Dog Body Language Phrasebook: 100 Ways to Read Their Signals

by Trevor Warner

A dog's body language communicates a multitude of emotions, but unless you happen to speak 'dog,' you may be misunderstanding what your best friend wants or needs. With the help of the new Dog Body Language Phrasebook, pups and their people will be on their way to better communication.
• This book features 100 of the most common types of dog expression and is organized by categories of dog behavior, including contentment, anger, fear, playfulness, and interaction. 
• Each specified behavior features a photograph and caption that explains things such as the many different meanings of how your dog holds his tail and ears, or what the condition of his fur signals.
 • Helpful fact boxes include tips on choosing the right breed of dog, advice on how to help your dog cope with the stress of boarding kennels, and how to test your dog's IQ.
 • Learn how to un-do bad behaviors like excessive digging, barking, and whining. 
• Dogs really are man's best friend — they're the world's most popular household pet. This unique picture-reference guide makes a valuable training tool or wonderful gift for dog lovers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Andrea James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Admittedly I would not have bought this book had I seen it in a bookshop as it would have screamed "Christmas stocking filler" or would be found in the children's section perhaps.

I bought it because the blurb on the back of the book (i.e. what I saw in the profile summary of the book when buying it online) said: "Find out what your dog is thinking with this easy-to-use reference book".

*reference* book. A reference needs to have meaty information, no? This is the sort of reference book one might read as an 8-year-old and then proceed to hound (ahem) everyone in sight with "did you know...?"

The title says "body language phrasebook", so I expected diagrams (and maybe photos) with various positions/poses etc. and an explanation of the appropriate interpretations of what the dog is attempting to communicate.

The subtitle said "100 ways to read their signals" so I didn't think this book would be an in-depth study of dog behaviour. I knew it would be a rather simplified summary (an at-a-glance version for an interested dog owner rather than anything approaching academic). But reading this gave me the same unsatisfying "huh" one gets from reading the little slips one finds in a Christmas cracker. The whole book is finished in under 30 minutes. £9.99* not well spent.

*I bought it second-hand so I didn't pay that but now I have the faff of thinking about how to get rid of it

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and interesting wee book. I knew most of these dog body languages but I still enjoyed the book. I like how it's written in little short sections with random facts throughout. Fun wee read.

[Lore · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new, first time puppy owner, I found this book very useful and informative. A great choice to learn the basics about your dog's behavior.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

[Owlboyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful insight into dog behavior. The presentation is well done, short bites of information with photos to illustrate. Great book to have if you own a dog.

[Izzie Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little introduction to canine body language.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting book with cute pictures of dogs.