Dogs Never Lie about Love: Reflections on the Emotional World of Dogs

by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

Book Overview

Americans have an intense love for their dogs: thirty-five percent of American households owned a dog in 1994, representing a dog population of more than 52 million.??"It hardly seems worth asking the question of why we love them," writes noted psychoanalyst Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson. "We love dogs because they love us, unconditionally.??No matter how we treat them, what we do to them, how little attention we pay to them, they are eager to please...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0609600575
• ISBN13: 9780609600573
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Dog Lovers Know this True Love

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.

I loved this book!!

If you are a dog lover, read this book. The book reflects on the fact that dogs truly "live in the moment". They don't worry about yesterday or tomorrow and are so grateful for the smallest things. Which, I believe is the secret to human happiness only we don't seem to GET it. Also, I had never really considered it before, but the inter-species bond we have with our dogs is unique to this planet. Sure, lots of people love their cats or horses, but do either of them go for rides in the car with their owners, go on vacation with the family or dance with joy when the owner comes home from work?

After reading this book I started treating Daisy much better

Daisy is our dog. I grew up with a wild 65 pound beastie of a dog in the home of my childhood. When we adopted a 10 week old Sheltie (Daisy) I wanted a better experience. I wanted to learn how to really love dogs. This book [and Daisy] helped me understand the depth and love and compassion within these gentle animals. A prior reviewer said that Jeffrey Moussaieff simply created his dogs in his own image, but how can a pet live with us for a lifetime without picking up on our emotional vibes? This book is filled with compelling anecdotes and stories about dogs and the unconditional love that is in their heart and soul. One story from this book - (from memory) Many decades ago, a man decides he wants to get rid of his dog. He chooses to end the dog's life by drowning it. He rows out into a large river and pushes the dog out of the boat. The dog ducks under the boat and swins up on the other side and tries to crawl back into the boat. The man goes to the other side of the small boat and using the oar, pushes the dog back under the water. Dog again swims to the other side and tries to crawl back in. The man is losing his temper. He stands up and uses the oar to push the dog under and hold him under. In doing so, he loses his balance and falls into the water. The dog saves his life. I shared this story with children I teach as an example of unconditional love. I don't know that we humans have really mastered this unconditional love that bears no ill will, but just keeps pouring out love.The book is full of these stories. I highly recommend it.

Tells the world about dogs' TRUE feelings!

This book is wonderful! I've probably never read a better dog book! Don't believe those who say it is boring or exploiting. It truly tells about dogs' number one emotion; love. When I was through reading this book, and realizing how loyal and loving they are to kind people, I felt the need to treat our intelligent partners even better.