If Only They Could Speak: Stories About Pets and Their People (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "As a veterinarian who specializes in treatment of behavior problems in animals, I routinely meet stimulating people, and Caroline Spinelli definitely fell into that category..." (more)
Key Phrases: head halter, dominant dogs, behavior clinic, New York, King Charles, New Hampshire (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The countless joys and rewards as well as the frustrations and failures of pet ownership are explored by an author who examines the complexities of the human-animal dynamic from both points of view. From the dog who is more apt to chew his master's slippers than fetch them, to the cat who would rather pounce than purr, determining why even the most loyal and lovable pets display inappropriate behavior is the goal of renowned animal behaviorist Dodman, a proponent of behavior modification based upon a thorough understanding of an animal's inherent personality traits and species characteristics. Sharing case histories culled from his extensive caseload of distraught pet owners desperate to discover the cause of their pet's perplexing actions, Dodson advocates strategies ranging from dietary changes to pharmaceutical remedies. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

A truly landmark book....chock full of valuable lessons that will help every pet and pet parent -- Marty Becker, DVM, Good Morning, America Veterinarian

I love Dr. Dodman's work. -- Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

This is a "must read" book for anyone interested in the behavior of dogs and cats—and people too! -- Stanley Coren, author of How to Speak Dog and The Intelligence of Dogs

[R]equired reading for anyone who even thinks about getting an animal...skillfully written, very exciting, and highly entertaining to read... -- Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Hidden Life of Dogs

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 262 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393051005
• ISBN-13: 978-0393051001
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,562,535 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Dodman Has Another Hit on His Hands, June 20, 2002

By	rabsparks "rabsparks" (MD USA) - See all my reviews

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, author of four other books on dog and cat behavior and founder of the Behavioral Clinic at Tufts Veterinary School, has once again demonstrated why he's a leading authority on dog/cat behavior. "If Only They Could Speak" chronicles several stories on dog and cat behavior pulled from the clinic's lengthy history.

The reader gets to see the "case" from start to finish, and in doing so comes to an understanding as to the necessity for treating serious behavioral issues from a behavior modification as well as a pharmacological approach. But the author's style keeps the book moving from chapter to chapter. Aptly subtitled, "Stories about Pets and Their People", Dr. Dodman presents each case in such a manner that the love between the pet and its owner is not given a backseat to the issues at hand.

It is unlikely that any pet owner will fail to recognize one or more of the problems related in "If Only They Could Speak". Dominance, separation anxiety, and aggression problems are handled with Dr. Dodman's normal aplomb and compassion. And while the problems are serious, disrupting the owner's household and day-to-day life, Dr. Dodman offers helpful information which should go a long way to helping the owners and dogs resolve their problems. Dr. Dodman's writing style makes for a fast and enjoyable read.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars James Herriott Returns, August 1, 2003

By	Delynn M. Siemsen (Boulder, Colorado) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: If Only They Could Speak: Stories about Pets and Their People (Paperback)

I picked this book up on a whim, since I own two neurotic miniature Dachshunds. I was captivated from the first paragraph of the preface. Dr. Dodman writes eloquently, with wit, compassion, and common sense about the pitfalls we fallible humans fall into when it comes to interacting with our beloved pets. Most importantly for me was the reassurance it gave that there are millions of dedicated animal-lovers who know that animals are not "just pets." They have feelings and emotional needs, too. Thank you, Dr. Dodman, for a wonderful read, and a confirmation that there lots of cherished doggies out there!!!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure--Required Reading For All Pet Owners!!, January 21, 2003

By	Geri LaJoie (Arlington, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This book should be required reading for anyone contemplating getting a pet of any kind, and even those who have had pets all their lives will learn much from this latest treasure from Dr. Dodman. No one comes close to having his depth of understanding of animal behavior, and most especially, of how it is profoundly affected by the relationship of animals with humans. The beautifully-told stories in this book, at turns inspirational and heart-wrenching, will cause much reflection in readers. I thought I already understood how my feelings and behavior could affect my pets, because, after reading Dr. Dodman's book "The Cat Who Cried for Help" I sought him out to solve what other vets had written off as an impossible situation between my two cats. Dr. D. with endless patience never gave up on my cats--or on me!--and his compassionate understanding resulted in a happy ending for Peri, Dax & me. But in reading this book, I learned much about my own behavior that I could see created and contributed to perpetuating the problem (Dr. Dodman, the soul of kindness, very nicely didn't point it out at the time!)So, if you care about animals, have animals, or are contemplating getting animals, get this book today--it will make a world of difference to them, and to you. (Thanks again, Dr. D.!!!)