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Summary: A Book for the "Student" of Doggy Language
Review: Another book I randomly plucked from the shelves of the local bookstore, I was expecting yet another shallow how-to book. But I was delightfully surprised to find exactly what I desired... a book which is truly about canine communication! Coren is in no way "wishy-washy" about the subject, nor does he dilute the doggy language in this book full of insight and thought provoking stories. Within its pages is an entire guide to understanding canine body language, verbal signals, and dog behavior. I would recommend this book to anyone who truly wants to understand their dog's communication! But please note...
It is written in more of a "textbook" format, not "how-to." I personally prefer this type of book, and Coren's interjections of humorous stories and quotes make for interesting reading. I like this book because it is more of an understanding book and not a "quick fix."
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Summary: Another outstanding book by Stanley Coren
Review: As a dog trainer and owner of 4 dogs (all of whom are geniuses I might add!), I found this book to be fascinating and to validate a lot of what I see in my daily dealings with dogs and people. Very readable and yet packed with important information. I recommend this to everyone who loves dogs!
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Summary: A Must Read for Dog Owners, Shelter Workers & Trainers
Review: By far, this is the best book I've read to date that's provided a complete understanding of my dog and her behavior. I couldn't believe how many dog "body postures" I've been misinterpreting. I tried using a few of the "signals" explained in the book on my dog that another dog would use to communicate - and my dog actually seemed to understand. She definitely reacted the way I thought she would! Every dog owner should read this book. I also believe this book should be required reading for anyone who works in a shelter setting or in any capacity where they're dealing with strange dogs. A big thanks to Stanley Coran for improving and enhancing my relationship with my Rottie-mix, Molly!
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Summary: Catchy title - but doesn't deliver
Review: Coren's catchy title leaves potential readers with the impression that they will learn how to to 'speak' to their dogs. However, this volume is mostly a rather academic study of what dogs are communicating to others (through their body language, vocalizations, etc.), as well as a presentation of general theories of language development and related research. While the reader may learn what the dog is trying to say to other dogs, animals, or humans, there is only a very small amount of attention devoted to how humans can use any of this information to communicate better with their dogs. ("The Horse Whisperer" gave much more information about how humans can use knowledge of a horse's methods of communication to make the communcation a two-way process.) Coren clearly understands dogs and what they are trying to tell us. However, the book does not really tell readers how to 'speak dog'; a better title would have been "What Your Dog is Trying to Tell You."
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Summary: What in the heck?!!!
Review: Had this book not been titled, How to Speak Dog:Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication, it would have been just fine. However it was, so after pouring over an endless supply of dog behavior books I choose it, thinking that it might actually have suggestions on how I should behave or "speak" so that my dog would understand ME better. Alas it did not. It contained all of the same information as the others. It should have been called,How to Understand Your Dog, then at least I wouldn't have been looking through it waiting for the section on "speaking dog."
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Summary: Still one of the very best and most enjoyable Dog books!
Review: Having bought this book when it first came out, and having bought many others since then with similar content but slightly different approaches, I came back to HOW TO SPEAK DOG when I was choosing a book to give to a young teen who had just adopted a German Shepherd from a Rescue Organization. Why? Quite simply, this books has wonderful drawings that give direct visual clues to the student of Dog-Speak which is essentially a marriage of vocalization and body langauge. In many cases, it is the placement of the Dog's ears, his posture and more that helps to communicate his needs and the simple yet charming illustrations give concrete examples of what your doggie should look like when he is saying "I wanna play" or "I'm scared and might bite." Added to this enormous wealth of visual information is Coren's charming storytelling abilities. In each chapter, he draws on his own experiences with his dogs with obvious affection. This tenderness lends credibility to his explanations and also underscores the importance of understandig your dog's needs and motivations when assessing the meaning of the communcation in question. Coren also brings considerable experience in human affairs to the mix...being a practising Psychiatrist. He masterfully explains not just the rudimentary basics of learning to communicate with Fido and goes further to explore virtually ALL of the possible means by which Dogs communicate with us. Especially touching is his description towards the end of the book of the personal significance the sound of his own dogs' breathing in the quiet night has to him. Mixed in with the discussions of the various woofs, howls and ear postions are some very charming anecdotes. Coren begins the book with a very amusing Russian "myth" about how Dog came to live with Adam and Eve after they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. I have retold that story to others and always gotten a laugh. In relating this story, Coren illustrates just how timeless and precious is the relationship between mankind and Dogs. This book is an excellent Doggie Dictionary for both beginning Dog Caregivers and experienced Dog lovers everywhere. You may find it necessary to keep extra copies on hand, since you may find yourself, as I have, constantly recommending this book and being further compelled to give your own copy away!
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Summary: A fascinating read
Review: I frequently review dog books and interview authors--so, I was fortunate enough to be able to review an advance proof of this book last month, as well as interview Dr. Coren. If you have even the slightest interest in dog behavior (including aggression), training, or simply want to better understand your pet and its interactions with humans, dogs, and other species, this book is a *must* read. In the book, Dr. Coren relates to readers an enormous amount of information on the communication skills of dogs, and manages to do this in a very entertaining and humorous manner.
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Summary: 4 Paws Up!
Review: I really enjoyed this book! Sme people might think I'm nuts yawning at my dog but now I can read what my furry brown clown is telling me and I feel I can express my self more clearly to him. A few months ago I couldn't understand my my normally calm and fun-loving dog starting barking and became very agressive and agitated by my 94 year old grand mother. After reading the book, I understand why. She was a bit nervous around my new dog and was keeping her eye on him (ie. staring at him) he saw this as a agressive challange and reacted accordingly. I look forward to more book by Dr. Coren and to becoming fluent in 'doggish'. If you're a dog person, get this book! Its a great investment that will keep on giving!
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Summary: not what I thought
Review: I was hoping for a "how to" on reading my dog's body language. That's not what I got. Instead it was a book about the author's dogs and how much fun he has with them, how smart they are, ect. He did interject a lot of humor but I was quite dissapointed in the content. If you are looking for a fun doggy book to read with not a lot of practical information, read this one. If you want practical information, don't bother.
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Summary: THE BEST dog book I have read to date - and I have read many
Review: I've been reading everything I can get my hands on lately in order to better my relationship with my dog Annie. We both have a lot of work to do (me definitely more than her). We've been through obedience training (beginner's and advanced classes), and are now working on the problem areas and reinforcing what we've learned. There are a lot of books out there with really great information. This one resonated the most. I've recommended it to several dog owners and lovers I know. Although my problems with Annie might not be the same as yours and your dog(s), you will still benefit from Stanley Coren's insight and experience handling these wonderful creatures. I've read some of his other books, and this is my favorite. His solutions are humane, intelligent and they work. There are books out there that are still encouraging choke collars and "jerk corrections" - they are SO out of date. There is no need for ANY kind of rough or aggressive handling with a dog. Annie has responded incredibly well to the lessons I learned through "How to Speak Dog," I am a much more confident owner and trainer, and we are both happier. The other day I was walking Annie and a woman pulled over, got out of her car and asked if I was a dog trainer. Imagine that!!
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