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Our Dogs, Ourselves

Written by: Alexandra Horowitz
Narrated by: Alexandra Horowitz
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Publisher's Summary

From the number one New York Times best-selling author of Inside of a Dog, an eye-opening, informative, “entertaining, and enlightening” (BookPage) celebration of the human-canine relationship for the curious dog owner and science-lover alike.

We keep dogs and are kept by them. We love dogs and (we assume) we are loved by them. We buy them sweaters, toys, shoes; we are concerned with their social lives, their food, and their health. The story of humans and dogs is thousands of years old but is far from understood. In Our Dogs, Ourselves, Alexandra Horowitz explores all aspects of this unique and complex relationship that “dog lovers will savor and absorb” (Shelf Awareness). As Horowitz considers the current culture of dogdom, she reveals the odd, surprising, and contradictory ways we live with dogs. We celebrate their individuality but breed them for sameness. Despite our deep emotional relationships with dogs, legally they are property to be bought, sold, abandoned, or euthanized as we wish. Even the way we speak to our dogs is at once perplexing and delightful. 

In 13 thoughtful and charming chapters, Our Dogs, Ourselves affirms our profound affection for this most charismatic of animals — and makes us “see canine companions in new ways” (Science News).

©2019 Alexandra Horowitz (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

What listeners say about Our Dogs, Ourselves

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Disappointed

Spent almost 22 minutes of the author just naming off dog names, feel like its trying to fill time on pointless examples rather than using one example and getting to the valuable information. Very disappointed that I couldnt get through the book out of annoyance because there is good information.

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  • bob
  • 2019-12-11

fantastic

a great book as always can't expect much less from Horowitz. 11/10 would recommend and read again

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2019-10-07

All around awesome and honest.

Author reads as well as she writes. Splendidly. The content is thought provoking, sometimes uncomfortably so.

5 people found this helpful

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  • Ileen Green, CPDT-KA
  • 2020-09-16

Understanding your dog & others.

I love books well written by “Positive Reinforcement Trainers” ..
No need to buy into the “Alpha Theory”..
There is no need for us to be the boss & intimidate our new family member..
Our dogs are “wonderful additions-like children”..
Our dogs mature faster, do not need a college fund, love us unconditionally & work for chicken!,
Ileen Green, CPDT-KA

2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2020-09-05

Scientific and thought provoking

I have a really hard time being captured by audiobooks but Horowitz's writing and wit was always able to capture me the instant she started speaking. I recommend this book to any dog lover, especially if you are interested in animal welfare.

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  • Trebla
  • 2019-09-17

Not much about dogs, it's about people.

Many, many stylish words to tell us dog people about dog people. I learned zero about dogs, which is what I'd expect from a dog scientist.

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  • Judith F. Mazo
  • 2022-12-24

Moving analysis of dog-human bond

Like other books by Alexandra Horowitz, this book provides interesting, valuable insights into dogs and their relationships with us. However, it left me feeling a little depressed and guilty that I don’t give my dog as much stimulation and dignity as Horowitz prescribes. I don’t know if it’s possible to do so if you’re over 50 and don’t have children around to interact with the dog constantly. My dog seems pretty content and she surely displays a lot of love for us, and we do a lot for her, but would Horowitz think it’s enough?

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  • Laurie Thomson
  • 2020-04-06

whatever

I didn't finish the book because it's all statistics and world science or something I kept thinking today somehow I eat listening to s different program all the sudden. it's really hardly anything about a dog, living with dogs or anything. it's like how many dogs does China eat, and shopping for toys and collars and leashes and crap I don't want to know that stuff that's not what I wanted the book for its not what they sample sounded like. I didn't like it

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  • Birdie's mom
  • 2020-02-18

great dog/ animal book

very good and made me think in a new direction. we really came believe everything we think. I will recommend it.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2023-05-31

Disappointed

I have read almost every book from this author and have loved her work and was excited when I found one by her I haven’t read. Sadly as much as I love hearing her talk about the animal I was ver disappointed to hear her talk about policy. I could see people using her work as justification to get rid of pet ownership and she sounds like she would support this. Whole chapters spent strawmanning and villainizing whole industries and thinks everyone should just adopt a 35lb village dog and be happy. She makes clear trough the book that she is a New York City ivory Tower

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  • Nicole K.
  • 2023-02-17

Brilliant book, loved listening

This book is truly a masterpiece and should be read by every dog owner. It is eye-opening, intriguing, provoking, self reflecting, sometimes funny, and a lot of times sad. This book summarizes everything that is wrong in the modern dog world.
As an R+ trainer, I really appreciated the scientific insights and brutal honesty.
Thank you, Alexandra Horowitz, for all the work you do! Im sure every dog out there would feel the same.

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  • Dr. J
  • 2022-10-23

Research

Found it to be quite boring!
Too much data reporting! It was tedious listening to names of dogs. Was expecting more on the nature of dogs.