What's Your Dog Telling You?

by Martin McKenna

From the bestselling author of The Dog Man comes the ultimate guide for understanding your dog. Martin 'The Dog Man' McKenna has helped thousands of humans communicate better with their dogs. Now, in this book, he shares the things he's learned - and shows how with simple tricks, anyone can improve dogs' behaviour and solve long-standing problems.

What's your Dog Telling You? reveals what your dog is thinking when he jumps up on you when you get home from work (it's not always because he's happy to see you), why he licks you (it's a form of domination), why he sometimes blinks a lot (he's nervous), along with solving many other doggy mysteries. Whatever your dog's age, breed or personality, you'll discover at last why your dog sometimes behaves strangely. Now you'll find what your dog - or any dog you meet - is trying so desperately to tell you!

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Walter Van Praag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has given me an entire new insight into my doggy's world. In our human world we have always anthropomorphised our dogs, and therefore completely misread them. MartinMc has written this book so we can make our dogs happier and our lives more peaceful. Though the book is written in simple and easy to understand English and often repeats the same advice whilst building up your knowledge, this is the best way to learn for anyone. After reading this book I recognise when my Lily is challenging me and when she is being polite and submissive.

A dog's life MartinMc explains is one of continuous point scoring, one big game. Humans like winning and we must win points. When dogs win points they think your leadership is weakening and they actually start feeling more insecure and challenge more and harder so as to get more points and establish their exact position in 'the pack'. A dog that feels you are not completely in charge will be aggressive to others on walks and will not listen to you.

MartinMc teaches us in this book how to win these little challenges to assure your dog that you are firmly in charge and they can rest and relax and want to listen to you.

He also explains that if you have other dogs or creatures, human or otherwise, in your home to make them fit in the pack by establishing a suitable hierarchy. No more fighting and misbehaving!

Consider this a must read for future and current dog owners and for teens that want a puppy.

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was interesting as I find all books that talk about dog/people psychology. Clearly people make a lot of mistakes misinterpreting their dog's behaviour and exhibit human behaviour that doesn't equate to the same thing in the dog's world. That being said, to live your life by the letter according to this book would take a lot of the joy away from having a dog in your family. Sorry, but to not be able to cuddle my dogs would be akin to not being able to do the same with my children. I know the dogs are not my children, however they are dearly loved and I want to express this sometimes. So a compromise? Be mindful of the dog's world and happy that he's in mine!!

[Sophie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Martin McKenna is yet another man who grew up surrounded by dogs - see Caesar Millan. His ideas are new, however, based on the reading I've done of both negative and positive reinforcement, he is not acting from the same ball park as most trainers. Most of the first chapter does not make logical sense and is not supported by current research or thinking. This book is based on negative reinforcement techniques and I do not suggest reading it unless you are a fan of these techniques - the other author mentioned above is a very popular user of them.

[Sunshine Biskaps · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s your dog telling you anyway? I’ve always wanted to read what my dog is communicating with me. This book has some eye-opening advice, even though it’s rather strict and redundant. Some useful strategies I found include making sure my chin is held high, not giving my dog too much attention, making sure I don’t overly hug my dog as they see it as a fighting gesture and taking control of situations by making sure we are good leaders before any bad outcome can occur. It also makes sense why cute little dogs are often yappy and think they are boss.

The higher elevations makes for better views and a more powerful level. I do admit that my dog is allowed to sleep on the best bed in the house (mine) but only after I am in it and she is invited. I’ve also started growling at my dog and she is very responsive and knows right away who is boss. I’m not sure I will do the mock-marking my letter box, but it’s an interesting suggestion. Overall, an interesting read and I will be using some tips from Martin McKenna!

[Chelsea Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good, this book is a wonderful dictionary, almost, of different spiritual conditions of dog owners and the subsequent impact on their dogs. It is both practical and honest, engaging without being overly explained, and has a decent degree of humility overall. Only one star less because sometimes the tone is a little too close to preachy and makes out that the author is some type of perfect person (although I don't think that was the intention in fairness).
A really worthwhile read overall, can definitely make you think and improve your life if applied in the right way.

[Edmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

The advice seems a bit excessive, and dictatorial. It also didn’t answer my issue, why is my dog licking her paws constantly. But I have noticed that even though I thought my dogs love being hugged, they really don’t?

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did skip through a lot of these that weren’t particularly relevant to my dogs there were a lot of examples I took notice of. Something we will definitely put into practice

[Maggie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having recent contact with puppy training classes I was astounded to read this book - so much misinformation, and some very outdated ideas. Please don't follow the ideas in this book. Get yourself to a reputable training school, preferably one that follows positive training methods, and learn how to help your dog become a polite member of the family without resorting to old fashioned, out of date and unnecessarily cruel training methods.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I THINK ITS AMAZING best book i've ever read i love it

[ana sofia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no doubt that McKenna has his heart in the right place, and dearly loves dogs. However his training techniques (and his understanding of dog body language) is incredibly outdated and his information is incorrect, and in some cases, even dangerous. Once science confirmed dogs don't use alpha dominance theory (and in fact, neither do wolves !), this kind of advice went out the window. Please do not use this advice with your dogs.