The Body Language and Emotion of Dogs: A Practical Guide to the Physical and Behavioral Displays Owners and Dogs Exchange and How to Use Them to Create a Lasting Bond (Paperback)

~ (Author) "DURING THE FIRST TEN YEARS I devoted my energies to the practice of small-animal medicine, I acquired tremendous re for the critical role body language..." (more)
Key Phrases: bonded view, bonded owners, submissive body language, Bit O'Honey, Lou Rutherford, Saint Bernard (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In explaining the complexities of canine psychology and human interaction, Milani provides excellent information on special problems, such as depression, fear, aggression, boredom, and isolation. Charming, realistic views of people through a dog's eyes reveal the effects of behavioral and emotional states on relationships. Unlike training books, this focuses on interpreting canine body language, assigning motives, and developing an effective response. Since little has been published on this topic, this will be of interest to students of animal health and behavior. Written with repetitious examples in a continuous style that tends to require reading of the entire book, this is unsuitable as a reference resource, and may not appeal to the average dog owner. Recommended for larger collections.Carolyn Alexander, USACDEC Tech nic al Information Ctr., Fort Ord, Cal.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Why do dogs and their woners, both social animals, often have problems? As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Milani found that many owners fail to understand the meaning of dogs' behavioral displays. By mistaking territoriality for spite, dominant behavior for love, and making other false interpretations, owners often respond inappropriately. Many owners also fail to grasp how their own emotions and body language affect their relationships with their pets. Here, based on fascinating case histories form her own practice, Dr. Milani offers a guide that goes beyond solving dog behavioral problems.

The Body Language and Emotion of Dogs also explores the powerful emotions aroused in those of us who seek satisfactory bonds with our pets. Understanding both the social nature of dogs and also that our own emotional responses enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health of both owner and pet. Dr. Milani uses fact, practical experience, and above all, sensitivity and tolerance to help owners build better relationships with their dogs.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (October 28, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688128416
• ISBN-13: 978-0688128418
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #505,119 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars What a disappointment, November 20, 2000

By A Customer

I regret to say that I agree with a previous reviewer who said that this book "turned my stomach." I bought the book because I wanted to learn about dog body language and our interpretations (or misinterpretations) of that language in an effort to improve my understanding of canine behavior.

Instead of the careful analysis I expected from a veterinarian, Dr. Milani uses anectotal examples of cruelty to dogs as her examples. She describes, over and over again, dogs who are beaten, tied outside and euthanized because their owners "misunderstand" them. Not only are the case studies anecdotal and, as such, not a useful statistical description of dog/human relations, but they are very upsetting to read. And, as a previous reviewer has stated, Dr. Milani fails to condemn the practices she describes in such great detail. In fact, she admits to euthanizing otherwise healthy dogs simply because their owners failed to change their attitudes toward their pets, take them for training or make attempts to re-home the dogs. I cannot imagine how a veterinarian could engage in such a practice.

In conclusion, my work with a breed rescue organization prevents me from recommending a book in which euthanizing dogs is called "termination of the relationship." It is a fact that sometimes dogs and owners are mismatched, but every effort must be made to re-home the dog before euthanasia is ever considered. In fact, there are several animal sanctuaries in the United States which provide permanent homes for "untrainable" or aggressive dogs.

Shame on you , Dr. Milani, for representing your book as a useful tool for improving our relationships with dogs.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, December 4, 2005

By	J. Miller - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a dog trainer-in training, I've been systematically reading just about every title I can find about dogs. I do find this book taking a bit longer to read then many others, however I feel it contains helpful information on the various behaviors of dogs that humans often misread.

Anthromorphisizing our pets' behaviors, while often cute and funny, can lead to some serious relationship issues and Ms. Milani is attempting to combat that in this book. Rather then emphasizing "terminating the relationship" as many of the previous reviewers have focused on, the author is attempting to prevent such occurances. She does mention on occasion that in some situations rehoming the dog in a more suitable environment is best for all those concerned. I don't feel her intent is to condone euthanasia as a "cure-all" nor do I feel she encourages anyone to simply give up on the dog/human relationship without taking every reasonable measure to ensure sucess.

I feel she does a good job explaning common issues that arise in dog/human teams and the reasons behind these problems. Dog training is often more about the person then the dog and she does well illustrating how our behaviors shape those of our companion animals.

I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to understand the motivations of dogs, the behaviors they present, and the reasons we humans do what we do. Ms. Milani presents solutions to common problems in an easy to understand and implement manner.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Simple book, July 5, 1998

By A Customer

The author writes about dogs' behaviour and emotions in a simplistic manner. Most dog owners would be able to relate to and understand their dogs without reading this book. The book also lacks emphasis on the interpretations of dogs' behaviour and emotions. Generally, the book lacks substance despite a good tittle.