What the Dog Knows: The Science and Wonder of Working Dogs
"What the Dog Knowsis a fascinating, deeply reported journey into scent, death, forensics and the amazing things dogs can do with their noses: sniffing out graves, truffles, bedbugs, maybe even cancer. But it's also a moving story of how one woman transformed her troubled dog into a loving companion and an asset to society, all while stumbling on the beauty of life in their searches for death." (Rebecca Skloot, in the New York Times Book Review)“Warren writes with verve and provides rare insight into our working partnership with canines.” (Kirkus Reviews)“A beautifully written, fascinating, heartwarming, and oft-hilarious homage to working dogs. A must-read for anyone who wants to know more about four-legged working heroes. I'd like to shake Solo's paw for inspiring Cat Warren to write it.” (Maria Goodavage, author of Soldier Dogs)“Move over CSI, and make way for Cat Warren and her forensic dog Solo to grab and keep your attention.What the Dog Knowsis beautifully and compelling written—not only could I not put it down, I didn't want to.” (Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB, author of The Other End of the Leash)“What the Dog Knowsis a fascinating exploration into the minds and characters of some very special dogs. No one who cares about dogs should miss this smart, funny, and at times surprisingly moving book.” (Spencer Quinn, author of Dog on It)“Enter the fascinating world of working dogs.” (Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human)“Warren highlights the profound partnership developed between humans and dogs during their intense, but positive training, and in real situations. We are with her as she starts training her dog, and throughout the mistakes, triumphs, struggles, and rewards. I was entertained and educated—much of what I learned about dogs I had never encountered in any other book. …The people and dogs who inhabit this world are unforgettable.” (Stacey O'Brien, author of Wesley the Owl)“The capabilities of these specially trained working dogs are remarkable. The author provides fascinating insider information about a meaningful partnership that has important legal and personal consequences.” (Amy Hempel, author of Reasons to Live and The Dog of the Marriage)"What the Dog Knowsis first the story of the relationship between a hard-working cadaver dog and his human companion. But that deeply-felt relationship opens the way to an exploration of the working dog world and in doing so becomes something more—a realization of the intelligence, determination, and decency of these animals, a story both wonderful and wise." (Lee Smith, author of The Last Girls)“Working dogs, be they search and rescue, cadaver or explosive detection specialists, are—like their human partners—a breed apart. They inhabit a world of complete commitment, utter dedication, and extraordinarily rigorous training.What the Dog Knowsis greatly enriched by author Cat Warren’s own love of digging. She and Solo take us on some fascinating detours through history and phony-baloney claims en route to the science, wonder and awe that all rightly surround dogs’ noses.” (Sue Russell, author of Lethal Intent and The Illustrated Courtroom)“Warren’s painstaking research on the history and science of working dogs debunks myths and explains what is known–and how much remains unknown–about canine abilities and behavior. By combining this hard information with anecdotes about training Solo, accounts of searching the North Carolina woods for dead bodies, and the stories of other trainers and their dogs, she has produced a book that is both informative and entertaining. Although her love for Solo is palpable, she remains analytical and clear-headed, never romanticizing what he or other working dogs do.” (Bruce DeSilva, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mulligan crime novels)“Cat Warren has captured both the magic and the best science behind the success of the modern working dog. This book masterfully shows how even the best technology cannot compete with our best friends. If you have ever wondered what dogs are truly capable of this is the book for you.” (Brian Hare, evolutionary anthropologist and author of The Genius of Dogs)“What the Dog Knowsis first the story of the relationship between a hard-working cadaver dog and his human companion. But that deeply felt relationship opens the way to an exploration of the working dog world and in doing so becomes something more—a realization of the intelligence, determination, and decency of these animals, a story both wonderful and wise.” (Deborah Blum, author of Love at Goon Park and The Poisoner’s Handbook)“A gifted story-teller, Cat Warren takes us on a fast-paced journey into the scents—some foul, some sweet, some softer than a breeze—of police detective work. This is a book for anyone who loves dogs, and has watched them catch a scent on the wind or in the leaves on the ground, and wondered about that brilliant organ they possess: the nose.” (Virginia Morell, author of Animal Wise)“In a series of accounts that sometimes read like detective stories, Cat Warren … takes us through the steps needed to create dogs that search for people—both living and dead—while describing her life and her special bond with a German shepherd named Solo.” (Stanley Coren, author of Born to Bark and Do Dogs Dream?)“In this combination of history, science, and memoir, North Carolina State journalism professor Warren looks at the ways in which domestic animals have been able to assist humans, specifically the world of cadaver dogs, drug and bomb detecting police dogs, and tracking dogs. The author quickly gains the reader's sympathy with humorous accounts of her first days with Solo, the cadaver dog she's owned since birth, and earns the reader's respect with a well-researched chapter that calls into question much of the accepted and fluctuating statistics regarding dogs' superior sense of smell…. A welcome and necessary addition to the growing body of literature on the subject.” (Publishers Weekly)“Fantastic … should be mandatory reading for any police dog handler or trainer.” (Andrew C. Revering, Chief of Police, Ret., Anoka, Minnesota Police Department)“Warren writes . . . with the research-forward focus of an academic and the sweat-and-scabs storytelling of someone who has lived in the field.What the Dog Knowsis an incredibly poignant book about dogs and people and how the lost can become found again.” (Indy Week)"Just finishedWhat the Dog Knows, Cat Warren's wonderful new book about the training of her cadaver dog, Solo. This is a real treat for serious dog people: informative, compelling, moving, sad, funny, the works. I loved it."(Carol Lea Benjamin, author of Dog Smart: The Art of Training Your Dog and Mother Knows Best: The Natural Way to Tr)"A former journalist, the author possesses a keen sense of detail and pacing that informs, entertains, and quickly draws readers into her life and work with Solo." (Library Journal)"More than a fascinating, inspiring look into the world of dogs and how dogs learn, What the Dog Knows illuminates--and celebrates!--the special bond we share with dogs. If you have ever loved a dog, you must read this book. I loved it!" (Robert Crais, author of Suspect)