by Brian Hare
First published 2024
Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods began their research after meeting Congo, a remarkable service dog who sparked their curiosity about what creates exceptional canine companions. The husband and wife team established their Puppy Kindergarten at Duke University to fill a major gap in scientific knowledge. No large scale study had examined puppy development since 1950. They recruited generations of Labrador and Golden Retriever puppies along with student volunteers to participate in their groundbreaking research. The scientists used cognitive tests similar to those designed for human infants to understand how puppies develop crucial abilities like self control and cooperative communication. Their initial goal focused on predicting which traits would produce successful assistance dogs. The research revealed broader insights about how all dogs navigate their world, solve problems, and learn from humans. The book introduces readers to the many puppy participants and synthesizes findings from cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary anthropology to explain how young dogs develop the flexible problem solving abilities they need as adults.
Genres: science, animals, dogs, non-fiction, biology, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Duke University
288 pages · Hardcover · Random House