The story of humans and dogs is thousands of years old but is far from understood. We keep dogs and are kept by them. We celebrate their individuality but breed them for sameness. We create emotional relationships with dogs, but legally they are property to be bought, sold, abandoned, or euthanized as we wish. Horowitz explores all aspects of this unique and complex interspecies pairing-- and reveals the odd, surprising, and contradictory ways we live with dogs. -- adapted from jacket.

Bonded -- The perfect name -- Owning dogs -- Things people say to their dogs -- The trouble with breeds -- The scientific process as practiced at home watching dogs on a Thursday evening -- Dog stuff -- The dog in the mirror -- Interlude: The Horowitz dog cognition lab by the numbers -- Does my dog love me? -- Against sex -- Humorless -- Tail of the dog.