How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language

Book is fun but I expected a little more in depth from a vet. Felt like I was reading a light magazine article. More for someone who doesn't know a lot about pooches. Would make nice gift. I was looking for something a little more educational and deeper.

Book came in timely fashion and was brand new. Thanks. Thanks. I have been wanting to order this book for a long time, and am delighted to have a brand new copy for such little money. the store is certainly our choice for such purchases.

Though my husband and I have owned at least sixteen dogs (seven breeds) through the years, we couldn't always interpret their behaviour. If this book had been published fifty years ago, we could have responded appropriately.

The format and the sharp, live-action photos will capture the interest of any child who loves dogs. Older readers, including adults, will be informed and intrigued by the clear explanations of the behaviors we have observed and sometime misinterpreted.

I have already given one of these books to a dog-loving friend. I will be purchasing more copies for gift giving. However, my gifts will carry a note that warns that this author writes that "Human ancestors had tails." Mind didn't. If it had not been for this statement, I would have given the book five stars.

What a great and easy read about dogs! Bought this to entertain my dogsitter but I'm enjoying it too! It explains why dogs do the things they do with great photos on each page & simple, easy to understand explanations. This would also be a great gift for a new dog owner!

Always wanting to go above and beyond for my pups I heard this book had 'insight' into how dogs think. So I figured hey, maybe I'll pick it up and see if I can learn something.

From the preview alone, I quickly learned that there are errors and bias'/opinions in this book, I was looking for fact and insight. A lifetime of experience has also given my my own opinion and bias that has worked VERY well for my dogs.

a) First, a dog can walk in front of you, they don't have to follow. Leader/follower crap, it drives me nuts, relationships are not about POWER! When on leash not one of my dogs have ever been forced to walk behind me, yet they don't pull me down the street either, they know to respect the length of the leash and will stop/wait/stay when I ask them too. They know I keep them safe, and that pulling on the leash when it's on isn't comfortable for either of us.

b) A dog showing his/her belly to another dog is not always a sign of submission, nor does it leave them at a disadvantage. Scientists strongly believe that it's a strategy in play/fights to get a better angle on the other dog. It's not just showing their belly you have to watch, it's how they show it. For example there is a certain way my dog shows me hers that I know its the "come love me, please don't leave" bell rub.

c) If dogs get into a fight, don't do anything? What kind of nonsense is this! I refuse to let anyone ever hurt my dog, she's a rottie and likely can take care of herself (I hope to never know personally), but I'm the protector (better than leader). So if someone gets in her face I get in theirs. Yeah if you are fearful and don't want to protect your dog maybe don't step in, but um should you really be responsible for a dog if this is the case? If someone attacked your child, would your advice be "let them sort it out"? This remake aggravated me the most, we are the bigger/stronger animal.

d) If your dog freezes he's afraid? Well I'll give you 1/2 points, uncertainty (with a touch of curiosity at times) is not the same as fear. And yes, many times that's what it is. You should freeze too? See my comment about fighting dogs, my dogs have always known I will protect them so why on earth would I freeze, I show them what to be cautious of and what not to be. If my dog freezes, I analyze why and then approach the situation accordingly. Examples: If it's something like a strange object in the dark I know is harmless, I'll tell them it's OK and walk over to touch it to illustrate the point (OK is my safe word). If it's a dog they are cautious of, first I get close/in front of them (I'm their protector, forget this leader nonsense bull) and tell them to stay close (another safe word, meaning I'll take care of this) and then I simply (through a simple look/expression) let the other dog know not to "cross the line".

if your gonna get a dog you will love this book. it gives historic facts about dogs. this book was full of facts. lots of photos. it features a super star nubs!. read this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.(;

Love this book. I'm buying it for the 4th. or 5th. time! I keep giving mine away. I've also been gifting. It's a great, simple, funny and easy to read. Very helpful if you are a dog owner. ????