Do you have dog friends? You know, the ones that didn’t have kids, they had dogs instead? Yep, I’m one of those. We don’t mean to drive you crazy with our stories about how smart, funny and devoted our dogs are or how recalcitrant, devious, and amusing they can be. Those of us owned by dogs have long known how smart dogs are and we now have science to prove it. Animal behaviorists and trainers are learning more and more about how complex the human/dog relationship really is and here’s the kicker…we’re not the amazing part in that duo! Here are three books that will give you some insight, not just into dogs, but those pesky, dog-loving friends of yours:
The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell
I have read this book numerous times and each time I marvel at McConnell’s insight into how our natural inclinations as primates can cause distress and unease in our canine companions. Throughout the book McConnell expresses her love of dogs through the advocacy of ethical breeding, treatment, and training. What I loved most about this book was taking what I had learned from each chapter and using the canine body language suggested to communicate with my dogs. You truly see her words in action!
Do Dogs Dream Nearly Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know by Stanley Coren
Author Stanley Coren has taken all the puzzling, little questions he has been asked about dogs over the years and created a helpful handbook for dog enthusiasts. Questions like: Why do dogs touch noses? Can your dog make you healthier? What are dogs trying to say when they bark? Coren takes the latest science and distills it into understandable and very readable chapters.
Inside Of A Dog by Alexandra Horowitz
I knew I would enjoy this book from the title. It’s half of a Groucho Marx quote: “Outside of dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” Horowitz covers some of the same territory as Coren, but delves much deeper into the science. She combines the latest in scientific research and her love of and experience with her own dogs and turns it into a compelling read. You will gain greater understanding and respect for a species that we have both intentionally and unintentionally shaped.
With the knowledge I gained from these books I learned to talk to my dogs, Mac and Jack (yes, I named my dogs after a beer), in canine instead of ape. Through this improved communication I had the opportunity to understand and enjoy my canine kids to a much greater degree. I will be forever grateful for the lessons my dogs taught me and to the authors, scientists, trainers and behaviorists that have deepened my love and appreciation of dogs.
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