How To Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication (Paperback)

by Stanley Coren (Author) "It is probably the case that virtually every human being has, at one time or another, wanted to be Dr. Dolittle, or to own King..." (more)
Key Phrases: midrange pitch, more dominant dog, canine language, Cavalier King Charles, Charles Darwin, Dalai Lama (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
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.

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• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Free Press (April 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074320297X
• ISBN-13: 978-0743202978