How To Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication [Paperback]

Stanley Coren (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 17, 2001

Parlez-vous Doggish?

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, or "Doggish," and makes effective communication a reality.

Drawing on substantial research in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and years of personal experience, Coren demonstrates that the average house dog can understand language at about the level of a two-year-old human. While actual conversation of the sort Lassie seemed capable of in Hollywood mythmaking remains forever out of reach, Coren shows us that a great deal of real communication is possible beyond the giving and obeying of commands.

How to Speak Dog not only provides the sounds, words, actions, and move-ments with which we can effectively communicate with our dogs, but also deciphers the signs that our dogs give to us. With easy-to-follow tips on how humans can mimic the language dogs use to talk with one another, original drawings illustrating the subtleties of their body language, and a handy visual glossary and "Doggish" phrasebook, How to Speak Dog gives dog lovers the skills they need to improve their relationships with their pets.

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books (April 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074320297X
• ISBN-13: 978-0743202978
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (99 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Pets & Animal Care > Dogs > Breeds

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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravissimo! July 21, 2000

By "harikari"

Format: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.

203 of 215 people found the following review helpful

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

By Joan H. Walker

Format: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.

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful

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

By Sortman

Format: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.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read July 1, 2006

By T. Mc Larty

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had my doubts about this book. I am a professional dog trainer, and a animal behaviorist. I would not recommened this book for your average reader. However it covers the basics of canine behavior very well and I would recommend it to anyone who trains dogs, or works with groups of dogs and wants a deeper understanding of their social interactions.

Reads a bit on the scientific side, so if your reading for entertainment you will probably be bored. If your reading to learn and increase your knowledge, you will probably enjoy.

56 of 61 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes Virginia, Dogs do have language December 18, 2005

By Robert E. Petersen

Format:Paperback

While I can't pretend to have gotten inside the mind of Stanley Coren, I am willing to speculate that he wrote this book as a way of taking a very specific scientific controversy out of the realm of academia and bringing it to the people. The controversy: do dogs have a true language or do they not?

Having recently rewatched Miracle on 34th Street, I recall Kris Kringle's attorney's comment on the controversy over belief in Santa Clause. "Some firmly believe in him, others just as strongly deny his existence." In keeping with the spirit of the season when we're a little more likely than usual to believe that animals speak, it's a great time to buy this book as a present for a serious dog lover on your list.

It seems obvious to me that Coren takes the controversy seriously; taking it to the people is not a cop out. Rather his singular achievement is to bring a body of evidence, if you will, to pet owners who normally would not be part of this academic jury. While reading How To Speak Dog, again and again I'd find myself exclaiming "Wow, that's Oliver's call to be let in, or so that's what Emmie is saying to Hannah."

After completing my first read, I kept the book on the end table having dog eared (sorry, couldn't resist) the section entitled "Doggish Phrase Book". This Doggish-English dictionary is a must-have for your next visit to the park where Doggish is the language of the land. Stanley, "May I call you Stanley?", has organized the phrasebook by sounds, and by ear, eye, facial, tail, and other body signals. Then for each phrase he provides the human meaning, corresponding emotions and conditions of the dog when the phrase is uttered. Basically, "This is what the dog is saying when you see and hear this behavior...."

Often, for weeks after I finished the book, whenever I'd hear a bark, a whine, a howl, or see a crooked tail I'd pop open the phrase book and compare Coren's interpretation to my own.

I've often found myself recommending this book to friends, psychologists and other dog lovers. As a sociologist myself I've always been interested in cross cultural communication. Over time, little by little I came to realize I'd become even more interested in cross-species communication between people and dogs. Progress has been slow. I guess it's hard to study cultural differences when you don't understand the language. But I digress.

So, back to the basic question. "Oh, yes", Stanley concludes, dogs have a language. There are four generally accepted key requirements for language and dogs show all four, one to a lesser extent than the other three:

* Meaningfulness - canine sounds and signals are not random, but convey a specific meaning

* Displacement -- the ability to target things not currently in sight "Go get the ball in the kitchen."

* Display rules of combination -- some combinations are not meaningful when used together. Dogs don't lay down to get a tummy rub and seriously growl at the same time

* Productivity - the ability to put words together in novel ways.

Stanley acknowledges that productivity is weak (though it does exist) in Doggish. But the same is true in human toddlers and few would argue that toddlers have no language, just that they understand far more than they can express in words.

So, while at this time of year, I'm especially willing to believe in Santa, I find that all year long I'm willing to believe dogs have a language. Thanks, Stanley. I won't be surprised if my peers in the jury decide to vote the same, "Yes, Virginia, dogs do have language. Read more ›

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Still one of the very best and most enjoyable Dog books! April 8, 2004

By "finnao"

Format:Paperback

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! Read more ›