasizes that dominance should not be about controlling dogs through force or punishment. Instead, he highlights the effectiveness of positive dog training methods. Over his years of research, Dr. Bekoff has observed that dogs achieve leadership status through agreeable behavior rather than aggression. This challenges the commonly held misconception that dominance is solely about asserting control. To say all the truth, this challenges also another commonly held misconception, the opposite to the first one, namely, believing that dogs do not show any dominance. While we speak dogness more and more, I believe a good key to understanding dogs is somewhere in between those two misconceptions. Marc Bekoff set a wonderful terrain to reconsider those views. 🚫🐕🤝

One intriguing aspect emerging in the book is the sense of humor and creativity exhibited by dogs. Dr. Bekoff shares anecdotes of dogs playing pranks or engaging in seemingly playful behaviors to entertain themselves. While this remains mostly unexplored territory, he believes that dogs indeed have a sense of humor. Additionally, he points out that dogs can display creativity, such as using objects as tools to achieve their goals. These attributes further highlight the complexity and cognitive abilities of our canine companions. 😄🎨🐾

Bekoff emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolutionary origins of dog behavior. By recognizing that dogs are descendants of wolves, we gain valuable insights into their instincts and tendencies. While dogs have been selectively bred to suit our needs, they still retain certain wolf traits. This understanding allows us to appreciate and respect their heritage while fostering a nurturing environment for them. 🐺🌳

I would like to add that all of those topics are intertwined, and learning more on dog domestication is key for every dog parent and dog professional. 🐾🏡

Summarising, in "Dogs Demystified" Marc Bekoff presents a comprehensive exploration of dogs' world, shedding light on their behavior, emotions, and the intricacies of our relationships with them. Through his vast experience and research, he challenges long-held beliefs, encourages empathy, and advocates for a deeper understanding of our canine companions. 🌟🐶📚

🌟🐕🌈 More on dogs, wolves, people and nature? Check the AEDC Academy!