[Horowitz] has created a heartwarming and personal story about dogs that seamlessly incorporates captivating science about our beloved canine companions ... Horowitz writes with a gentle humor that any pet owner will appreciate ... The book is more than an entertaining personal narrative, however. Along the way, Horowitz draws on her extensive knowledge to offer insights into canine behavior ... It’s a given that for dog lovers, The Year of the Puppy is a must-read. But even cat lovers will find much to enjoy in this endearing scientific memoir.
There are quite a few weird, fun, early-weeks-of-puppy-life facts that might interest brains of whatever size ... The most compelling puppy research in the book comes from work done by the United States military, in what is typically known as the Super Dog program.
Horowitz's writing is as simultaneously buoyant and precise as Quid's zest for catching tennis balls — over, and over, and over again. Her chapters, packed with close observations about canine cognition and behavior, are mini-mood lifters.
... a personal and heartwarming retelling of these initial experiences and the observations made at home during the first year of the puppy’s life. The result is a fascinating beauty of a book that will add immensely to the world of dog research and will thrill dog owners ... Recommended for all libraries, especially those serving dog lovers.
... splendid ... Horowitz describes how dogs and humans coevolved to meet each others’ needs, ruminates on what one’s furry friend might be thinking about going outside, and whips up creative ways to socialize Quiddity, a pup she adopted and raised during the pandemic. Animal lovers will eat this up.
... keenly observed ... With her characteristic sharp eye for detail and vast knowledge of canine-related scientific research, the author expertly guides us through Quid’s critical early development, from newborn pup to teenager ... Both pet owners and animal enthusiasts will discover a wide variety of compelling information, whether the author is discussing the hidden meaning conveyed through the movement of a dog's ears, chronicling the process of artificially inseminating a wolf, or describing how dogs are trained to be rescue animals. One of the author’s primary points of emphasis is that dogs, just like humans, possess unique individual characteristics that make them stand out from one other. Unlike dog-training manuals, which often give unrealistic and/or obvious advice about canine behavior, this book provides a science-based, honest look at the ups and downs of raising a puppy. Significantly, the author reminds readers about the importance of treating your dog as an individual and not just a member of a specific breed ... A detailed, highly illuminating portrait of puppies and our relationships with them.
