How to Speak Dog

by Stanley Coren

Communication is crucial in any relationship -- especially when one of you happens to be a dog. Drawing on substantial research in animal behaviour, Stanley Coren demonstrates that the average house dog can distinguish at least 140 words and can interact at a level approaching that of a human two-year-old. While actual conversation of the sort Lassie seemed capable of in Hollywood myth-making remains in the realm of fantasy, this book shows us that a great deal of real communication is possible between humans and dogs beyond the simple giving and obeying of commands. How to Speak Dog not only explains the sounds, words, actions and movements which will help owners to communicate most effectively with their dogs; it also deciphers the signs and signals our dogs are giving to us. With easy-to-follow tips on how humans can mimic the language dogs use to talk to one another, original drawings illustrating the subleties of canine body language and a handy visual glossary, How to Speak Dog gives dog lovers a whole new range of essential skills with which to improve their relationship with their dogs.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Psychology, Science, Audiobook, Reference

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Noel Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I get a new dog I reread his books and every time I learn something new. Still one of the best dog books ever to cross my path.

[iva° · Rating 4 out of 5]

obavezno štivo za ljubitelje pasa. stanley coren na stručan, a ujedno i zabavan, duhovit i pristupačan način tumači/prevodi sve ono što psi nama -i međusobno- komuniciraju cijelim svojim tijelom i uopće cijelom svojom pojavom. ova knjiga proširuje značenje pojma "komunikacija" do te mjere da, čitavši ju, razmišljaš i o ljudskoj komunikaciji i o svim signalima koje koristimo da bismo prenijeli neku poruku. knjiga je temeljita i iscrpna i ne radi se samo o tumačenju laveža ili položaja repa, nego do u detalje, npr. što pas poručuje kroz svoje zjenice, izraze lica, uši i sve ostalo. knjiga je krcata podatcima i nemoguće ju je savladati u jednom čitanju... više ju doživljavam kao priručnik kojem ću se redovito vraćati.

[Lacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is thus far the most enlightening, beautifully written piece on dogs I've come across, and that is not just in comparison to all of the frivolous responses to my Google queries. (Well, maybe it is.) As a first time dog owner, I had more questions than a search engine could reasonably answer. What is this thing about being an alpha dog?! Is my dog painfully bored during my long workday? What is it about his greeting that seems to put all the other dogs in a tizzy? Why is he constantly scratching himself, like a kid biding time, whenever I am trying to teach him something?

To my relief and amazement, Stanley Coren wittily answers all of these and more with thorough, thoughtfully curated topics from ethological studies, history, animal psychology, and his own anecdotes. I learned, for example, that yawning could be a nonchalant sign of friendliness and peace toward an aggressive dog. I learned that pointing at something with your body and head is more easily understood than pointing with your finger (the chapter about which had me laughing to myself). But the book does more than explain how to communicate with dogs. Coren breaks down the various components by which dogs communicate -- their sounds, the rotation of their ears, posture, facial expressions, tail expressions, etc., and for that, I am greatly indebted, because my eyes were opened to so much of what my dog was saying that I couldn't understand before. My dog wasn't just excited to see other dogs; his eye contact and broad-chested posturing was letting every dog know he considered himself the boss, even if he was half their height. His endless bouts of itches during our training sessions was a sign of confusion and frustration, so I needed to slow our lessons down. And happily, his excited shoulder-rubbing all over the couch and floor after consuming a homecooked meal is not, in fact, the result of an allergic reaction so much as an expression of ecstatic joy. Most importantly, understanding why the expressions mean what they do (in relation to their wild nature, history of domestication, interactions with their litter and their birthmom) permits me to discard the dominance theory in favor of a relationship built more on familial friendship and understanding, which is what I'd prefer to have with my precious one.

Needless to say, I'm so grateful to have found this book. Yes, much more of it deals with theory than with practical advice (though there is also advice to be found, too). There are a lot of resources out there about how to train your dog, but when those techniques don't work, this book can help 'debug' the process, so to speak. I can't recommend it enough.

[Chriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

(On Audible) My first dog book! I found it way more interesting than I thought I would, particularly the chapters on the way dogs communicate with each other, which I intend to reread right away to really cement it in there. As I read about the nuances and meanings behind how they communicate using their ears and tails in their behavior with each other, I recognized it in other dogs that have been in my life.

I adopted a sweet doggo from a shelter a couple of months ago and we quickly bonded. He’s very sweet and knows a number of commands already which he’s quite happy to show off for you….. when he feels like it. Today was the first time he apparently didn’t feel like coming to COME. Because I only know enough about what not to do rather than to do, I concede more dog behavior and training books are in my future. Next up I guess I’ll check out these Monks of Skeet.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book had a lot of good information, especially for novice dog handlers. There is a lot of history and past studies included here, as well as experiments you can try yourself. A lot of the information in this book is based more on author Stanley Coren's experiences rather than in depth long term research. There were many statements and assumptions that I disagreed with (from my own experiences), or that I found suspect because they were too open to interpretation. The issues surrounding signs of dog dominance have been debated since the beginning of time. You often hear completely opposite interpretations. Because of this, I'd say that though this is a good resource, I would be hesitant to rely on it religiously. Every dog is different and behavior can rely on, or be affected by so many other environmental, health and experience-based stimulus.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fascinating! We see so many of these 'dog-whisperer' tricks on YouTube, but Coren gives the scientific backstory of evolutionary biology that makes up the whole nature of the beast. I now understand how I could've looked after Tina & Turner better, and am applying a whole new phrasebook in raising up Penny & Bertie. It's really challenging for me, as they're gorgeously open to exploring the world, I want to stare at them unblinkingly, watching for every clue, and attempting to decipher every mannerism. Poor pups, they'll feel as if they're on stage if I'm not careful.

[Jeff R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and a must read for all canine behaviorists, trainers, and anyone wanted to have a better relationship with your dog. This is one of those change your life kind of books.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read and valuable for everyone who comes in contacts with dogs, not just for dog owners. Coren fills the book with a wide range of research about communications, in general, and how that applies to dogs, in particular. He also includes cats, and apes, including some of the seminal studies in non-human animal linguistic research.

The sketches included, with a great quick reference summary at the end of the book, are excellent. His book, and the sketches, will have you noticing what those dogs in the park are saying to each other. And to unsuspecting humans, if they have 'doggish', to avoid getting bit and to reduce bad encounters between dogs. Now when I walk in the park and see the dogs moving, I can see what they are saying! For example, I saw a particular dog's language and saw that the owner was not paying attention to its fearful aggressiveness to another dog and I was able to predict it would attack it.

His cat/dog tail fairy tale is fun. It describes how miscommunication happens between dogs and cats, and between dog lovers and cats. His elaboration makes clear and solid the truth of the tale.

Research suggests that dogs learn upwards of 200 words, with a vocabulary and ability to understand at roughly equivalent to a two year old. Very simple sentences can be understood.

In chapter 19, "Is it Language?", Coren runs through the basic scientific attributes that have been deemed the minimum needed for communication to be a language. And, with a smile on my face, following this criterion 'doggish' is a language. The smile arises, in part, because he had earlier in the book disagreed with the famous linguist, Noam Chomsky, who averred that only humans have or can have language (p.12). Claiming "that most psychologists and linguists today would probably agree on around four or five basic requirements for something to be defined as a language"(p.220), Coren then looks at semanticity, or meaningfulness, displacement, or the ability to refer to objects or events displaced in time or place, grammar and finally productivity. In each case he argues that doggish meets these criterion. I cite from his discussion on 'productivity':

The last basic requirement for language is known as productivity. A true language allow the expression and comprehension of an infinite number of novel expressions, all of which created on the spot. More clearly, this notion is based on the assumption that language is a creative system of communication, as opposed to a repetitive system that works on the basis of recycling a limited set of sentences or phrases. Some researchers might suggest that this requirement seems to rule out canine language. Unfortunately, interpreted strictly, it would also rule out any simple language that has a small vocabulary and limited grammatical rules which keep the sentences short. A child of two or three years of age, with a vocabulary of only 100 words and a sentence length limited to two words, will have a fixed number of possible sentences and will 'recycle' these sentences as needed to communicated with those around him. Yet we give this child credit for having language, even though it fails the test of productivity.
My predisposition is to accept doggish as a simple language, using the same rules and criteria that we use to credit young children with language. When testing language development in people, in addition to sounds, psychologist do recognize gestures as language components. Consider one such test, the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory, which has forms for measuring language development for children as young as two years of age. It has entire section on 'Communicative Gestures', which it counts as language. These include pointing to interesting objects or events, waving 'bye-bye' when a person leaves, extending the arms upward to signal a wish to picked up, and even smacking the lips 'yum-yum' gesture to show that something tasted good. Certainly, the communicative gestures of dogs are equal to in complexity to these.
In drawing the similarity between canine communication abilities and infant speech we must not go overboard. There are unavoidable parallels, however. In both and dogs and human infants, receptive vocabulary is larger and more reliable than productive vocabulary. The linguistic items that are understood also more likely to contain information about actions that the speaker would like to perform. We say, 'Give me your hand,' to a child and grant it some linguistic ability when it does so. Obviously, then, the dog's response to 'Give me a paw' also represents equivalent language ability. The emitted language for both young infants and dogs is almost exclusively social in nature, attempting to elicit responses from other individuals. In dogs, the emitted language actually a bit more complex than that of infants, since it emphasizes dominance and status relationships as well as the emotional states and desires of the communicator. Although a two year old may well try to manipulate others with displays such as temper tantrums, human children will not commonly attempt to communicate or express real social dominance until they are a few years older (p. 224-225).

I learned much more than what a flapping tail means in this book, including why and how dogs are different than wolves, some linguistics, including that with apes, the effects on children and their language on having being raised by wolves, and of course some of the human/dog history. A wonderful and delightful read.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice place to start in a study of canine communication and behavior, but there have been better books written about it (to name a few: The Other End of the Leash (McConnell), Inside of a Dog (Horowitz), and Dog Sense (Bradshaw)). My full review here: http://thedoggerel.wordpress.com/2011...

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun stories about clever and/or cute dogs and immediately useful practical advice.

Great for dog owners. Fun for everyone.

[Sloan VW · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit hard to get through for me as it focused on history more than I was expecting and couldn’t keep my attention for long periods of time. There were some takeaways from it that I found beneficial.

[Chris M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe the information on what dogs are saying is largely correct but dogs themselves are much easier to read than this book. After struggling to maintain intetest through the author's academic theorizing on what language is or is not and how it developed and why (a full quarter of the book), I felt as if he was trying too hard to convince me to agree with his own opinions. He could be right but the writing left me doubting his credibility. I thought maybe the book would live up to its "how to" title better once I reached the chapters thar actually talked about the specifics of dogs' body language but here again the author was a bit too wordy over-explaining his ideas without telling me anything I didn't already know.

[Scot Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide to dog-human interaction. There are a couple of minor errors here and there concerning the interpretation of statistics, but these do not significantly detract from the work as a whole. This book will give you a lot of insight into just what your dog is trying to communicate to you and help you to speak to your (and anyone else's) dog in their language. This has significantly changed how I interact with my own dogs, and led to a much more positive relationship with them with way less frustration.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most comprehensive and accurate overview of dog/dog and dog/human (bonus: dog/cat) communication I've ever read. This belongs in the same high category as Monks of New Skete' How to be Your Dog's Best Friend and Cesar Millan's Dog Whisperer, for usefulness and fascination. Excellent illustrations, also, to help identify body language. Having had nearly a dozen canine companions thus far in life, and most of the time, multiples at a time, I found this very enlightening and true. Must read if you love dogs.

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has spent a lot of time watching dogs, whew! It's quite fascinating to read through the various ways of communication animal to animal and how that translates and mis-translates in human-canine interactions. I can see where this could be very useful to someone starting out with a dog. For us with a 15 year old dog, it seems to be more an issue of looking back on our mistakes! There are some delightful anecdotes included. That kept me interested where, for example, long descriptions of tail positions and their probable meanings did not. Well-researched and well-written.

[Florence Buchholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neoteny, or the retention of juvenile characteristics such as rounded muzzle, floppy ears and high pitched bark, occurs in domestic canines, unlike wild canines. Some breeds of domestic dog have also lost some of th e ability to convey subtle social messages to the pack. In all, a fascinating book with great insight as to how dogs communicate with humans, with other species, and with each other.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading it in 2023, you definitely know it's been a while since the book was written (in 2000). Some of the content holds up quite well. Yes, dogs do have language. Some of it, not so much (e.g., "mentally deficient girl"). So some of the outdated talk on dominance and being the alpha or pack leader is cringe-worthy now. But much of the detailed content (like tail position to indicate friendliness or threatening) is still very useful to know. Glad I read it, as I learned a few things.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is practice prior to 2000. It is inaccurate in some stated comments from my reading of others works and lived experience of dogs.
Perhaps his later edition might be more accurate. I look forward to reading it. If you chose to read Stanley Coren, read others too for more accurate research results, understandings and practice with dogs.

[Martin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what an amazing book.

A must read for anyone who likes dogs. I found myself learning as much about human behaviour as that of dogs. Written at just the right level as well, often funny and often very touching. And the last chapter really got me emotionally.

Life changing book - one of my favourites that I’ve read over last few years.

[Maria Chiara Maestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un saggio completo sulla comunicazione del cane, non troppo tecnico e accessibile al pubblico

[Catherine Puma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good listen! I grew up with dogs and have two terrier boy rescues of my own now, and I now understand more about their behaviors and intentions having read this.

I thought this was published more recently, but it's actually the digital and audiobook editions that were released in the past few years. This book was first published 25 years ago--a quarter century! It shows when the author talks about humans rather than dogs. When discussing alpha dogs in packs, he implies that politicians are good and musicians are bad for our human society. Then, when explaining why dogs exhibit humping behaviors in different situations, he talks about a client who freaked out about thinking her humpy dog was gay, and he told her, "Your dog's not gay. And, people who don't settle down and continue in their homosexual lifestyles can actually lead happy lives." Which, for 2000, is giving ally, I guess? Still. It hasn't aged well.

I have read books about dogs and wild canines, but there is a lot out there in this nonfiction sub-genre, so I am no means an expert. There has to be more recent publications about this topic. But some passages really stick with me, especially in the afterward where Coren says how much the sound of his dogs' breathing at night while their all falling asleep in the same room means to his concept of home and feeling safe...His love for dogs really comes through. He's even saved a couple of dogs' lives, literally, by explaining how certain behaviors weren't aggression and could be trained around. If only we can learn what our dogs are saying and how to communicate in return, we can make a significant difference.

[Corina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure I totally buy into the conveyed idea that 95% of a dog’s psyche is focused on who is dominant and who is lower, but this was a fascinating read nonetheless. For one thing, it proved to me that all those times I loudly complained about “being chopped liver” to my younger dog, who is absolutely obsessed with my husband, on some levels I was right hahahaha. Despite “knowing” that dogs don’t communicate the same ways humans do, I still managed to stumble on some pitfalls regarding human-dog communication. All those times where I was mentally thinking “oh is my baby cold? Let me scooch over for her and cover her with the blanket better!” I was acceding to her supposed control of space. Meanwhile, my older dog has never done a lot of the behavior from this book describing a dog establishing “dominance over the pack” and he has many more “submissive” behaviors that my younger dog never does like showing their belly, so I give the book some credit. That being said, I’ve never had problems with younger dog ignoring my commands or anything like that, so it’s not like this book sometimes implied where she’s fighting the system and the system is me 😆

So while I’ll no longer be letting my younger, apparently desperate to be dominant dog shoulder check me in the middle of the night anymore, I’m not exactly falling over myself worrying about whether or not I’m “an alpha” in the family, and will just strive to work on understanding cross-species communication better. Thumbs up.

[Ted Waterfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dog lover I found this book highly entertaining, informative, rewarding, enlightening, and renewing. As a retired history teacher and wanna-be archaeologist/anthropologist, I have often concluded that there developed in our evolutionary past three distinct branches of human beings. These being homo sapien sapien, homo sapien neanderthal, and homo sapien canine :). So I found it especially interesting that early in the book the author, Stanley Coren, mentions a theory that our domestication of dogs might have been far earlier than commonly accepted. Perhaps as far back as 100,000 years ago. And because of this early date, we relied more and more on their smelling and tracking skills for the hunt than our own, which allowed our early human ancestors to evolve different facial features which resulted in the ability to form complex speech patterns. Our other human ancestors, Neanderthal, never developed a relationship with dogs, and they disappeared! (pp. 17-19). Could it be we owe our very survival to our domestication of dogs?

[Chris Chinchilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the research and thoughtfulness behind this book. I learned a lot about dog behavior and interaction. The illustrations throughout the book and at the end are beneficial. I also enjoyed the many anecdotes and research stories--I learned about dogs, wolves, cats, chimps, and even pterodactyls.

I would have liked more practical advice. The book says, "This is how to interpret dog behavior." Okay, great...then what? The book offers little on what to do with that information or how to interact with dogs. It offers SOME advice but not much, and the advice feels scattered. Chapter 20 is probably the most comprehensive for advice, but it's the final chapter and noticeably brief.

Still, the book's information is fascinating, and I feel like a better dog owner--indeed, a more aware human being--than before reading the book.

[Rk Stark · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is now over 20 years old, it is still a helpful book for understanding and communication with your dog. It can be viewed as a training book, but as the author makes clear, it is really for better understanding how to read your dog and help your dog read you.
The science is a bit old, but mostly still sound, and while I wish the research studies were cited in the text, I am aware of most of them through other books. I really appreciate the illustrations and dog language dictionary provided and I think it would be helpful for any dog owner. This book also provides a chapter on Cat language and how cats and dogs have differences but can learn together. A lot on language theory and acquisition is also here, but it’s mostly dog focused.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An addition to the growing body of literature on reading canine body language and positive canine approach training.
There are one or two disagreements I have with Cohen -- his reference to dominance I find troubling.
However, overall, the book is positive.
But, if you are interested in furthering your canine body language knowledge or training your dog, I suggest you pick up one of the excellent books by a certified CAPD trainer -- Patricia McConnell, Nicole Wilde, Pat Miller -- (Cesar Milan is not one of these certified trainers).
Or go right to the horse's mouth and read Turid Rugaas, (On Talking Terms with Dogs) the canine behaviorist who first wrote about canine body language.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I didn't read this book in it's entirety.

We recently adopted a dog and he's been a bit of a puzzle. Grabbed this book thinking it would help at certain point, and it did. However, there were certain chapters that I simply did not need to read, so...

I read about the ways dogs talk to each other (Face Talk, Ear Talk, etc) which were excellent. Also the chapter regarding Cats and Dogs and the different ways they communicate was very helpful. Alas, I think our cat will never forgive us for bringing him home.

In any case, if you want to go deeper into understanding the subtle ways dogs communicate with both humans and other dogs, this is a great book to help you out.

[Felix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book! Clear, comprehensive, and structured a bit like an essay. While I appreciate Mr. Coren's care for dogs, insights, and explanation of their communication, there were some sticking points that lead me to a 3-star review.

The way the book talks about dogs and people is just a bit outdated! And there were a few sections that were somewhat unpleasant to read, or are no longer completely accurate (to the best of my knowledge).

Still, a good read on the subject of canine communication and language in general, and I learned some new things. Awesome, precise illustrations as well.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed full of information, I feel like I have learned so much about my 4 legged children from this book as well I learned about other people’s 4 legged friends.
It was so interesting how everything has a meaning for a dog, from facial expressions, body language, vocal sounds, and even their tail.
I loved the chapter about Cats and how they a horrible liars who can’t be trusted. Obviously I am not a cat person.
It was well written and informative without being boring.

I would recommend this book to everyone, even if you don’t have a dog I am sure you encounter them occasionally and it’s not a bad idea to know what their intentions are when interacting with them.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting through this book was difficult because it reads like a textbook. The author is a University professor so his in-depth writing about whether dogs use language is understandable. There are some interesting anecdotes from the author's personal experience. Some of the information about reading a dog's body language is good to know. The diagrams are helpful too.

It's obvious that the book was written many years ago because there is a reference to 'normal children' versus 'children with severe psychological problems such as Down's syndrome or autism'. He even refers to a child as mentally deficient.