Dogology: What Your Relationship with Your Dog Reveals about You (Hardcover)

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Key Phrases: Soul Mate, Free Spirit, Image Maker (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Dog owners, this book reveals, fall into 9 distinct personality types: Angel, Dynamo, Soul Mate, Idealist, Observer, Expert, Buddy, Master, and Free Spirit. While most of us recognize that a rescuing Angel needs to save the neediest dog at the local shelter, what makes a Soul Mate a soft touch for round-headed, big-eyed toy breeds such as Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Pekingese.

Authors Vicki Croke and Sarah Wilson, experts on the complex bond between dogs and their owners, use quizzes, psychological insights, and humor to analyze why dog owners gravitate toward certain breeds as pets—and to explain what owner’s choices reveal about their character and
emotional makeup. With Dogology in hand, anyone visiting a dog park can instantly spot the various types and subtypes, from the Image Maker fashionista with her accessory Yorkie peeking out of her Prada bag, to the Free Spirit, whose dog often bears a botanical name and rarely comes when called.

Similarly, readers will themselves learn that paying attention to the words they choose to praise their dog reveals the specific approval that they crave themselves. With quick checklists to identify what type of dog owners readers are, tips for training, and exercises for bonding with one’s dog, Dogology will make a welcome addition to any of the 43.5 million American households that now
own at least one dog.

About the Author

     VICKI CROKE has been covering animal issues in print and broadcast media for more than 20 years. The Lady and the Panda, her acclaimed book about the American who in 1936 brought the first live giant panda out of China, is being adapted for film. Croke lives in Newton, Massachusetts.
     SARAH WILSON, a popular speaker on animal topics, is an authority on the bond between women and their dogs. She has co-authored seven books and won awards for her commitment to educating the public on animal training and care. She lives in Auburn, New Hampshire.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (October 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594869200
• ISBN-13: 978-1594869204
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #200,180 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun book filled with valuable insights for life, October 28, 2008

By	Melissa Fischer (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I LOVED Dogology! Nearly every page made me laugh or cry and wonder if Sarah and Vicki had somehow been watching me with my dogs for years. These authors know dogs, and just as importantly, they know people and what makes them tick. They also write in an engaging and entertaining style while delivering significant insights.

As a dog trainer, I find this book a helpful read for understanding the various mindsets and personalities that I encounter in my work. I'm also sure the write-ups about the different personality types will help me with my relationships in other spheres of my life, as it discusses people and what lies behind some of their choices. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a dog or anyone who wants to understand their dog-loving friends or relatives.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read and a Thoughtful Present!, October 30, 2008

By	Shirley Minatelli (Central Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dogology: What Your Relationship with Your Dog Reveals about You

Just got my copy and I'm having trouble putting it down!

This is a great read for anyone with a dog, getting a dog, knows someone with a dog, or is looking for a wonderful Christmas present for all those on their list with a dog or two. Holiday shopping will never get any easier than this.

Whether you're a *read a little - put it down - read a little more* reader, or a *devour it all at once* reader like I am, this book is a fun read with deep insight into people and their dogs. You're learning about you, about your dog, and about your human/canine relationship, all while having fun.

This is a must-have on my bookshelf.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for past and present dog lovers and anyone considering adding canine love to their life!, November 3, 2008

By	Rachel Becker (Woodstock, New York United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The expression "it takes two to tango" comes to mind when thinking about what Dogology offers us. Often, as dog owners, we wonder why our dog does something -- what is it about the dog that causes the behavior. Sometimes it is just about the dog. But, more often, your dog's behavior is connected to the relationship between you and your dog. It takes two to tango, so it is important that we look at both sides of the relationship, or both ends of the leash.

Dogology explores the nature of our relationships with our dogs and what we can learn about ourselves by examining those relationships. The book first describes nine different types of dog owners. Through quick, fun quizzes we can find our type and learn more about ourselves. In addition to offering descriptions of each type of dog owner, the authors offer suggestions for character building exercises for each type, to help them grow as people and as dog owners.

Dogology also offers a beautiful, easy to understand look at the different breeds of dogs. Rather than the usual information you find in books which say they can find the right breed for you -- does it shed, how much exercise does it need, how big does it get -- Dogology offers descriptions of the common personality traits of the different breeds. This approach, combined with the personality assessment at the beginning of the book, really allows readers to make an informed decision about what kind of dog they would be well-suited for and visa versa.

In addition to providing a wealth of wonderful information, Dogology is well-written with a healthy mix of no-nonsense talk and well-placed humor. It is a fun read. Personally, there were many laughs and a couple of occasions for a tissue.

I highly recommend Dogoloy to all dog lovers, people trying to understand dog lovers, and anyone considering adding a dog to their home.