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suzemo's review
4.0
This was a book recommended to us by the dog training club where we were taking classes. It came up on sale, so I thought I would go ahead and grab it.
It is a bit dated (the whiff if racism in certain anectodes is strong), but it's not a pop-training book, but a book by an actual scientist/behaviorist. It covers more than just how to train certain behaviors (though there are a couple of specific behaviors covered), but how to communicate with your dog.
Along with the "how to communicate" portion, it covers canine (dog) versus primate (us/human) behaviors, which I found super interesting and really helpful.
Another strong portion of the book was the discussion of aggression and dominance and is a wonderful counterpoint to all of the dominance heavy training/advice out there. I would highly recommend it to anyone who had dogs or works with any animals or does any training at all.
It is a bit dated (the whiff if racism in certain anectodes is strong), but it's not a pop-training book, but a book by an actual scientist/behaviorist. It covers more than just how to train certain behaviors (though there are a couple of specific behaviors covered), but how to communicate with your dog.
Along with the "how to communicate" portion, it covers canine (dog) versus primate (us/human) behaviors, which I found super interesting and really helpful.
Another strong portion of the book was the discussion of aggression and dominance and is a wonderful counterpoint to all of the dominance heavy training/advice out there. I would highly recommend it to anyone who had dogs or works with any animals or does any training at all.
milktoast's review
4.0
Well written & researched book that examines not only dog behavior but how human behavior (the other end of the leash) shapes dog behavior.
_wilhelmine_'s review
5.0
Ever wished you could read your dog's mind?
This book should be required reading for anyone who ever interacts with dogs, let alone dog owners and trainers. It is a seriously engaging and scientific work about dog behavior that does a wonderful job of dispelling myths and focusing on evidence-based information and techniques. The best part is that you learn how to communicate in BOTH directions -- not only does McConnell teach you how to decode canine body language, she gives you the ability to communicate with dogs via your own body language cues and beyond. Truly one of the most useful books I've ever read, and I recommend it to everyone I know.
This book should be required reading for anyone who ever interacts with dogs, let alone dog owners and trainers. It is a seriously engaging and scientific work about dog behavior that does a wonderful job of dispelling myths and focusing on evidence-based information and techniques. The best part is that you learn how to communicate in BOTH directions -- not only does McConnell teach you how to decode canine body language, she gives you the ability to communicate with dogs via your own body language cues and beyond. Truly one of the most useful books I've ever read, and I recommend it to everyone I know.
aheikkinen's review
5.0
Patricia McConnell does a wonderful job highlighting the different way that dogs perceive the world, and how we may communicate more effectively with them. Whether you are a first time dog owner looking to better understand your pup, or a seasoned owner with three dogs at home- I’m sure you will take something of value away from this book.
clarks_dad's review
This is the one book I wish I'd read before I got my first dog as an adult. Patricia McConnell is profoundly experienced as an animal behaviorist and makes insightful observations and gives clear advice to govern everything from selecting the perfect dog that fits your lifestyle to communicating effectively with our best friends. There's a hefty dose of evolutionary biology infused throughout the easy-to-follow narrative that provides a much deeper understanding of our relationship to canines and how that relationship has evolved over time. She reminds me of all of the very best science communicators from Sagan to deGrasse Tyson and she's made me far more reflective of my own moods and behaviors around my dogs and what signals they might be picking up from my own behavior.
The book is easy to approach, but isn't really a how-to guide. It's not broken down into segments where you can look up problems you might be experiencing and fix them. Think of it more as a holistic approach to dog-human companionship that covers everything from basic training to discussing how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs governs what we need from our animals and what they need from us. Scattered among the scientific jargon are well-spaced anecdotes from her life as a trainer and dog enthusiast that keep the reading grounded for pet owners who don't want to be PhD behaviorists. That being said, there's a lot for even experienced dog owners to learn about the nature of our curious relationship to dogs that will make you a better pet owner and person all around.
I can't recommend this book enough and have gifted it to several friends who own dogs or who are considering getting a dog soon. If I had it my way, this would be mandatory reading for pet owners. If you don't have the patience or will to get through a book like this, you should probably rethink having a dog in your home.
The book is easy to approach, but isn't really a how-to guide. It's not broken down into segments where you can look up problems you might be experiencing and fix them. Think of it more as a holistic approach to dog-human companionship that covers everything from basic training to discussing how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs governs what we need from our animals and what they need from us. Scattered among the scientific jargon are well-spaced anecdotes from her life as a trainer and dog enthusiast that keep the reading grounded for pet owners who don't want to be PhD behaviorists. That being said, there's a lot for even experienced dog owners to learn about the nature of our curious relationship to dogs that will make you a better pet owner and person all around.
I can't recommend this book enough and have gifted it to several friends who own dogs or who are considering getting a dog soon. If I had it my way, this would be mandatory reading for pet owners. If you don't have the patience or will to get through a book like this, you should probably rethink having a dog in your home.
quietdomino's review
Reading about dogs no substitute for watching dogs; luckily, this book encourages both.
mac_ashton's review
5.0
This book was thorough, well written, and helped me learn so much about my relationship with my dogs. It's filled with practical training tips, and enough theory to make your head spin. I haven't read other dog training books, so I have no comparison, but this is now one of the best tools in my toolbox as a pet owner.