Publisher's Synopsis
'Utterly compelling' Telegraph
'Science finally reveals the dog's secret: the unique capacity for love that separates them from all other animals. Superb' - John Bradshaw, bestselling author of In Defence of Dogs and Cat Sense
'If you want to build an even stronger bond with your own dog, this book is a must read' - Victoria Stilwell, author of The Secret Language of Dogs
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What makes dogs truly special? Why does our relationship with them feel so much more deep and intense than with other animals?
Any dog owner knows that the bond with their dog is unique. The unparalleled loyalty and total devotion of a dog seems the stuff of true love - but is this a whimsical construction that bears little relation to reality?
Through ground-breaking scientific experiments and eye-opening historical evidence, canine behavioural psychologist Dr Clive Wynne unlocks the secret to our unique bond with dogs: their capacity to love, an unprecedented attribute in the animal kingdom.
In Dog is Love, Dr Wynne debunks the myth that dogs possess a unique form of intelligence. Instead, he shows that dogs are able to show sympathy and can respond to human emotions in a way that is truly remarkable. One particularly moving study shows that dogs' and their owners' hearts beat in synchrony, just as the hearts of a loving human couple do.
Looking at the evolution of dogs, Dr Wynne points out that it was the wolves' ability to form relationships with mankind, becoming indispensable hunting companions, that enabled the depth of love and affection between dogs and humans that we know today. Dr Wynne shares his experiences of hunting with the Mayangna tribe in Nicaragua and the vital role played by their hunting dogs to shed light on what the early human-dog relationship might have looked like, and explains the science behind what really goes on when a young pup grows up in a human family.
This is a delightful, heart-warming and fascinating analysis of the unique bond between humans and dogs, perfect for anyone who shares their home with their dog and wonders just how much they love you. It will change the way you interact with dogs and help you get the best out of them in a way that will be truly life-changing.
