- In the introduction to The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, Perry draws a distinction between being human and being humane (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017, p. 12). What are the differences? Provide a personal or historical example to illustrate your point.
- What is the author's main idea? Summarize it in 1–2 sentences. Does he consistently come back to this idea in each case he examines? Explain using examples from the various chapters.
- In many of the sessions Dr. Perry has with the children, he describes doing a coloring activity with them. How does this help his relationship with the children? What are some of his techniques?
- In your opinion, do the children you read about in The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog have an opportunity to experience a normal adult life? Explain your answer; cite the text if possible.
- In Chapter 4, "Skin Hunger," Perry describes and explains the concept of the "failure to thrive" (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017, pp. 89–91). What does this mean? What were some key points about the ability to thrive that were made in the chapter? What are some of the causes and lasting problems associated with the condition?
- What is a good environment? Does this vary based on cultural or economic reasons?
- According to the text, why was Tina unable to behave normally for a child her age? Is she a "lost cause," as they say, or does she still have the ability to overcome the difficulties of her youth? Cite the text, and provide evidence to support your opinion.
- In Chapter 5, "The Coldest Heart," Leon is diagnosed as a sociopath (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017, pp. 112–113). In your well-read opinion, who is responsible for his condition? Explain, providing textual support and evidence. What can we learn from his story?
- Summarize the story of Chapter 6, "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog," in 5–8 sentences. What lessons did Dr. Perry learn from Connor and Justin?
- Which is more important, nature, which is biology, or nurture, which is the environment? Provide an example.
- Are the roles of socioeconomic class and race important elements in the work that Dr. Perry does? Does he handle these issues well? Explain.
- What is RAD (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017, pp. 192–194)? How does a child acquire the disorder, and what are the symptoms?
- In his conclusion, Dr. Perry gives a summation of his ideas. What are some of the ways in which Dr. Perry suggests children, and all people, can thrive?
- In Chapter 11, "Healing Communities," Dr. Perry states, "The world we live in now is biologically disrespectful" (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017, p. 262). Explain what he means and interpret the idea. Do you agree?