What the Dog Knows

What the Dog Knows chronicles the training journey of Cat Warren and her German shepherd Solo as they learn to become a cadaver dog team. Warren recounts their progression from basic obedience through specialized search training while weaving in the science and history of working dogs. The book explores the world of human remains detection through interviews with trainers, scientists, and law enforcement professionals who work with dogs. Warren provides context about scent theory, canine capabilities, and the evolution of dogs' roles in police and rescue work. Through Solo's career as a cadaver dog, Warren documents their search missions and the realities of working in the field. The narrative moves between their personal experiences and broader research about how dogs' abilities serve human needs. The book examines the complex partnership between humans and dogs, revealing how their complementary strengths create bonds that transcend mere training. This exploration raises questions about the nature of inter-species relationships and the remarkable ways dogs enhance human capabilities.

Readers found the book engaging and informative about working dogs' capabilities in search and rescue/recovery. They appreciated Warren's blend of scientific research with personal experiences training her cadaver dog Solo. Liked: - Clear explanations of dog training techniques - Balance of personal narrative and research - Educational insights into forensics and K9 units - Honest portrayal of training challenges - Deep dive into scent detection science Disliked: - Too much personal biography/memoir content - Some sections on genetics/science felt dense - Occasional meandering narrative structure - Wanted more focus on actual search operations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (3,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (850+ ratings) Reader quote: "Expected just another dog book but got a fascinating look at the science of scent work and dedication required to train these amazing animals." - Goodreads reviewer Another reader noted: "Could have trimmed 50 pages of personal background, but the core material about working dogs was excellent."

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🐾 Author Cat Warren's cadaver dog, Solo, was originally purchased as a pet but proved too high-energy for a typical family companion. 🔍 While training Solo, Warren discovered that dogs can detect human remains even after 150 years, making them invaluable in historical and archaeological work. 🎓 Warren is a professor of science journalism at North Carolina State University and spent a decade volunteering as a cadaver dog handler. 🦮 The book reveals that only about 1 in 50 dogs tested has the right combination of drive, focus, and temperament to become a working cadaver dog. 🧬 Scientists have discovered that well-trained cadaver dogs can detect as few as a few human cells, and can distinguish human remains from animal remains with remarkable accuracy.