Chaser

“This marvelous blend of good science and heartwarming dog story will inspire all of us to reexamine our canine friends.” —Booklist, starred review

The New York Times–bestselling story of a very smart Border collie who redefined animal intelligence. A joyous explanation of behavior, learning, and perception—any pet owner, parent, teacher, or psychologist will be enriched by this book.

When retired psychology professor John Pilley first got his new Border collie puppy, Chaser, he wanted to explore the boundaries of language learning and communication between humans and man’s best friend. Exhibiting intelligence previously thought impossible in dogs, Chaser soon learned the names of more than a thousand toys and sentences with multiple elements of grammar.

Chaser’s accomplishments are revolutionizing the way we think about the intelligence of animals. John and Chaser’s inspiring journey demonstrates the power of learning through play and opens our eyes to the boundless potential in the animals we love.

“The most scientifically important dog in over a century.” —Brian Hare, founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center and coauthor of The Genius of Dogs

“After you read Chaser, you will realize that you may have underestimated the intelligence of your dog. Marvelous insights into a dog’s mind.” —Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human

“Dogs and those of us who love them owe to debt of gratitude to the brilliant, courageous author and his equally heroic subject.” —Jennifer Arnold, author of Through a Dog’s Eyes

“An engrossing and remarkable tale.” —The Bark 

“A delightful memoir that offers a challenge to behavioral psychologists and inspiration for pet lovers.” —Kirkus Reviews