Clever Dog - The Secrets Your Dog Wants You to Know

by Sarah Whitehead

Man is not ape. Dog is not wolf.
Clever Dog is an uncompromising demand for a new truth about the domestic dog that occupies both our hearts and our homes. From startling facts about its origins, to the fundamental reasons behind dog and man’s unbreakable attachment, ‘Clever Dog – The Secrets your dog wants you to know’ explores the myths that so many pet owners have been led to believe - and forms conclusions as to how our future relationship with the dog needs to change in order to survive, and thrive.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Audiobook

308 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Hákon Gunnarsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Clever Dog: What Your Dog is Telling You in a pet shop, and thought the title was an interesting one so I bought it. What I have found out is that the book itself is very good. I had more than one aha moments while reading it. That is definitely a good thing. It is always good when one learns something new reading books of this kind.

Sarah Whitehead is a good writer. She builds this book up on case histories, but there is nothing dry about her writing style. It's got humor, which makes the book all the more readable. I laughed out loud a few times, which doesn't happen that often reading a non fiction book.

This book is not just fun to read. It is also very good. The case histories give the problems a real face and how these dog owners, with Whiteheads help, have dealt with those problems. Reading these histories I found the problems real and also the solutions. Each chapter focuses on one problem or one aspect of dog behavior, and at the end of each chapter one gets a list of tips for solving or maybe more importantly preventing problems. I think one gets a rather good foundation in these tips.

Clever Dog is not a complete guide to dogs, but it doesn't set out to be that. Some of this I have read before in other dog behavior books, but the last chapter was completely new to me, and I found it fascinating. The main thing is that I think this book does give one a good start in understanding what dogs are telling us. It is definitely going on my re-readable shelf as something I think I will be able to use more than once.

Now, what I have to do is just to put some of these things into practice.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as scientific as Karen Pryor (the author clearly knows a lot of the science but it doesn't appear much in this book) but still very worth a read. Some good practical tips in helping your dog deal with living in the human world but no step-by-step guides so if that's what you're looking for you need to try elsewhere. Each chapter is arranged as one or two case studies of dogs and humans the author has worked with who exhibited the problems dealt with in that chapter and a brief description of how they were solved. Good but primarily anecdotal.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

All going well - until "learning styles" was dropped in! Not only is there little scientific or logical evidence for "learning styles" but there is also no need to bring in such fanciful concepts for the points the author was making i.e. that some dogs have very good sense of smell and use it to gain information about the world. There is really no need to perpetuate the myth of "learning styles". Apart from that I enjoyed the book.

[Mary Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever had a dog that was "impossible" to train reliably... this is the book for you. Animal Behaviorist Sarah Whitehead explains the nature of a dog; why it does or does not obey you. She also explains why the dog is not like a wolf and is not a "pack" animal attempting to be an "alpha" dog. She dots her narrative with powerful examples of dogs she has helped to become the loving companions we all desire. Often, it is we, the human, who needs the training rather than the furry friend. I highly recommend this book to all people who share their homes with a doggy. There are so many nuances that are overlooked it is a wonderful teaching edition that is easy to read and much appreciated.

[melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant insight into the minds of dogs.

Fantastic insight into the mind of our best friends. Looking from the dogs view makes it really interesting and real. Loved every minute of this book

[Freya Violet Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Some amazing stories of man and dog, with lots of wisdom and advice for raising a happy dog. This book was recommended on my diploma course, and is well worth the read.

[Kevin Harber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I’d read this book a long time ago. Helped me understand why our dogs do some of the things they do and how to better interact with them.

[David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book if you own a dog.
Forget all that “pack leader” crap. It doesn’t help anybody.

[Santa Graudiņa]

Lasot latviešu tulkojumu, ļoti gribas atmest ar roku un meklēt angļu oriģinālu. Žēl, bet tulkotāja nepārvalda ne angļu, ne latviešu valodu.

[Celeste Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easily digestible look into positive dog training for a multitude of behavioural problems. The case studies were well-written and added a lot of colour, successfully keeping the book from being too dry. Overall it wasn’t the most in-depth look at any one behavioural issue, nor any technique - I wouldn’t go to it for specific exercises - but that wasn’t its aim, and as a result it’s probably more accessible for those not already 100% invested in training knowledge. I particularly liked the chapter on selecting dogs from a shelter; it didn’t speak to me personally (as I prefer a totally different type of dog to the author), but it was a great summary of what most pet owners should probably look for in a companion, instead of going by dogs’ colour, age etc. I did want a bit more robust and easily accessible evidence to support the arguments at times, but I’ve read far far worse in that regard.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read, perhaps, too many dog books dyring the first month that I've had my pup, but this the one that I think I would buy. It's common-sense, cheerful about the fact that "dogs aren't just people walking around in little fur coats," and offers plenty of practical tips to train common dog misbehaviors like fear and agression. The only thing that was a little brow-furrowing to me was Whitehead's British aversion to dog parks in favor of off-leash walking in the countryside. It'd be nice, Sarah, it would be nice.

[Sarah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike many dog trainers who write books, Sarah Whitehead is highly literate and can string more than two sentences together. She explains the latest animal behaviour research clearly and with an ease, grace and narrative skill I envy. This is one of a small leaning Tower of Pisa of books I have bought prior to getting our first ever puppy and it is by far the most readable and enlightening. It is a bit daunting as, like school maths, dog training has changed unrecognisably since I grew up with a spaniel who was much loved but - it occurs to me only now - a total pain in the neck. Hopefully I can do better this time round - Sarah Whitehead's dog training DVDs might help too!

[Emmy Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this, and it did have some good information...but some of the vignettes about dogs she has helped and their particular problems seemed very particular to those dogs. I got really lost when she was talking about a wagging tale meaning different things depending on if it's wagging toward the left or right... I spent a while looking at my dog's tail and couldn't discern a difference. The tales were cute though, and I do appreciate her hands-on work.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Areal insight into the behaviour of dogs. Dog training over the years has changed drastically -thank goodness - Sarah Whitehead writes clearly and concisely of what makes our dogs tick. Recommended to anyone who is thinking of getting a dog, or for anyone who already, is lucky enough to own one

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable book which was a quick and easy read. Sarah goes through many different dog behaviour problems and backs them up with real examples she's worked through over the years. A very informative book

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives real insight into a dog's behavior and subtle mannerisms. It has been really helpful for developing some good training techniques for myself as well as my future dog.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

didn't know if this would work as audiobook , but it did, really well read.

[Ben Olsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great insight into dog behaviour.

[Reece · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off interesting, ended up brain numbing ly boring.

[Dearbhla · Rating 4 out of 5]

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