The Secret Language of Dogs: How to Communicate Effectively with Your Dog

by Heather Dunphy

Dogs express themselves in a "secret language" that relies on expressions, body postures, barks and growls. This language contains many subtle-but-important nuances and is very different from human verbal communication, but it is nevertheless a language that can be learned. The Secret Language of Dogs shows you how to interpret what your canine is telling you through their behaviour, and it explains how they, in turn, interpret our body language. Known as "man's best friend" for a reason, dogs are scientifically proven to enhance our quality of life. The Secret Language of Dogs helps return the favour by providing insights into why dogs act as they do. It also contains practical advice for training, addressing common health and behavioral problems, and strengthening the bond with your canine friend. Promptly and properly decoding a canine communication is the key to both a contented dog and a confident owner. The Secret Language of Dogs takes the mysteries out of dog body language, giving you the insight to gain a better understanding of your much-loved pet.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Leisavaners · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this book to other dog lovers. It really brings home the point that we don't speak the same language as our dogs and something that to people may seem harmless or even affectionate (like a hug) can be interpreted very differently by dogs (for example as an aggressive message that they respond to submissively). I also liked how the book was laid out. It started out explaining the different breeds, and also stressed that breed isn't the be-all-end-all. It's the environment and love and training a dog gets that defines them, not their ancestry. It then moved into problem behaviours and what to do about them / how our dogs interpret our actions/ what they are saying by their actions. The book is like a language translator, helping us understand how to speak dog. It's my favourite type of book really: about dogs, with explanations that really make sense. Love for our dogs helps us understand them but it's not enough. This book brings in the science, without sounding scientific (for example, when looking at pack behaviour). Worth a read!!!

[Tabby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has a lot of misinformation and where the science it's based on, a large amount of that has been debunked or recinded by the researchers who originated it.

The most virulent example of this is the "pack theory" running throughout the book. When reading the chapter on pack theory I was confused as the author refers to dog packs. On the whole the theory relates to the myth of the "Alpha Wolves" and the "Wolf Pack", who we now know live in family groups. As the book mentions wild dog packs but even free ranging dogs have loose hierarchies and no strict social dynamic.

The author also suggested saying no to the dog. While I don't disagree with behaviour modification, saying no to your dog doesn't help teach your dog what you'd like him to do and it's easy to say no in a cross or angry voice.

Although there's a prevalance of pictures with dogs wearing prong collars the author doesn't support punishment with respect to treating aggression or most things within a dog's life. The author recommends clicker training and positive reinforcement which is amazing.

I would suggest the Secret Language Of Dogs by Victoria Stillwell or Inside Of A Dog by Alexandra Horowitz for the dog guardian who wants to read up-to-date and science based information.