How to Speak Dog

This book is essential reading for all dog owners who want to gain greater understanding of their pets' behaviour. Stanley Coren, psychologist and bestselling author of The Intelligence of Dogs, proves that much of our previous understanding of canine behaviour is, if not entirely wrong, at least open to alternative interpretations. Using extensive research into animal behaviour, evolutionary biology and personal experience, Coren demonstrates how to take the dog-human relationship to a new level. Dogs who jump up to greet a newcomer are often attempting to rub noses with the 'two-footed dog' we call human; a baring of the teeth can be simply a grin and licking is not necessarily the dog form of kissing. The author describes how licking has evolved from regurgitation during the puppy stage and is more likely to be a pacifying gesture confirming the dog's deference to a senior pack member. All dog owners could benefit from the research and case studies, which reveal a new level of understanding and provide techniques with which to improve our communication with dogs. Issues relating to discipline and training can often be more effectively resolved by finding out why a dog is reacting in a certain way and teaching owners how their actions can affect the behaviour of their pet. The book is packed with information and includes diagrams and sketched illustrations. There are detailed descriptions of types and pitches of barking and how to translate them and all forms of canine communication are dealt with in some depth. There are chapters covering ear, eye and tail 'talk', body positions and the importance of scent. The book contains many fascinating facts about every aspect of the dog world, from behaviours inherited from their wolf ancestors to their ability to cry and even a list of the top ten dog names! Interestingly, Coren suggests that most dogs understand language at the level of the average two-year-old child. At the back of the book are a visual glossary and 'doggish' phrasebook, both of which summarise the information given in the previous chapters. Entertaining and enlightening, this is a must for every dog owner who longs for a greater understanding of their 'best friend'. (Kirkus UK)