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Summary: Great practical utility for testing and understanding dogs
Review: "The Intelligence of Dogs" is the most practical book on dog behavior I have ever read. It contains two separate tests, both developed by the Seeing Eye people to prequalify their dogs. The tests are extensive, and quantify: problem solving ability, memory, biddability, aggressiveness/passivity, steadiness, and other important personality traits of a puppy or dog. I used this test to prequalify a stray border collie puppy before adopting her. After 3 years, I would rate the test results "highly accurate." In addition, Coren describes the psychology and behavior of dogs in the wild, and how this can be used to better communicate with and train your dog. Works like a charm. Never mind the controversial list of general intelligence of different breeds. The practical utility of the book is in testing and communicating with *your* dog...or a dog you are considering for adoption or purchase.
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Summary: Philosphically right, psycholgically lacking
Review: Dr. Coren presents a lot of valid arguments to promote his ideology of a conscious and intelligent dog. Although I have no qualms about his arguments about their intelligence, Coren tends to throw around some psychology and neuroscience terms with just his PhD next to his name to support it. We know little of the conscious phenomena in humans, let alone dogs, and without a concrete definition of consciousness to present date, to extrapolate what little is known on to dogs are far fetched. His arguments to support a conscious dog in fact many times over, define non-conscious behaviour, something that is of routine. Apart from that and a couple other things, it is still a good book.
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Summary: A Celebration of Dogs
Review: I loved this book! Its not because Stan Coren was my professor almost 30 years ago, or because there's a mixed Border Collie (Rank #1) / German Shepherd (Rank #3) savant sitting on my foot as I type. I loved this book because it is truly a celebration of the DOG. It captures the essence of that marvelous companion who unquestionably trusts us, undeniably loves us, and unconditionally accepts us wherever WE might rank on some psychologist's list. Coren eloquently captures the essence of our canine companions in his obvious affection for the subject matter. The book's title, "The Intelligence of Dogs" should have been "The Intelligence of ALL Dogs," because some people seem to be hung up on "the list" and think the book is about "The Intelligent Dogs." As a psychologist myself, I know how people can focus on rankings and comparative lists, and in the process lose perspective of the whole picture. We get defensive because our Dalmatians were spotted 39th, and angry when our Afghans wagged the distribution's tail in last place. Know what? It doesn't matter. Don't throw the puppy out with the bath water; the rest of the book will balm you even though your Labrador retrieved only a 7 ranking. The canine history section alone is worth the price. But the real problem now is, how do I break the news to brilliance here that he was descended from a proto-cat?
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Summary: Interesting but Unjust Book
Review: Like everyone else has said, "The Intelligence of Dogs" is a fascinating book that will teach you a lot about dogs' minds. We know that. But I have a rather large complaint about the whole list of "Most Intelligent Dogs" from most to least intelligent. I want to know how one can possibly judge which breeds are smarter than others when there are so many definitions and ways of being smart? Border Collies and Golden Retrievers are glorified because they readily fetch bones and frisbees and balls and will quickly figure out how to tip over a cup for the treat inside and will find their way out of a blanket pretty fast. Afghan Hounds, which are actually highly intelligent dogs IN THEIR OWN WAY, are rated-along with Bulldogs and other breeds that have been wronged by this book-as the "stupidest" breed. WHAT?! An animal who does not throw itself at the service of people is considered stupid? Afghans are unique with unique personalities. Different does not equal stupid. Granted they are not as easily trained as some breeds. But the tables can be turned and Goldens can be called stupid for wasting their time caring about miniscule treats under cups, or for meaninglessly picking up the same toy over and over, only to go get it again! No, I don't turn the tables and call ANY dog stupid. But no one should try to insult any other breeds, either. With that in mind, the rest of the book is good.
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Summary: Another great book by Stanley Coren
Review: Stanley Coren has given us a very interesting, well-researched book about the intelligence of our canine friends. I like the intelligence test. I have three dogs. One is really dumb but I grant him that he's old so he has an excuse. The middle boy is bordering on stupid, but the little girl is very wiley! Great read for the dog lover!
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Summary: Disappointing
Review: The description of the book would suggest that there is quite a bit of discussion regarding how to rank your own pet, or practical applications or thoughts about dealing with a gifted or less than gifted dog. However, the focal point of the book was whether or not dog intelligence could actually be classified as intelligence. Unfortunately, I did not purchase the book to decipher the nature of intelligence itself, but to apply the theories of intelligence on my own prodigy pooch. I was under the impression that this book would teach me how to better deal with my excessively intelligent dog. I was disappointed. I did however, find the book helpful in the case of the tests Mr. Coran included.
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Summary: Intelligence listing based on OBEDIENCE training ability
Review: The list provided that ranks dogs by intelligence is based on the ease of training, (the number of repetitions required of an action before the dog learned it) not overall intelligence. Dogs of all breeds can be very smart and within any breed there are ranges of intelligences. I used to have a Peke that would run rings around any Sheltie in the obedience ring. Some dogs only need to be shown something a few times to learn it. Those dogs are usually your Herding, Working and Sporting breeds. They were bred to work WITH man and to OBEY his commands. Some breeds, like the Terriers and the northern breeds, were bred to think for themselves. Does this mean they are not intelligent? Hardly. THis is a great book for anyone who has dogs and wants to understand them better.
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Summary: Fascinating
Review: This is not a review where I will tell you what the book is about. There are plenty of other reviews on that point. However, I will tell you that I found this book so absorbing that I could hardly put it down. This says a lot when I tell you that non-fiction doesn't have that effect on me. His book is informative, without being difficult to read. Simply put, if you have a dog, are considering getting a dog, or you're just interested in dogs, then this book is for you. Every dog lover should own a copy. End of story.
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Summary: Don't Get Hung Up on Which Breeds Are Most "Intelligent"
Review: What a fascinating book! Unfortunately, I think too many readers get obsessed with the rankings of "intelligent" breeds. The author explains quite simply that the ranking simply refers to which breeds tend to be quick learners- that is, one breed many learn a task in just a few repetitions, while another may take dozens of repetitions, on average. And this is a very useful tool, not only for dog trainers but for the average dog lover as well. A well-trained dog is much less likely to end up at a shelter, left there by frustrated humans who couldn't get their new pet to "fit in" with the family. Remember, dogs were first domesticated in order to be our helpers, and that's what they still are- whether they are guard dogs, drug sniffers, hunters or just companions, they all have a task in life and doing that task is what makes them happiest! Keep that in mind while you read this book, and you will be amazed at how much it can improve your relationship with your pet.
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