Making Sense of Dog Senses:
How Our Furry Friends Experience the World
Illustrated by Raz Latif
Published by Owlkids Books
A playful yet scientifically precise exploration of a dog’s five senses that will help readers better appreciate the canine point of view.
How can dogs eat poop? Do they see in black and white or in color? Can they hear higher-pitched sounds than you? Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World explores dog sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Experience dog senses firsthand and gain an understanding of a dog’s sensory point of view. Even discover whether dogs have extra senses humans don’t.
Nonfiction for ages 8 to 12.
Awards & Honors
Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.
The California Reading Association chose Making Sense of Dog Senses as a Eureka! Children's Nonfiction Honor Book.
The Texas Library Association chose Making Sense of Dog Senses for their 2025 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List.
Chosen as a Best Book for Kids and Teens 2024 by the Canadian Children's Book Centre with a starred review.
The Chicago Public Library chose Making Sense of Dog Senses as a Best Informational Book for Older Readers 2024.
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Praise for Making Sense of Dog Senses:
“A ramble around the doggy sensorium, from 'heat-seeking' nose to sniff-worthy butt...The author tucks in several very simple but ingeniously designed ways for hands-on readers to get a feeling for how dog and human senses differ...chock-full of doggy treats.”
- Kirkus Reviews
“This book would be a good option for kids with questions after observing dog behavior or families considering adding a new pet to the family. Although there are plenty of informational picture books about dogs, the focus on the science of dog senses makes this one unique and worth adding to a collection.’”
- Youth Services Book Review
"Gibeault teaches that from sniffing butts to keen hearing, there is much more to these beloved animals than meets the eye...Whether dog noses, footpads, or whiskers—curious dog-lovers will learn about it all...Gibeault crafts a fun, quirky book about dogs and their many abilities; great for animal lovers, young and old."
- School Library Journal
"A charming collection of stories about our best friends that also happen to be true. A delight for readers young and old - sure to spark a love of science and a deeper understanding of the fascinating minds we share our homes with."
- Dr. Brian Hare, author of the New York Times Bestseller Genius of Dogs
"Dog enthusiasts will find a ton of fascinating scientific and evolutionary information about their furry (occasionally stinky) friends in the entertaining and aptly named Making Sense of Dog Senses...Who knew a book about rods and cones, cochlea, and secret nose compartments could be so accessible and fun? Dog lovers of all ages, prepare to nerd out!"
- Shelf Awareness
"With a background in animal behaviour science and experience as a professional dog trainer, author Stephanie Gibeault brings a wealth of information to this engaging and educational book about a popular subject...Dog lovers and pet owners will likely understand their dogs a lot better after reading Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World, a highly appealing book!"
- Canadian Review of Materials