The Hidden Life of Dogs [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas (Author), Swoosie Kurtz (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1993

The author of The Harmless People and an authority on canine behavior shares her observations on the remarkable exploits of her dogs over the course of a thirty-year period. Book available.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Thomas's multifaceted discussion of canine life was a 28-week PW bestseller.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

This is a recording of Thomas's much-publicized book that purports to be a scientific study of dog behavior. The author makes much of the many hours of observation and contact she has had with this least elusive of species, as if she were the only owner of multiple dogs to have watched and noted canine habits and relationships. Additionally, Thomas's assumption that the behavior of her dogs is representative of all dogs is unwarranted. She endangers her dogs by allowing them to roam free, cross highways, and violate local laws. She often uses anthropomorphic language, and many listeners will find this either annoying or endearing. Swoosie Kurtz is an absolutely marvelous narrator, but the incidental music at times intrudes upon her talented reading. While the scientific pretensions of the author are irritating, the audiobook does contain some extremely interesting anecdotes about the lives and habits of Thomas's dogs and will likely circulate well. For most popular collections.
- Stacy Pober, Manhattan Coll. Libs., New York
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Abridged edition (December 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570420262
• ISBN-13: 978-1570420269
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (93 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,831,417 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars FOOD FOR THOUGHT, June 20, 2009

By 

Dan Nitro Clark "yinyangfil" (Sherman Oaks, Ca. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hidden Life Of Dogs (Paperback)

When I read this book 12 years ago I was fascinated by the story. I was also very intrigued with her observations about her dogs and the emotional journey she took with them. I even found myself weeping when one of her dogs had passed and how the other dog mourned for it's dead companion. I was excited about leaving a review for this book, but after reading all the negative reviews... it's easy to now look back on this book in a negative light. It was a different time/era when she wrote this book. It was published in mid 90's meaning she observed the dogs in late 70's and 80's. That was a time when in small neighborhoods dogs did roam a little more free and not everyone spayed their dogs. It was also a time when my parents would tell me to "go outside and play, but make sure your back by dark." As a parent now, I'd never do that, just like I'd never not get my dog spayed -- but back then it was quite normal. I guess what I'm saying is that we may need a little perspective when reading this book and realizing, as said... it was a different time. If you take that into consideration -- and put down your present-good-dog-owner cap -- this is quite and enjoyable, emotional read.

63 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very, Very Bad, Disappointing, and Disgusting, July 14, 2005

By 

Joey Desmidt - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hidden Life Of Dogs (Paperback)

I have to say this is the first book review I've writen, I just haven't been compelled to write any reviews. After reading this book I changed my mind. I was so utterly DISGUSTED by this author's total irresponsible treatment of her dogs. I have read many books about dog behavior and I thought I would get a little more insight from this book. How wrong was I? I finished the book out of sheer determination. I read all the reviews written for this book and all of the negative ones are true. She let her dogs run wild through busy streets, she did not spay or neuter any of her dogs, had many unwanted puppies (which she allowed her dogs to kill), and the list goes on. This was not a scientific experiment it was neglect and abuse. If you would like an insightful/refreshing book about dog behavior that does not involve irresponsible ownership/guardianship buy Patricia McConnell's "The Other End of the Leash."

59 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable nonsense, January 21, 2000

By 

Bill - See all my reviews

This review is from: The HIDDEN LIFE OF DOGS (Mass Market Paperback)

I was flabbergasted when I read this book. Bluntly put, the author is an idiot, and should not own dogs at all. The first part of her book describes how she is taking care of a friend's dog, and lets it wander all over town. Instead of making sure he can't escape from the yard, she makes a habit of following him... that is, unless he CROSSES THE HIGHWAY, in which case she turns back. Personally, I'd want anyone watching my pet to have at least a small amount of responsibility and common sense. She describes problems she has with the police and her neighbors because of her 5 (sometimes more) dogs; she describes how she lets her un-spayed/neutered dogs breed out-of-control. The travesty just goes on and on. The part that made me laugh is that, at the end, she seems to be impressed that the dogs don't seem to pay any attention to her anymore; she seems to have missed the point of having pets. Her conclusion that dogs primarially want the company of other dogs should include the caveat "in the absence of any human attention."

The author does not appear to be an expert on dogs, dog behavior, dog training, or dog care. She does, however, have some good tips on being a public nuisance. I'm amazed that anyone would write such an account of irresponsible behavior.