Animals Make Us Human - Temple Grandin

Some of you may recognize the name Temple Grandin. She has done very important work revolutionizing the treatment of cattle. She is a professor at Colorado State University and she is also autistic. A movie, staring Claire Danes, was made of Ms. Grandin's life and I recommend you watch it. I admire and respect Temple Grandin very much. Although I've never met her, her story inspires me when I have a challenge in my life.

But enough about Temple Grandin. You're here to learn about dogs.

I'm recommending Temple Grandin's book called Animals Make Us Human. Chapter 2 is about dogs. You only really need to read the first 2 chapters to learn more about how dogs think and what their needs are (although I found the rest of the book very interesting too).

Highlights:

The research done on wolf behaviour was conducted on wolves in captivity. Wolves in the wild behave quite differently. They organize themselves in families just like we humans do, i.e. all the research regarding dominance, while not an error, may not be the most helpful in understanding dogs.

Some dog breeds have lost or are losing their knowledge on how to behave in a submissive manner, which make it more difficult for them to communicate with other dogs.

Dogs need their "seeking system" activated in order to be healthy emotionally. This involves exercise and stimulation for their minds.

Dogs need to be around other living things. DO not get a dog if it will be left alone all day. Either get 2 dogs, enroll it in doggie daycare, or leave it with someone who is home. The most direct route to what humans call bad behaviour is to leave the dog alone all day. Quote from the book, "dogs need social companionship almost as much as they need food and water." p.64.

PS. I love cats too. Read Ch 3 to learn more about them.

FUN FACT - The frontal lobes in our brains are responsible for controlling our behaviour (generally). The human brain's frontal lobes take up 29% of the brain, the dog's frontal lobes take up 7% of the brain, and a cat's frontal lobes take up 3.5% of the brain. p.82.