Dogs in Translation

by Katja Krauss, Gabi Maue

There have been a number of fine books that have attempted to penetrate and unravel the complex manner in which dogs communicate with dogs, humans and other species. But Dogs In Translation, the work of two of Europe’s leading behaviourists, Gabi Maue and Katja Krauss, takes this journey of exploration to a new level.

The authors have taken every opportunity to witness situations and interactions to build their knowledge, and spent over a decade collating a library of photographs which demonstrate the myriad ways in which dogs indicate their mood and intentions. The result is this extraordinary pictorial journey through the emotional world of the dog, with more than 1300 photographs, all expertly analysed.

Making use of split-second photography, we can see the most subtle of signs that tells us what a dog is experiencing, moment by moment, and how he is processing that experience. Not only does this provide a fascinating study of canine behaviour, it also gives us the tools to predict outcomes. Armed with this knowledge, we can step in, where necessary, and prevent our dogs suffering discomfort, stress or trauma.

Part One focuses on the head, and the parts of the body, showing how dogs use their physicality to expresses their emotions, and as a means of communicating with other dogs and with their guardians and caregivers. Communication signals come under the microscope in Part Two, detailing the repertoire of behaviours that are used in daily interactions, and how these are perceived by other dogs. The final part of the book looks at each of the emotions – fear, sadness, annoyance, anger rage, revulsion/disgust and joy – and provides evidence of how dogs experience these feelings.

Dogs In Translation is a landmark publication that fully acknowledges dogs as sentient beings. The remarkable range of photographs, coupled with sensitive and perceptive commentary, gives us the means to understand, and help, our dogs as never before.

Genres: Dogs

486 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Laura Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game changer wenn man einen detaillierten und umfassenden Einblick in die Körpersprache und Vielschichtigkeit der Emotionen von Hunden bekommen will. Nachteil: Man sieht danach ständig Hunde im Alltag, die von ihren Menschen missverstanden werden :(

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4'5*

I'll be talking about this book on November 29th, 2024 here: https://youtu.be/Tj1ggdOJDKY

[G. Deyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liest sich immer mal wieder ein bisschen wie Tellington-TTouch-Werbung, und ab und zu kamen auch Vorschläge über andere Quacksalberei wie Akupunktur und Homöopathie: daher ein Stern weniger.

Davon abgesehen ist das Buch bei WEITEM das beste, dass ich je zum Thema gesehen hab (auf Deutsch oder Englisch). Natürlich kommt immer noch nicht 100prozentig jedes Signal darin vor. Es ist aber mindestens um ein 10faches umfangsreicher und ausführlicher wie jedes andere, dass ich kenn. Die vielen großen Farbfotos und detaillierte Beschreibungen helfen enorm, den Blick auch wirklich zu schulen.

Sollte von allen, die mit Hunden zu tun haben, gelesen sein.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gutes Fachbuch, sehr gute Fotos, zwischendurch sind manche Texte etwas fragwürdig, ob die wirklich sinnvoll waren, dazuzupacken....

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating pictorial examination of dog behavior through facial expression, body posture, and other physical clues. I have over forty years experience owning and training dogs and appreciated what the authors were trying to show. This book would be worthwhile for dog behaviorist, veterinarians, dog trainers, and anyone who works regularly with dogs. My only complaint is the use of the term "guardian" in place of owner. I try not to anthropomorphize dogs and do not think guardian is an accurate term.