Rating: 
Summary: I Wish I Had Kept My Receipt
Review: "Hmmmmmm, I think I'll write a book about dogs! Oh, wait a minute, I don't own any dogs. That could be a problem. But if I get three dogs, annoint myself as the leader of the pack and then observe them for awhile, I might be able to pass myself off as some kind of expert and then people will buy my book."I have no idea if this is what the author was thinking, but it might be true. And this seems to be the type of "analysis" the author used in this book. The author creates his "pack" after deciding to write the book. He then observes them and makes assumptions disguised as some sort of study. It wouldn't be so bad if he limited these assumptions to his own dogs or backed up his assumptions with some better evidence. I'm a true beliver in the emotions of dogs but this is a lazy and shallow attempt at canine psychology. I have lived with two or more dogs for over twenty years and the times the author makes a statement as a fact that is in direct contradiction to what I have observed with my own dogs are too numerous to mention here. The author's love and affection for dogs is obvious and no doubt genuine, but there is nothing in this book that has not been discussed and documented somewhere else in a better and more consise format. I would suggust "The Intelligence Of Dogs: Cannine Consciousness and Capabilites" by Stanley Coren as a much better resource for this subject. "Hmmmmmmm, I think I'll write a book about being an astronaut. But wait, I don't own a spaceship and that could be a problem. I know, I'll just..........."
Rating: 
Summary: Better than many
Review: A fast non-riveting read by a sensitive writer. Insofar as we reflect and muse along with Masson, the book is enjoyable; but there is nothing here that we haven't run across before. You'll probably want to skip chapter 15.
Rating: 
Summary: It should have been titled "My dogs never lie about love".
Review: Although Mr. Moussaieff Masson renders a touching observation of his pooches and presents many cute anecdotes to pepper his musing, he also shows a total lack of knowledge about his subject that can not be disguised by clever quotations. His comments on dominance, for expample, and pack ranking are misinformed and vague. Has he ever lived even a day with a Terrier or two? Terriers demonstrate that dominance has nothing to do with size or strength. Furthermore, claiming that dogs only play the "predator game" with cats is wrong; this can be observed live in my yard every day, as my female Fox Terrier - a most dominant bitch - will let the submissive male pretend attack her just for fun. In all, this book did not provide any new information and was an almost total let down. One might view Mr. Moussaieff Masson's candor about not being an expert as cute; I thought it was insulting to the paying customer. I'd call it tunnel vision: One should not make blanket statements about dogs based upon the observation of one's new found pet...
Rating: 
Summary: The most moving dog book I've read
Review: An early Christian desert monk said, "A dog is better than I am. He loves and does not judge." Masson does a masterful and moving job of fleshing out that statement, while at the same time providing tantalizing glimpses into the differences between dogs and wolves, dogs and cats, and dogs and humans. What is most remarkable is that inter-species communication and even love are possible, and that humans do not have a monopoly on the latter. In fact, as the desert saint said, we may well be behind the dog in our capacity to love and forgive. As one who has owned dogs (and cats) for decades and who is the proud owner of a Saint Bernard now, I deeply appreciate the insight that Masson has given me into the emotional life, indeed the soul, of my companion.
Rating:
Summary: The most moving dog book I've read
Review: An early Christian desert monk said, "A dog is better than I am. He loves and does not judge." Masson does a masterful and moving job of fleshing out that statement, while at the same time providing tantalizing glimpses into the differences between dogs and wolves, dogs and cats, and dogs and humans. What is most remarkable is that inter-species communication and even love are possible, and that humans do not have a monopoly on the latter. In fact, as the desert saint said, we may well be behind the dog in our capacity to love and forgive. As one who has owned dogs (and cats) for decades and who is the proud owner of a Saint Bernard now, I deeply appreciate the insight that Masson has given me into the emotional life, indeed the soul, of my companion.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book
Review: Anyone who loves dogs as they would their own child needs to read this book. There are insights that would lead any dog lover to nod their head and say "Amen."
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: Anyone who read and loved The Hidden Life of Dogs will love this book as well. The author's passion and compassion for his dogs comes through loud and clear on every page. Anyone who has ever experienced the unconditional and uncompromising love of an animal should read and cherish this book.
Rating:
Summary: Repititive
Review: As a dog lover, I wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, it was too boring. The author is at his best when he tells anecdotal stories about his dogs and at his worst when he spends time justifying why he believes dogs share a particular emotion with humans. He spends to little time on the former and too much time on the later.
Rating:
Summary: Drivel!
Review: As a dog lover, I was expecting a good read by someone of like mind. After about 25 pages, I was irritated by this person who obviously has never really had an emotional bond with any thing - no less a dog. Absolutely awful. Save your money.
Rating:
Summary: Dog Lovers Know this True Love
Review: Compassionately and with easy to read style, this author investigates the emotional state of dogs. From his three to wide survey of literature on the subject, Masson puts forward observation after observation which this reviewer agress with that something very powerful, real and special goes on inside the dogs we come to cherish. The sensitivity, the loyalty, the heart to give and receive love, its all here in this good read of the topic. Particularly intriguing is his contention with some major dog training ideas, such as Alpha leader, wolf derivation, etc. He makes good points without being too dogmatic. Also, his analyis of dominance and submission is fascinating. There is much for the dog enthusiast to relate to and ponder in this. Great read for any dog person.
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