The Rosetta Bone: The Key to Communication Between Humans and Canines (Howell Dog Book of Distinction) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Donald McCaig may well be right that dogs civilized us as much as we civilized them, but science indicates the process began much earlier..." (more)
Key Phrases: pet dog trainers, calming signals, clicker training, Try It Yourself, Karen Overall, Terry Ryan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Far too often, we humans expect our dogs to understand what we say to them. Though we may spend a lot of time talking to them, we’re really not communicating. And without proper communication, it’s impossible to train a dog properly–– let alone make your human/canine relationship a rewarding one.

Packed with unique insights and gentle training advice, The Rosetta Bone provides average dog owners with the know-how they need to decipher canine meanings, communicate effectively, increase training success, and share a deeper bond. Focusing on the behavioral basis–– the "silent" symbols–– for learning, understanding, and communicating, expert dog trainer and competitor Cheryl S. Smith reveals how you can use your own body language to send a message and even teach a dog what specific words mean. She reveals how a dog’s breed can affect his personality and explains how to decode–– and correct–– common behavior problems. With the knowledge and solutions this book provides, you will train more effectively, enjoy your dog more, and ease your own stress. What’s more, you’ll apply what you’ve learned immediately, with solid, practical advice on:

• Learning the As, Bs, Cs, and Ds of human-canine communication
• Teaching English to your dog–– and, in turn, understanding "Doglish"
• Using body language to assist in communication and help your dog learn
• Incorporating various kinds of touch to tighten your bond
• Making rewards and reprimands real, relevant, and reliable
• Understanding the relationship between kids and dogs

Supplemented with enlightening, easy-to-do exercises with your dog, as well as quotes from trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians, and humane society workers, The Rosetta Bone is a revealing guide to making life better in your human/canine household.

From the Back Cover

Far too often, we humans expect our dogs to understand what we say to them. Though we may spend a lot of time talking to them, we’re really not communicating. And without proper communication, it’s impossible to train a dog properly–– let alone make your human/canine relationship a rewarding one.

Packed with unique insights and gentle training advice, The Rosetta Bone provides average dog owners with the know-how they need to decipher canine meanings, communicate effectively, increase training success, and share a deeper bond. Focusing on the behavioral basis–– the "silent" symbols–– for learning, understanding, and communicating, expert dog trainer and competitor Cheryl S. Smith reveals how you can use your own body language to send a message and even teach a dog what specific words mean. She reveals how a dog’s breed can affect his personality and explains how to decode–– and correct–– common behavior problems. With the knowledge and solutions this book provides, you will train more effectively, enjoy your dog more, and ease your own stress. What’s more, you’ll apply what you’ve learned immediately, with solid, practical advice on:

• Learning the As, Bs, Cs, and Ds of human-canine communication
• Teaching English to your dog–– and, in turn, understanding "Doglish"
• Using body language to assist in communication and help your dog learn
• Incorporating various kinds of touch to tighten your bond
• Making rewards and reprimands real, relevant, and reliable
• Understanding the relationship between kids and dogs

Supplemented with enlightening, easy-to-do exercises with your dog, as well as quotes from trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians, and humane society workers, The Rosetta Bone is a revealing guide to making life better in your human/canine household.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House (January 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764544217
• ISBN-13: 978-0764544217
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #449,412 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST DOG BOOK EVER, May 26, 2004

By	L. Allen (Carbondale, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Rosetta Bone is the best dog training, dog communication, human/pet love stories book I have ever read (and I have a shelf full to which I often refer). Learning to read my dogs' body language and gaining an awareness of how they read mine, has opened a new dimension of fun and sharing in our relationship. They and I are more responsive to each other and take more joy in the time we spend together each day. This book is a must read for the person acquiring their first dog, experiencing behavior problems with a current animal, or wanting to communicate with their dog on a deeper level. Cheryl Smith's insights into how dogs communicate (top dogs give a disdainful look--they don't jerk misbehavig subordinates or roll them on their back) turns training into play time and enhances the dog's life with its people. Thanks to the Rosetta Bone the time I spend with my dogs is more relaxed and joyful. Thanks Cheryl Smith--you've done the dog loving world a great favor with this great book!

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book to give as a gift for owner AND dog!, September 27, 2004

By	A. T. Bogart "researchnut" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a perfectly wonderful book to give to not only those that already have a great relationship with their dog and want to further their knowledge of canine-human communication, but also to those that would like to know how to develop one. I've always wanted to find "just the right book" I could share with people I've come across that have very little or no idea how to properly relate to their dog(s)- WITHOUT offending or boring them. This book is it! It has a catchy title that doesn't scream "ho-hum instruction manual", and it's written in a unique style that is a natural page turner, packed with interesting anecdotes as well as well-researched information that gives rise to amazing insights. Thousands of dogs will be healthier and happier for their owners to have read this gem of a book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Communication is the key, March 23, 2007

By	Sandy (Monrovia, California USA) - See all my reviews

This book raised my consciousness about the two way communication between dog and owner. It doesn't give many step by step directions about training but that can be found in reference books at the end of the book. Perhaps understanding the relatiionship with our pets is a bigger step before attempting specific training. I found myself much more sensitive to my dog after reading this.