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Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
Merle's Door Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
Author: Ted Kerasote
Using the latest in wolf research and exploring issues of animal consciousness, leadership, and the origins of the human-dog relationship, Kerasote takes readers on the journey shared with a dog he found in a Utah desert. While on a camping trip, Ted Kerasote met a dog -- a Labrador mix -- who was living on his own in the wild. They became attac...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780156034500
ISBN-10: 0156034506
Publication Date: 4/30/2008
Pages: 308
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 108

4.2 stars, based on 108 ratings
Publisher: Harvest Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

agility4me avatar reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 58 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
I've been a dog trainer for years and currently I'm deep into the dog training world. There's actually a lot of good information in here and I found the stories of the outdoors calming to read even when it referred to hunting. I think he's got a great sense of understanding what goes on in a dog's head and that you can learn from this book while also enjoying it. I told all my "dog friends" that they ought to read it for it's value on socializing dogs and how it works.
reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
I'm normally some that will finish a book no matter what, but this book is too dry for me. The scientific parts of the book are thrown and go on too long for my taste. Much of it I already knew. As the daughter of a dog trainer much of what he says makes me cringe a bit. I worry that people are going to read this book and think that their dog will act like Merle. I understand that this book is more of a tribute to a dog that he loved than to actual life with a dog. I just hope people aren't reading this as a training how to manual. This is his interpretation of why he thought Merle did the things he did.
reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
As a dog lover, I enjoyed this book immensely. This book combined the latest research on canine companions and the personal story of Merle, an amazing dog that lived in the Wyoming Grand Tetons National Park with his person, Ted. As an owner of a labrador, it makes me question the suggestions of trainers that humans need to be the alpha dog in the house, because for many dogs, being an equal is desired. Also, it gives insight into the health care provided for dogs. Ted also suggests that dogs need immense mental stimulation and free time off leash every day. This book will touch your heart as it delves into the reason that dogs are the most devoted, loyal companion. My only criticism is that Ted tends to anthropomorphize Merle, who is all too human. Winner Outdoor Book of the Year.
reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on
Helpful Score: 3
This was an EXCELLENT read! In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I read it three times and I normally do not read a book more than once! The story is of Ted Kerasote and his found dog, Merle. The ending is extremely sad, of course, because furry little people do not live nearly long enough. Reading of Ted's devotion to Merle in his twilight years was extremely uplifting.
isitfriday avatar reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 170 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I liked the book, being a dog-person i enjoy reading about dogs and i appreciated the insight to the mind of Merle, and the history of domesticated dogs was enlightening. I wasnt a huge fan of the author, i felt his approach to being a dog owner was a bit on the lax side, and he was lucky Merle was not hit by a car or attacked by wildlife or shot by a farmer. I was also a bit taken aback by the hunting aspects of the book. The end of the book was very hard to read for me, having lost my golden retriever after 14 and a half years of being by my side- i felt Merle suffered at the end and that made me very sad. All in all it was a good book and I'm glad I read it.
Read All 31 Book Reviews of "Merles Door Lessons from a Freethinking Dog"

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legal22 avatar reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 135 more book reviews
I don't write many reviews, but I feel like I have to for this one. I don't think many books in my lifetime have brought me to tears, but Merle's Door certainly did. Mr. Kerasote has a wonderful way of describing his interactions with Merle. The story will bring you to some far reaching destinations but is always centered on Merle, as it should be. If you love dogs, this is a must read.
reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 78 more book reviews
What a great book!! I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time! In fact; this is the first review I've ever left for a book!! Couldn't put it down and I forced myself to read it slowly so it wouldn't end!
pawprinted avatar reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 20 more book reviews
Good Book
reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 5 more book reviews
I loved this story in an extreme way! So well written, so enjoyable, so precious. I fell so deeply in love with Merle and his lifestyle that as I neared the end of the book, I put it down and haven't had the heart to read it to the end.
reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 2 more book reviews
One of the best books I've read in a long time - SPOILER ALERT - there is a followup entitled Pukka (The Dog after Merle).
reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on + 4 more book reviews
As someone who loves all animals (especially dogs & horses)
I enjoyed the book very much. Would read a sequel to this
dog's story if there could be one.
reviewed Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog on
Emotional and educational. I couldn't put it down.


Genres:

Tagsdog, Dogs