Dog Smart looks at dogs mannerisms through a scientific perspective covering topics like how they think compared to humans and how the inner workings of dogs perhaps work. I really enjoyed the clarity in the writing and found all the information to be interesting. I would totally recommend to anyone wanting to understand their dog better or anyone looking to get a dog.

A very fascinating and clever account about where dogs came from, what makes them who they are and how smart and great they are.

I really enjoyed reading this and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a dog lover.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of DOG SMART by Jennifer S. Holland through the PW Grab A Galley giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

The author Jennifer Holland has compiled many reports of dogs' intelligence (“smarts” in American), as well as their emotions. She also describes her personal experience of encountering such dogs, and her insights into their behaviour. The empathy of the relationship with humans should go both ways; as she concludes, we must give time for “dogs to be dogs!”

This is a very good book to dip into, with each chapter focused on a particular talent of dogs. It will appeal to any sensitive and curious person who appreciates this wonderful animal.

An excellent book covering all aspects of training your dog. Very informed and well researched this is an ideal book for dog owners or those about to adopt one.

A really interesting book about dog intelligence, dog behaviour and how we relate to dogs and how they relate to us. The author highlights how we may measure dog intelligence in comparison to human intelligence - but they have skills we couldn't even dream of. Amongst other things the book covers the ability of dogs to find missing people (alive or dead, sometimes even in water), their ability to detect certain illnesses (it seems crazy that we don't harness their ability to do this as a matter of course), to detect whale poo in the sea (yes, this is a useful ability) amongst many other talents.

I found it slightly repetitive in places (the author refers to dog smarts frequently) but an enjoyable, instructive read nonetheless and definitely worth reading if you're in the least bit interested in dogs, their behaviour and how they can be trained.

In Dog Smart, Holland takes great care in showing how our furry companions are "cognitively and emotionally complex." Whether they are smelling diseases of the present, or uncovering the past through artifacts, dogs are a lot smarter than many humans give them credit for. This intelligence also spreads to their emotional presence with us and their ability to attune to our emotions, even when many of us are lost as to what our canines are feeling. Through scientific findings and personal anecdotes, Holland does a great job to give back to a species that has given humans so much through companionship and advancements in scientific study. Dogs have a lot to teach us, if we just care to pay attention.

Thanks to NetGalley and National Geographic for this ARC!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book is full of amazing information about the intelligence of dogs. They are smarter than you think and more capable than you can imagine. The different approaches to training , how different breeds learn best, and what certain breeds are better at/more capable of is fascinating!
I am not a huge reader of nonfiction and I honestly only wanted to read this because I had just rescued a new puppy when I saw it on Netgalley and I thought it might help with training him. I was drawn in immediately and could not help devouring this book. Highly recommend this informative book on canis familiaris!

The premise of this book is not to under estimate how smart dogs are, and this intelligence is being used. I have an Akita/Shepherd mix which is a working dog, so I am always trying to find ways to challenge him. Most people think of basic obedience training, but dogs can be trained to do scent work completing in AKC competitions, search and rescue operations or as medical alert dogs. I had a co-worker with diabetes that had several Springer Spaniels that were trained to alert him when his blood sugar was too high. Dogs can also used to detect explosives, drugs and other contraband. But did you know they can be used in agriculture to detect pests or plant diseases? Dogs have continued to out perform robotics, drones and technology in these areas because of their intelligence and superior sense of smell.

Jennifer S. Holland's foray into canine cognition is nothing short of mesmerizing. This is not just a book; it's an enthralling journey that traces the multifaceted intelligence of man's best friend. Holland's blend of meticulous research, personal anecdotes, and engaging narrative style ensures that readers, whether dog enthusiasts or not, are hooked from page one.

One of the book's many strengths is its diverse range of perspectives. From trainers to behaviorists, from rescue centers to dog parks, Holland paints a comprehensive picture of dog intelligence. Her exploration of "nose intelligence" with Cat Warren and her adventure in understanding emotional intelligence through observing dog friendships showcase a deep, empathetic approach towards the subject.

Her bravery—evident when she volunteers to be attacked by a police dog—underscores her commitment to her craft and adds an unexpected thrill to the narrative. Additionally, the exploration of different breeds, particularly the border collies, cattle dogs, and German shepherds, delves into the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture in a fresh and insightful manner.

What sets this book apart, however, is Holland's ability to turn the lens back on humanity. As she interacts with dogs, she simultaneously challenges readers to introspect, raising profound philosophical questions on the nature of intelligence and instinct.

In the end, the book is not just a testament to the intelligence of dogs, but also a tribute to their ability to make us reflect on our own nature. Holland's book is enlightening, heartwarming, and a must-read for anyone keen to better understand our four-legged friends and, in turn, ourselves.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended!

As part of a dog training business, I was very interested in this book. Some are too simple, and I was afraid this would be more of the same. The author drew me in immediately with anecdotes, but with much information. This book is top notch. If you are looking for a book on dogs that covers the bases, and (like Goldilocks) is "just right" this is the one.
Thank you to NetGalley and National Geographic for an electronic ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.