A Dog's Gotta Do What a Dog's Gotta Do: Dogs at Work (Hardcover)

~ Marilyn Singer (Author) "They were called Good Shepherd, Trusty, Brave, Speedy, Master, Breath-of-Life, the Black One, the One with Pointed Ears, the Cook-pot (the last probably because it..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, World War, Beware of the Dog (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-Looking at the historical role of dogs as helpers from ancient Egypt to the present day, Singer goes beyond the typical canine occupations and includes frequently overlooked specialties such as entertainers and mascots. Even the public-relations duties taken on by presidents' pets are covered. Each short chapter highlights the particular abilities of a group of canines (e.g., hunting dogs, guard dogs, scenting dogs) and then gives interesting details about their duties. Brief anecdotes introduce individual pooches that became famous for doing their job well. For example, Stubby, a bull terrier-boxer mix, received numerous medals and was made an honorary sergeant after World War I, and Balto, a sled dog, was honored for his role in delivering medicine during an outbreak of diphtheria in Alaska in 1925. Singer's spirited writing enlivens the material, relaying her passion for these animals. Unfortunately, the black-and-white photographs are small, and they won't draw readers to the book. Still, the lively treatment makes this a worthwhile addition to pet collections.-Steve Clancy, Colonial Village Elementary School, Niagara Falls, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. Dog lovers will appreciate this readable, informative look at canines and the work they do, which introduces dogs as defenders, herders, detectives, rescuers, and entertainers. A brief history of dogs and their work history begins the book. The chapters that follow are arranged by "career," with a vignette about a particular dog beginning each one. Readers will learn why particular breeds excel at their tasks, how they are trained, and the different ways a breed can use its talents. For instance, dogs with an excellent sense of smell include bloodhounds; Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards are rescue dogs; and beagles search for contraband. Some dogs can even detect cancer by sniffing moles. The text is crisp and engaging, but the black-and- white photos are a disappointment--small and sometimes too dark. Still, the subject is intriguing enough to make up for some of the design flaws. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080506074X
• ISBN-13: 978-0805060744
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,139,747 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars good non fiction for elementary readers, July 18, 2009

By	reader mother (TN United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

my 9 & 10 yr old 4th grade daughter's school reading contract required her to read a specific # of both fiction & non fiction bks @ her particular reading level, & then pass Accelerated Reader (AR) tests on vocabulary & content; most girls gravitate naturally toward fiction & are less drawn to non fiction; this is true w/my daughter; libraries @ both elementary schools she attended PreK - 4th grade had much wider fiction selections than non fiction; aside from biographies, non fiction tended to be dry science & nature topics that were less than captivating; biography series for kids abound & plenty are good, but multiple series cover the same basic group of people; I found the bk whilst searching for more unique non fiction; this was a welcome change, as it entertained & informed, rather than put us to sleep; short & easy to read, but informative & kid friendly; subject matter would appeal to both girls & boys of elementary school age

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dogs At Work, November 18, 2007

By	A. D. Cox (northern PA, USA) - See all my reviews

Great book about dogs and the job they do.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home"