How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication [Hardcover]

Stanley Coren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 10, 2000

At long last, dogs will know just how smart their owners can be. By unlocking the secrets of the hidden language of dogs, psychologist Stanley Coren allows us into the doggy dialogue and makes two-way communication a reality. For the first time, instead of receiving an incomprehensible mash of mixed human signals, man's best friend will be treated to the proper use of dog language. Finally, effective communication can take place between canines and these "strange tall dogs" who have mystified them for so long.

Building on research into the simplified language of "baby talk" (that nearly universally recognized "motherese" with which mothers speak to their infants), Coren provides insights into the structure and form of the simplified language that many dog owners use to communicate with their pets. A better understanding of this language, "Doggish," is the key to improved two-way communication. Coren provides not only the sounds, words, actions, and movements with which we can effectively communicate with our dogs, but deciphers the signs that our dogs give to us. By giving us the information we need to interpret the wagging of their tails, the flapping of their ears, the movement of their bodies, and the lapping of their tongues as much as their barks, Coren allows us into their rich world of communication, giving dog-lovers the skills they need to improve their relationships with their pets. Original drawings illustrate the subtleties of their body language, and a handy glossary is included for easy reference.

As every owner will admit, dogs have an uncanny ability to respond to nuances of human speech. Although actual conversation of the sort Lassie seemed capable of inHollywood mythmaking remains forever out of reach, research and observation show that a great deal of real communication is possible beyond the giving and obeying of commands. "How to Speak Dog" explores the limits of dogs' language abilities and charts the possibilities. It gives owners the key to interpret correctly not only information but emotional states. With easy-to-follow tips on how humans can mimic the language dogs use to talk with each other, Coren provides a surprising and fascinating window into the world of dog communication, why they speak and what they talk about.

Drawing on substantial research in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and years of personal experience, Coren demonstrates that the average house dog can differentiate between 60 and 140 words, though some research suggests that dogs can hear many more and also pick words out of sentences and respond to them. "How to Speak Dog" examines people's beliefs about the ability of their dogs to communicate and contrasts those with the scientific reality. As Stanley Coren shows us, the gulf is more narrow than many people think -- and the rewards of bridging it are endless.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An invaluable language manual for people who need to communicate with dogs, How to Speak Dog is far more than a simple training guide. Author Stanley Coren discusses at length the evolution of language in many species, and focuses as much on body language as he does on verbal communication. This is a man with his own theories on language development--when disagreeing with Chomsky or Darwin, he backs up his arguments with plenty of thorough, firsthand experience.

Separate chapters devoted exclusively to interpreting the movement of tails, ears, and bodies are fascinating, and can often provide surprisingly quick insight into canine behavior. There's a tremendous difference between showing affection and showing dominance, and humans have a strong tendency to misread our dogs' behavior and reward them in exactly the right way to ensure the continuation of frustrating behavior. Coren maintains that dogs can often learn far more words than we give them credit for--certainly, we've all seen pooches go bananas at the words walk and cookie, but he also suggests we watch for learned behaviors from certain words. Perhaps office gets your spaniel waiting by the door, or baby results in your terrier checking in on your child's location--you may just think it's cute, but actually, it's a sign of your dog's linguistic ability.

Whether you own a dog or two or work in the field of animal care, this manual will be a most informative read and is sure to have a positive effect on the relationship between you and man's best friend. --Jill Lightner

From Library Journal

Coren's premise is that to communicate effectively with a dog the owner must first learn the dog's language, including vocabulary, grammar, and how to form "sentences that can be used to send and receive meaningful messages." The goal of such enlightened communication is to prevent the misunderstandings that often lead to problem behavior (e.g., aggression) and result in hundreds of thousands of dogs being surrendered to shelters for placement or euthanasia. Using anecdotes and examples, Coren (psychology, Univ. of British Columbia; Why We Love the Dogs We Do) speaks with knowledge and authority. He makes slow but steady progress toward understanding how the canine mind works, why it works that way, and how owners can make the best use of that knowledge to train their dogs to be model companions. Chapters cover vocalization, face talk, tail talk, body talk, scent, and dialects. A useful visual glossary (with line drawings) and a doggy "phrasebook" are also featured. The book is written for the above-average pet owner who wants to build a better relationship with his/her dog. Recommended for larger public libraries or where pet interest runs high.DEdell M. Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Free Press (April 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684865343
• ISBN-13: 978-0684865348
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #189,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Dogs & Wolves

More About the Author

Stanley Coren, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, is a recognized expert on dog-human interaction who has appeared on Dateline; The Oprah Winfrey Show; Good Morning, America; 20/20; Larry King Live; and many other TV and radio programs. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a beagle, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and a Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever, as well as his wife and her cat.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

177 of 187 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating read, March 21, 2000

By 

Joan H. Walker - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication (Hardcover)

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.

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravissimo!, July 21, 2000

By 

"harikari" - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication (Hardcover)

Reading this book was like receiving a canine translator - now I can not only understand but also communicate more effectively with my own dog as well as other dogs. It has enabled me to interpret how dogs are reacting to their environment, anticipate their actions, and take appropriate steps to stave off aggression. This book overcomes the shortcomings and dispels the myths of many rote "praise-and-correction" training books regarding what dogs are capable of understanding and how best to make them understand and do what you want. I highly recommend this to any dog owner looking for a better way of communicating with their dog than snapping a collar.

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must' For All Dog Owners, September 17, 2005

By 

Sortman "DogLover" (Westerville, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How To Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication (Paperback)

As a lover of dogs for over 50 years, I own dozens of books about canine care and behavior, but Stanley Coren's 'How to Speak Dog' is definitely my favorite. I originally found this informative dog communication book in my local library after adopting a lovable but fearful mixed breed from my local humane society five years ago. Since then, I have bought at least six copies of this same book online, just to have on hand to give to friends and family who decide to bring a dog into their life or who don't understand the behavior of a dog already living with them. I especially like the book's detailed descriptions of a dog's specific body language (ears, eyes, mouth, tail) and what each means--as well as its guide to the messages a dog is sending when he barks or whines in a particular way. Not unlike a driver's training manual which must be read by those who wish to become licensed drivers, 'How to Speak Dog" should be required reading for every person who decides to share his or her life with a dog.