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kcrouth's review against another edition
4.0
"What the Dog Knows" was a pleasant surprise. We met the author at our local library, and heard her talk about the book. It is a very well written memoir of the author's dog Solo, and his life as a working search dog. Adding to the personal story of Ms. Warren and Solo, the author includes much information about search dogs and their handlers in general, and more specifically about Solo's career as a cadaver search dog. Many stories are included about the training process, and the skilled and passionate network of trainers and fellow handler and dog teams. In addition, a good summary of the history of search dogs is provided, as is many accounts of the wide range of their application in our society. This is a heartwarming and interesting account based in Durham NC and in the state of North Carolina, yet reaching out throughout various parts of the U.S. I think most dog lovers will enjoy this fascinating and enjoyable account.
patchworkbunny's review against another edition
4.0
Cat Warren's German Shepherd Solo was a singleton, the sole puppy in his litter. He's just not going to have the same social skills as a pup from a larger litter so she decides he needs work to do. So begins her journey into the world of cadaver dogs, training him to find dead bodies.
This was a fascinating read on a rather macabre subject. Any dog owner knows how tempting a smelly corpse is (roadkill, of course!) and their noses are tuned into such scents. Despite the subtitle, it doesn't go into the science of smell all that much, instead concentrating on the history of cadaver dogs and how they go about training, interspersed with anecdotes from Solo's own training and work.
It also touches on some other working dogs, mostly law enforcement but also search and rescue. The cadaver dogs are mostly supplied by volunteers but they do valuable work, finding victims and providing answers to the families of missing persons.
Cat's involvement with cadaver dogs leads her to work with and talk to some of the pioneers and she includes their stories in the book. It also spends a bit of time talking about the cases where people have over-relied on the dogs, not backing up with extra evidence, or believing the dogs are infallible.
This was a fascinating read on a rather macabre subject. Any dog owner knows how tempting a smelly corpse is (roadkill, of course!) and their noses are tuned into such scents. Despite the subtitle, it doesn't go into the science of smell all that much, instead concentrating on the history of cadaver dogs and how they go about training, interspersed with anecdotes from Solo's own training and work.
It also touches on some other working dogs, mostly law enforcement but also search and rescue. The cadaver dogs are mostly supplied by volunteers but they do valuable work, finding victims and providing answers to the families of missing persons.
Cat's involvement with cadaver dogs leads her to work with and talk to some of the pioneers and she includes their stories in the book. It also spends a bit of time talking about the cases where people have over-relied on the dogs, not backing up with extra evidence, or believing the dogs are infallible.
annalisenak97's review against another edition
4.0
I already was obsessed with dogs, but now I straight up respect them. Warren steps outside our sentimentality and views these dogs as vibrant and often mysterious individuals. Cadaver dogs are something I didn't even know existed, and I am in awe of the work they do. Warren painted a reverent and vibrant picture with this book, and it was a great fall read.
mladams's review against another edition
5.0
Remarkable what these wonderful animals are capable of. Excellent research and highly readable.
meandmypaperback's review against another edition
1.0
What The Dog Knows by Cat Warren. Again, another time I may have enjoyed this more. I usually love dog stories and this is about an owner who happens to pick a German Shepard who came from a 1-birth litter. Which I didn't know happened all that much, and when it does that dog is usually a problem child. Anyways, this dog aptly named Solo is a little off when it comes to socializing and she realizes that maybe the dog just needs a job. Enter a cadaver dog...... I think I didn't really like this book because it reminded me that my dogs are kinda stupid. Things I learnt: That when a dog looses their scent, they howl because they are frustrated.. That means Tobi is retarded, as he howls all the time.
mimekdokee's review against another edition
3.0
A little biased and oddly lacking in actual training detail, but a charming narrative for all dog lovers.
relin's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
5.0
I loved getting to read about Solo's experience and the joys and difficulties of raising a dog to do cadaver work. Really made me think!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Animal death and Vomit