Konrad Lorenz opens his influential study of the dog with a fascinating speculation on the origins of the unique relationship shared by dogs & human beings. He asks his readers to picture a primitive hearthside, where early dogs found bones to gnaw on, & to imagine a whimpering puppy, separated from its mother, & embraced by a child. He examines the canine/human relationship from many perspectives, addressing such questions as: How do dogs regard children? What should you consider when you choose a puppy? How can you reward & discipline your dog effectively? How do you live with the death of a beloved animal? A classic.