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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Discovering the Unique Intelligence of Man’s Best Friend
"The Genius of Dogs" by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods explores the intelligence of dogs and the evolution of their special bond with humans. Discover the groundbreaking discoveries made through years of research into our furry friends' capabilities.
If you’ve ever seen a dog perform a series of complicated tricks, you know that these four-legged creatures are clever. But just how clever are they, and how can we measure dog smarts?
Animal intelligence is different than human intelligence, and is better measured in how well an animal has managed to survive and reproduce over time.
Interestingly, many mammals today are in decline, endangered or teetering on the edge of extinction – but not dogs.
So how do we evaluate the genius of dogs? A genius can excel in one area of cognition, but remain average or lacking in another. While dogs may not be all-round geniuses, they can be considered specialized geniuses when compared to other closely related species.
Another signifier of genius is the ability to make spontaneous inferences, which humans do all the time.
For example, if you’re driving toward an intersection and can’t see the traffic light, yet notice a car entering the intersection from a side street, you infer that your traffic light is red. Dogs too have the ability to infer information from their surroundings, as there are few allowances for trial and error in nature.
The lasting relationship between humans and dogs throughout history is based on our shared intelligence.
Initially, people thought early humans raised wolf cubs as companions, animals that evolved into what we know today as dogs. Yet why would our ancestors take cubs away from wolves, wild animals that were intensely feared?
Humans didn’t need the help of wolves to hunt; in fact, keeping wolves as part of the human “pack” would mean we’d have to hunt more, as a wolf needs up to five kilograms of meat per day to survive. What’s more, wolves are incredibly possessive of their food, and a hungry wolf is a dangerous wolf!
So the wolf-cub-to-dog theory didn’t make sense. How then can we explain why ancient human graves, from some 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, also included buried puppies?
The Genius of Dogs (2013) uncovers the remarkable intelligence of man’s best four-legged friend. By first examining human intelligence, the authors go on to explain exactly what makes dogs so smart, which talents they have in common with humans and other animals, and what sets them apart.
The Genius of Dogs (2013) is a captivating exploration of the remarkable intelligence of our canine companions and why they are so unique. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
Relative to other animals, it is the ability of dogs to understand human communication that is truly remarkable.
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of The Genius of Dogs?
The main message of The Genius of Dogs is that dogs possess remarkable cognitive abilities and have a unique bond with humans.
How long does it take to read The Genius of Dogs?
The reading time for The Genius of Dogs varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is The Genius of Dogs a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Genius of Dogs is definitely worth reading if you're interested in understanding the intelligence and behavior of dogs. It offers fascinating insights and research findings.
Who is the author of The Genius of Dogs?
The authors of The Genius of Dogs are Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods.