The author Clive Wynne sums up his book’s thesis in its title: Dog is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You. He argues, compellingly, that dogs aren’t special because of their intelligence, but because of their social bond to us, which after extensive research, he is happy to call “love”.
One might say that this is not quite as unique an argument as he suggests, but there is no better scientific explanation of our astoundingly close emotional relationship with dogs than in this book. It contains so much interesting information that I first began trying to summarize all the studies myself for you. Bad plan. Trying to rewrite his entire book in short form was probably not a good idea. What I’ll do is list a few, just to whet your appetite.
Before I do, I should mention that some of the studies are well known to many of us. For example: Belyaev’s “domesticated” foxes; Hare’s early arguments that dogs evolved to understand pointing gestures while wolves do not (it was Monique Udell, working with Wynne who disproved this); Coppinger’s hypothesis about wolves evolving into dogs through natural selection, to name a few. However, Wynne builds on these studies and many more to argue that the domestic dog’s behavior, physiology and genetics all suggest that the science doesn’t suggest, it downright demands, for us to acknowledge, that yes, dogs really do experience love, and we are the lucky recipients.
Here, then, are just a few of lesser-known studies that Wynne uses to make his case:
Dogs just really, really like to hang out with people: Mariana Bentosela found that wolves and dogs differed in how much time they spent within three feet of a seated person–familiar or unfamiliar. Wolves, who as we know can be super social and loving to familiar people, spent less time with familiar people than dogs did with unfamiliar ones. Think about that.
It is astounding, really how many dogs choose to hang with us when they could be doing so many other things. When Maggie chooses, over and over, to stay with me instead of doing the million other things she could be doing off leash and free, it makes my heart gushy.
Perhaps the most interesting research relates to the discovery that the genes of domestic dogs are similar to those of people with Williams Beuren Syndrome, which creates behavior described as “hyper social” and with “exceptional gregariousness”. (Note that many of the sites I searched focus on physical and cognitive problems, and say little about behavior, as in: “Children with Williams syndrome typically have a personality that is friendly, outgoing, and/or talkative,” from the Nat’l Organization for Rare Disorders.) However, Wynne visited a summer camp for children with the syndrome, and although he felt guilty about making the comparison, said it was like “watching a whole camp of kids pretending to be dogs”.
He even references the well-watched video, “Cat-friend vs. Dog-friend” by Craig and Parker. (The “dog friend” is hysterical, but I couldn’t help wanting to defend my super social cat Nellie while watching it.)
Remember the first study I mentioned, in which dogs hung out with unfamiliar people at high rates? That is hugely important, and key to understanding who dogs are. How many dogs treat every stranger as if they were their best friend? It’s downright bizarre if you think about it in evolutionary terms. Indeed, one of the challenges of being a parent of a WB Syndrome child is keeping them safe . . . imagine if your child believed ever single person they met was instantly their best friend.
So, we now know that dogs have a genetic make up very similar to that of children with WB Syndrome. BUT . . . are you thinking what I’ve been thinking about this? All dogs are not Golden Retrievers. For that matter, all Golden Retrievers are not Golden Retrievers, if you know what I mean. Plenty of dogs of many breeds are more reserved with strangers, and some are pretty darn reserved with their owners for that matter.
And now we know why, thanks to the research of Bridgett vonHoldt working with Monique Udell and the author, Clive Wynne. It turns out that there are three genes (at least) related to WB Syndrome, and different variations of these genes, found in both dogs and wolves, are consistent with their levels of sociability. Crazy cool stuff, yes?
And here’s a section in the book that is sure to get your attention: Wynne argues that domestic dogs have a stronger social hierarchy than wolves. Yeah, you read that right. Don’t panic, he is vehemently opposed to the concept of training dogs based on a “dominance hierarchy,” but he cites interesting studies that show wolves and dogs growled over a bone at similar rates, but the domestic dogs were more likely to have a winner who gets the bone, and a loser who gives up entirely, while the wolves stayed put, eating and growling with no winner or loser. Read more in the book–it’s an especially thought-provoking issue.
The author concludes that we owe dogs more than we are giving them, decrying dogs left alone all day with little interaction even in the evening, substandard shelters, irresponsible breeding, etc. Overall, it’s an important addition to the field, and a great addition to our libraries.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Well, you gotta take your successes where you find them. We just returned from the Star of the North Stockdog Trial in Minnetrista, MN, and for the first two days it was Trial Field 2, Maggie 0. I had no idea how difficult this course was. The 500-yard outrun is one thing, but the field is a series of ridges that run horizontal between you and the sheep. The dog loses sight of the sheep at least twice during the outrun, and you lose sight of the sheep and your dog twice on the fetch. It’s a much tougher course than the one we ran on over Labor Day, and honestly I’m not sure I would have entered if I’d known how challenging it was. As another handler said “Poor Maggie! All these extra hard courses for her to deal with when she’s just started in Open.”
Here’s the (gorgeous) field, looking far less intimidating in the photo than in person. Those little ridges you see are actually quite deep, and you lose sight of your dog, and your dog loses sight of you, multiple times. This handler has sent her dog, who has disappeared on the way to his sheep, who you can see in the far distance.
Here’s another look at the undulating course:
My biggest disappointment on our first runs was that, when first sent on her outrun, Maggie ran behind us to the “exhaust pen” rather than looking for sheep up the field. It’s a new bad habit she started this summer, and I think it’s all about avoidance, as in: “These sheep close by are soooo much easier to deal with than the ones forever away, I’ll just work them.” Both times I left the post and did get her going up the field. On Friday she crossed over at the bottom of a ridge (I couldn’t see her) and ended up getting stuck on the sheep in the set out pens. On Saturday she finally found the right sheep but got stuck in a dip. I waited and waited and waited, and finally walked halfway down the course (never will 250 yards seem as far as when you have to walk out onto a course to rescue your dog). I found her lying down with the sheep grazing in front of a patch of water big enough to be called a pond. I suspect she simply got into that deep dip, had no idea where I was or what to do, and just abdicated. When she saw me she easily moved them down the field.
After Saturday I considered going home, wondering if I was just going to set Maggie back by making her run one more time on Sunday on this difficult course. But I finally decided to try again on Sunday, since she’d found the sheep Saturday and perhaps had learned what to do when the world went wonky and she and the sheep descended into the Bermuda Triangle. I’m glad we stayed. After cold, misty weather on Friday, and one hell of a lot of rain on Saturday, Sunday dawned blue sky and cool, but windy. We walked to the post mid afternoon when the wind picked up, the sheep were getting cranky after three days of running, and lots of dogs were having trouble getting them to stop eating grass and play the game. I tried not to obsess–would she find the sheep on her own or try for the exhaust again? Would she and the sheep disappear again in a deep dip and require me to leave the post yet again?
Whew. Maggie left the post and ran a gorgeous, huge outrun around to the back of the sheep. She did what looked like lovely lift (granted she was a tiny dot that I could barely see). I held my breath when she and the sheep disappeared two different times on the fetch, but each time, some tiny white sheep ears appeared behind the ridge with my little dog right behind them. She did a truly lovely fetch and wrapped the sheep around me well. Alas, the hungry, crabby sheep were too much for her on the drive, and she couldn’t get them pushed around the course. One large, horned ewe basically made it clear she was done with trialing thank you very much, and Maggie didn’t know what to do except bust in on her. We got DQ’d, very reasonably, by the judge.
I couldn’t fault her much–the sheep were getting worse and worse, and lots of good, more experienced dogs were having a lot of trouble. Of course, there are plenty of dogs out there that can handle sheep like that, but right now Maggie isn’t one of them. She might never be, but I am taking our successes where I can, and I was so happy that she figured out the course, put her big girl panties on and ignored the “easy” sheep.
One more trial next weekend, the last one of the season for us. It’s another famously hard course in which the dogs have to run through a stream to gather the sheep half hidden under some lovely old oak trees, and do a “dog-leg” fetch rather than bringing the sheep directly to you. They do tend to be sheep that Maggie rather likes (flighty versus heavy), so that’s a plus in our favor. I would be so happy to get numbers instead of letters, but if Maggie and I learn something important I’ll call it a success.
Here’s hoping you had a victory of sorts yourself last week, whether minor, like ours, or major. We’d all love to hear about it.
lak says
Thanks for the book synopsis, something I would not find on my own, but now will look into reading. Love your blog!
Margaret says
I just brought Wynne’s book home from the library, having plucked it from the New Book shelf. Even more anxious to read it after your review. As far as victories: I think I’ve finally figured out–with the help of Hannah Brannigan’s “Awesome Obedience” how to teach Kate to do a good front. Under the pressure of her first Obedience trial she skipped the front and went directly to heel. I had used a platform, but found it hard to fade; a platform is either there or it isn’t. Thought about a front box or rain gutters, but I don’t really want to teach her a concept based on *not* stepping on something. Thought about a paw board, tried it, and remembered why I had originally rejected it–Kate has so much ruff (she’s a Keeshond) that I couldn’t tell whether or not her front feet were on the board.
So. From the book, I have taught her a chin rest. She comes flying in, and just before she reaches me I bend down–I’m short, but not enough–put my fingers together, and she plops her chin into my cupped hands. It should be easy to fade once she’s really got it. I love this kind of problem-solving–it makes me happier than almost anything else to figure out how to communicate with my dog; how to teach her in a way that makes her happy to learn.
Diane says
Wow…you and Maggie are so far beyond my imagination. It’s obvious you are so advanced, but (always that but) you have so far to go. Congrats, and keep going! Took my dog to his first dog park…I was impressed. He’s much better at reading dogs and responding very well than I gave him credit for! It was great to see him run and play!!!! (what a goof I am!! too cautious??? or too inexperienced????) We enjoyed, and and learned. That’s what’s important and fun.
Frances says
Sounds a fascinating read – I have put it on my Christmas list.
One very small victory today – I persuaded Poppy away from the window sill where she was barking hysterically at the window cleaner’s scary brush and onto the floor to do Sit/Downs for treats. Might not sound much, but it felt like a major breakthrough – the window cleaner usually comes while I am in the bath and not really in a position to do anything about her frenzied yapping at the flapping, looming brush as it wobbles on its long pole, peering and tapping and scraping at the windows. I quite understand how important it is to chase it away before it can get in, so ignoring it to play games showed a degree of self control I did not know Poppy possessed.
Diana says
Fascinating! What’s interesting is that our Shiba Inu (with more wolf DNA than most breeds) falls in love — almost hysterically — with every stranger that she meets. Squealing, crying, begging for attention, and giving little, soft love bites. And this is an “aloof” breed, right? However, we come through the door at home and she barely looks up. She surely has more than her share of WB Syndrome genes. Can’t wait to read the book. Thanks!
Barbara Martin says
My dog reactive (fearful/cautious) GSD, Casey, and I spent the spring and summer working with a trainer (Absolute Dogs method). We learned so much, especially me, about thresholds and staying relaxed. This really paid off in August at a Nose Work trial when we were in relatively close company with other dogs while waiting our turn. Since then we’ve been practicing a lot of Nose Work but not deliberately working around other dogs. Twice this past week Casey saw dogs coming toward him and raised his head but instead of a lunge/bark he quickly looked to me for his cookie. I am so proud of my boy and so thankful that he remembered his new response.
As for the book. It is heartwarming when my dogs choose to lie down next to wherever I’ve settled, or check in so often when they are running and playing in our field. Or when they are lying down it seems whenever I glance at a dog, she is is looking at me. It sure seems like love.
And, oh, my heart aches for the kenneled dogs I drive past every day – as far from the house as possible.
Mindy says
My husband, who also does sheep herding trials with two of our BCs, has the same highs and lows that you do on the field! It certainly is a tough sport.
Trisha says
I can’t tell you how many people have said “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done!”
Teddy says
Thanks for the heads up about this book, and for this whole post!
How is sweet little Toots doing? I hope this has been one of her good weeks so far. Any updates on treatment for the CCD?
Trisha says
Thanks for asking. It’s a good week for Toots! I think the key has been the injections of B12, Zeel and Chondroquin. I’m not going to put her on anything yet for CCD, because I’m not completely sure that is what it is. No late night wandering, just weird barking but there is a pattern… Going day by day.
Wanda Jacobsen says
Love your Maggie and sheep stories. So enjoyed the trials over Labor Day and definitely plan to be in the audience of future trials. We were all amazed at what the dogs and handlers have to deal with and how well they do. Keep up the good work, give Maggie a pet for me and a snuggle to Toots. (She is so beautiful. Adopted a Cav. puppy mill survivor several years ago. My little Jewel was exactly that, a jewel. So sad when I had to put her down. Cushings disease along with a host of other problems were just too much for her little body.)
Gordon says
I personally can’t conceive of life with the “love” of a dog.
Gordon says
OOOPS…
My previous comment was supposed to read….WITHOUT the “love” of a dog.
Andy says
It’s so interesting to hear that hierarchy in dogs might be more common than in wolves. Honestly to hear hierarchy in dogs emphasized at all is so different from what I’ve heard in shelter/training circles for some time. I’m taking an Applied Animal Behavior cert course through U of W now and the emphasis on hierarchy (and breed, for that matter) is such a shift.
Which brings me to this week’s accomplishments: did well on my first quiz and discovered I love this course. James and Renee Ha are a lot of fun to learn from.
Grace says
The dog (adolescent Doberman mix female) that has been the most challenging for me to work with at my local Humane Society shelter was adopted last week. I discovered her aversion to vehicles last Tuesday and had planned to work with her on that when I went in on Friday. Her new owner was there when I arrived but she wasn’t having anything to do with getting in his car. After 15 minutes, lots of encouragement and support, and a treat pouch full of deli chicken cubes, she got in on her own, lied down, & crossed her front paws. I kissed the top of her head, told her I loved her & to have a good life, shut the car door, and went to the break room & cried. I miss her but am so happy that she has a home & a new person to love.
Kat says
I love hearing about your herding adventures with Maggie. I have a particular affection for the herders but I’m not sure I have the energy to live with one anymore in our suburban environment.
In the last few weeks I’ve collected certificates in Rescue Dog and Reactive Dog from courses offered by Canine Principles and Canine Emotion and Cognition from a course offered by Coursera. I’ve just started work on Canine Fear from Canine Principles. I’m not exactly sure where all this is leading but I’m enjoying learning more and integrating what I already know into a larger context. Canine Principles has some really good courses.
One of the things discussed in the Canine Emotion and Cognition course was how bonobos have a special affinity for strangers. It makes me wonder how their genes read for Williams Beuren Syndrome. It’s all fascinating.
Victoria says
Good luck this weekend. I’m hoping to come up from MD and may see you there.
Mary says
I just read a review of this book and can’t wait to read it. My dog is a very energetic Aussie/ border collie mix. I just had knee replacement surgery and was a bit worried about how excited she’d be when I got home. She just seemed to know to be gentle. When I got into bed, softly put her front paws on the edge until I invited her up. Normally she would just jump up after me. She also quietly follows me on my mandatory jaunts around the house.
Pat says
Hi Trisha,
I love reading the stories about Maggies trials (and tribulations?!) and little Tootsie’s good works in the community. I especially find it reassuring hearing you talk about your own doubts and uncertainties when running Maggie at the sheepdog trails. I recall when I first got Kona (toy poodle and the first dog I had adult responsibility for) I had many moments where I felt wholly ill equipped to be a pet parent. So many of the blogs and forums made it seem like I “should” be able to train behaviours in minutes or days – needless to say I was not finding this to be true….. Your much more realistic words fill me with confidence – so thank you!
I am excited to tell you that we did have a win today (six years in the making!!!) we walked out the front door to be confronted by two hot air balloons – eeek the harbingers of death were on our front doorstep – BUT Kona calmly turned the corner and walked on. There was some huffing over his shoulder as we walked away but I still felt jubilant. The true test will be can we repeat that performance over the next month while the balloons are more common?
Good luck at the next tricky trial.
Trisha says
Congratulations!!!
Chloe De Segonzac says
Your description of your runs were so fun. Thank you
Ron Bevacqua says
Thank you soooooo much for recommending ……..DOG IS LOVE………..I immediately purchased the book from Amazon.
Even though, I am still readying it I can not but feel that it will have a great impact on the way dog owners relate to their K9 companions. DOG IS LOVE , certainly has the potential in becoming a classic in a similar vain as Trish’s amazing book …….THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH.
Barb Stanek says
Just had to thank you for your book review. I’m within a chapter of finishing Dog Is Love. Reading it is a direct result of your recommendation. I am in love with the book and have given it as a Christmas gift to two trainers that I know. Hopefully they will enjoy it as much as I have.
Thanks again, Trish.