The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read

by Louise Glazebrook

'Britain's top dog whisperer... a canine-human Esther Perel' The Observer

Wouldn't you love to know what your dog was thinking?

The truth is that your dog is communicating with you all the time but, unless you know the signs, you aren't picking up on what your dog wants you to know.

Louise Glazebrook is a dog behaviourist, trainer and television presenter who specialises in teaching people how to understand and connect with their dogs.

In The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read , Louise tackles everything from bringing the right dog home, understanding body language and breed behaviour, responding to common behavioural issues, to the toys and games that you and your dog will both love.

Most dog trainers focus on the dog, but Louise focuses on you , the owner, giving you the skills and confidence to interpret your dog's needs and behaviour and build a better, happier relationship for life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals, Audiobook

368 pages, Hardcover

First published November 18, 2021

Reviews

[l a ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit disappointed

I love dogs and have read a lot about the species out of interest. Having a rescue German shepherd, who’s behaviour has been very challenging, led me on a quest to better understand dogs to try to solve her issues. Felt this book concentrated too much on slamming the bad breeders and how to choose a good puppy than really understanding man’s best friend. Didn’t really feel I learnt much and found it quite repetitive, full of info which seemed obvious to me and didn’t give the depth on the subject i’d hoped for. Think it is better aimed at people who are looking to add a dog to the family.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing hugely new here, but always useful to have a reminder.

[Diana Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend everyone either read or listen to the audio version of this book BEFORE you run out and get a pooch. There is nothing worse than getting a doggie and returning it shortly after. Well yes there is, if your a public person and boast about shooting a puppy (and a goat)because of your poor training ability. I can't even!
I really enjoyed this book and having just recently lost our dear little fellow, we're not ready for a newbie right now. Our Atlas was an amazing pup and we got lucky with him, getting him as a puppy and we weren't his first family but we enjoyed him for over 10 years.
I watched a ton of you tube videos about pets and if your not committed to making them a part of your family don't invite them into your life and discard them.

[KDub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog behaviorist Louise Glazebrook shows readers how to truly understand their dogs and meet their needs with kindness and respect. This book offers practical advice for creating a strong, lasting connection at any stage of a dog's life.


I have a Yorkie who has more energy than a creature has any business having. 😂 He goes to dog daycare several times a week to get out the zoomies. This book provided valuable information/advice about play, separation anxiety, and some of his behavior quirks. 


Recommended for dog owners and people thinking about getting a dog. 


Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company for the ARC.

[Jackie Cornwall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh dear. Bought this book when my collie was three and my terrier was 18 months. Quickly discovered that I'd already broken every rule about choosing a dog, as Onion the collie, rejected by a breeder for having the wrong markings, came to me at 12 weeks and Zanny was found in a field aged about 5 weeks, yelling the place down. No inquiries were made - I simply collected them and took them home. I can't pretend that they've been perfect - Onion has revolutionized my social life with his hyperactive reception of friends and it took about a year to house train Zanny, but I've always had dogs and so we've just got on with it.
If I'd strictly observed Louise Glazebrook's rules, I'd probably have missed out on all the love and fun we've shared. In fact, I'd probably never have had a dog in the first place. And I can't help wondering what would have happened to my guys if everybody was as careful as she suggests. Most dogs, I imagine, would never have a home or an owner. Not that she's wrong, but maybe she just doesn't get the bigger picture. Same with her suggested treatment of puppies. A lot of what she said struck a chord, but she just makes it sound so difficult. Not much fun at all. Having a dog is a wonderful experience but that doesn't really come across. Just a lot of work, worry and responsibility. When actually, it's probably the most carefree experience you'll ever have.
This book is mainly about puppies, and as such, it's very sound. Even considering the points above, section three and onward would be helpful to any one who wants to understand how to communicate with their dog, though it is most appropriate for puppy training. I found this section very interesting and learned quite a lot. I already believed, as the writer does, that establishing a relationship with the animal is central, rather than 'dominance' or 'commands'. This part of the book would be valuable to anyone who wants ideas on how to socialize their dog, and I'd recommend reading it rather than listening to the opinions of people who aren't specialists in the area. All in all, read the second half with care but don't be daunted by the first.

[Rachel Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

With one three year old labradoodle and a new puppy imminent, I thought this book looked like a good read. I would say it’s a must read for all new or potential new dog owners. The ‘how to choose the right dog’ part is a must read for anyone thinking about getting a dog. I found the parts about play, really valuable and have started to try some of the games out with my three year old. It’s just very well written by someone with a lot of knowledge and who has had to deal with a lot of badly behaving dogs throughout her career. If every new own read this before choosing a dog, there would be less puppy farms, less dogs in rehousing centers and less dogs being put to sleep. Much of what is written, I have taken as a gift to apply to my new puppy.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some useful information but too late for anybody who has already got their dog. 368 pages is about 360 too many, a pamphlet would have done. Gave up and left it for the dog to read...

[Kelly Yount · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be mandatory reading for anyone who wants a dog ❤️

[Schlo Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it, learned some things, sobbed through the final pages.

[Claire Singlehurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book to read before you get your first puppy. Very informative around how bad breeders get you off to such a bad and sometimes irredeemable situation with your puppy. Some helpful tips around play and the importance of it. But if you already have a dog past the pup stage this probably isn’t the book for you.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. I actually listened to it twice, more than twice in some parts that really applied to me and my two puppies, to make sure I caught everything. This book is very useful and informative. I wish there were more books like this one.

[Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for someone who knows little about dogs and having a pet. It would be great as a starter, but if you have a dog already you likely understand most of what is shared.

[Ilse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prima boek met basisinformatie. Had echter meer toegevoegde waarde gehad als ik deze had gelezen terwijl Lucy 9 weken oud was ipv 9 maanden. Erg puppygericht.

[Isabel Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love her take.. She has some different ideas and strategies that seem to be working for me and my dog that my dog trainer never gave me so it’s worth taking some of her ideas on board! Not all of them and a few comments she made I didn’t necessarily agree with hence the 4 star but I loved this book and I really recommend a read!

[Jennifer Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable, like having a nice chat with a knowledgeable friend. Should be compulsory reading for anyone remotely considering getting a dog. As others have said, it skews a bit towards puppies and the whole choosing process, and as someone with a rescue dog I would have loved a longer section on that. I also liked the down to earth tone - dog walks can be a rollercoaster! And that the instagrammable version of dog ownership is far from the truth, it is a huge and important responsibility.

I’ll be rereading if I ever decide to get another dog!

[Christine Fogland · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay, but the author deals a lot with how to choose the right dog. Very useful information, but I was hoping for more help on understanding my dog’s behaviors and how to deal with them the best and kindest way.

[ThDogs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly misleading title and description, felt like I was reading a dog trainer's secret diary where they complain about everyone. The only time the author talked about what a dog is communicating that "you aren't picking up on what your dog wants you to know" was in the Introduction chapter with the story about the puppy being avoidant. Even the entirety of Part 3 "what your dog wants you to know" - none of this was about what a dog may want their owner to know! It was just a list of dog training and dog management tips.

Half the chapters were functionally okay and would be fine in a correctly labelled book "Before you get your dog" or similar and I might have given it 2.5 stars. But the utter lack of behavioural and emotional insight, from a self-claimed behaviourist, on a book claiming to be about the subtle communications of dogs negates that. I am so glad I got this at a library, and didn't spend any money.

After the introduction, the rest of the book alternated between chapters of the author making judgemental claims, assumptions and statements about dog breeds (you can't own a spaniel if you're not working it), owners (if you work full time you shouldn't own a dog because this means you treat it as an object,), breeders (if you import semen you are a red flag), health care (generic anti-kibble misinformation and fearmongering) and very average checklists for choosing a dog (nothing objectionable or different to what you would find in every other basic dog training book or website out there).

Throughout the basic checklist for choosing a dog, the author harped on and on about the importance of not choosing a dog based on coat colour or sex. But then insisted that one should adopt the dog they feel a "connection" and instant "obsession" with. How choosing a dog based off an instant emotional "connection" is not the same as choosing based off an appealing coat colour instead of temperament/energy levels/suitability is beyond me.

Additionally, the author encouraged to choose the dog you feel an instant 'obsession with" - which sounds incredibly unhealthy for both owner and dog, and will lead to heartbreak when the dog you fell in love with on first sight reveals their own individual quirks that may very well not match your lifestyle.

Throughout the book there were some downright bizarre generalisations, "rescue dogs" was used in places of aggressive dogs for one chapter, then in another chapter "rescue dogs" was used in place of "adult dog". This ignores that you can get aggressive dogs from breeders, that you can get puppies from rescues and that you can get adult dogs from breeders.

Multiple times the author drifted out of her lane into veterinary topics, despite having the preamble at the start to consult with a professional vet and claiming to have accurate information within. Those topics within were filled with straight up misinformation and fearmongering! The type you would get from any old anti-vet facebook group or reddit forum of dunning-krugers. The blatant manipulation of omitting pros and cons in the food section, and again the topic of neutering/spaying. Topics to be held with your vet only, not manipulated into by a dog trainer who is regurgitating 2008 blog posts. Stay in your lane.

It is very evident from the book that the author is a trainer, not a certified dog behaviourist. The internal motivations, desires, meanings of the dogs are rarely explained despite being the title topic, the focus is all on training and very little on behaviour (even in the behaviour chapter). Relatively modern enough on the training approach I guess, but the author's judgemental opinions, assumptions and skewed perceptions without any basis is data or research watered those down, so even as a dog training checklist it isn't helpful because of her intentional omissions.

There were formatting errors and spelling mistakes throughout. There is one section, Key Dog/Puppy Timelines, where I suspect an entire paragraph has accidentally been deleted so that the question "how long until my rescue dog settles in" receives an answer about how to handle an aggressive dog. Which just makes me think the author thinks rescue dog = aggressive dog, but then later on was the rescue dog = adult dog subchapter so who knows.

The illustrations were nice. The introduction was the best chapter. Wouldn't recommend the book to anyone.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe in setting people and dogs up to succeed, and this is what this book is all about. from The Book Your Dog Wants You to Read by Louise Glazebrook

We recently brought home our seventh dog.

Our first three dogs were puppies. The next three were puppy mill breeder rescues, each with physical and/or social issues. Our new dog’s owner died and she spent three months in shelters waiting for us to find her.

Five of our dogs have been Shiba Inus, a fashionable breed but not for everyone. Shibas are independent, cat-like, and stubborn. They are NOT lap dogs.

They are also intelligent. Our Suki understood ‘go get Kaze’ when our blind Shiba couldn’t find her way to the door; Suki would run back outside, past Kaze to get her attention, and Kaze followed her back home.

Our new dog Tessa was traumatized by what had happened to her, losing a beloved owner and a home and routine she understood. At the shelter, Tessa was likely man-handled into cages and washings and medical care. When we saw her, she was friendly and loved to play fetch, but backed away from being touched. That fear kept her from being adopted, but we understood what she needed.

Within a few weeks, Tessa would snuggle against me, as long as I didn’t touch her. And after three months, she tolerates being hooked up to the leash and harness, and enjoys short petting sessions. When it storms, she snuggles against me for comfort. Best of all, especially since Shibas are notorious runaways, when she got lose she ran back home when I called her!

We are still working on some issues with Tessa and I thought this book would be a good review and perhaps offer some new ideas.

Glazebrook warns about the trauma and stress dogs experience losing their home and while in the kennel environment. Some dogs shut down and need a safe place to retire to and process the change. For the first weeks,Tessa retreated to her crate near the bedrooms. Now, she lays in the room with us, and sleeps in our doorway at night.

Some dogs won’t eat. Tessa didn’t eat in the shelter. After a few days with us she couldn’t get enough kibble, eating three times a day. Now, she is relaxed and eats one meal a day.

Tessa loved walks from the beginning. Routine is important to a dog. Tessa knows she gets a walk every night after dinner. She lays patiently until one of us gets up, and then she runs to the door.

Tessa was thrilled with the dog toys she inherited. She would chose a squeaky toy as her favorite of the day, carrying it around, and asking me to play with her. She drops the toy for me to toss for her to chase. She likes to tug, but I always let her win. Glazebrook notes that we aren’t a ‘pack leader’ needing to prove dominance. Let the dog win!

Tessa loves to ride in the car, sitting still and quiet. She loves visiting our son and exploring his back yard, filled with a natural landscape often visited by wildlife. Glazebrook notes that dogs needs sensual stimulation. We change up our walks so Tessa can explore new areas.

Glazebrook’s advice for adopting a puppy is essential. Deciding on a breed and judging the breeder, socializing, and training are all covered. Chapters address behavior like chewing and anxiety, understanding body language, food choices, aging, and end of life decisions.

The book is not a “step-by-step’ guide, but how to understand your dog and forge a relationship that will be mutually rewarding for a lifetime.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.

[Emily Dubovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I can’t function without a dog in my life; they are my obsession’. Louise feels the same way about dogs as I do, that they are the best things to have walked this world. Her view point that dogs should be respected and treated as equal family members is what I wish my dad could’ve grasped- he always asserted outdated and false information and because of his stupid house rules my precious Rex became a very anxious dog with little confidence. I loved the focus of the book being that dogs are not puppets or robots for humans to control their every movement, and I loved inserting my Rex and Bodrick into the book wondering about the behaviours they picked up with time and how they may have done so. I enjoyed pondering about their favourite type of play, like Rex’s clearly being the thrill of the chase rather than the actual object/toy itself, he loves a frolic and he also enjoys destroying toys sometimes as a self soothing anxiety releasing activity. With Bodrick there were some interesting passages about rescue dogs and how they may behave differently, he may not have learned to socialise and play like a ‘normal’ dog but playing with him and enriching him would just have to look different, there’s no one size fits all. Bodrick was food and object aggressive but I know his reaction was never to hurt me, it was based on fear and a habit that he must have learned as a puppy. With rescue dogs it’s about patience and understanding. Overall it was a very thoughtful book, I only wish there was a bigger focus on elderly/older dogs as well as rescue dogs as a lot of us don’t have puppies or young ‘well-bred’ dogs which the book mostly addresses. A big chunk of it was how to choose the right puppy, it was probably 1/4 of the book that felt off topic- as in I don’t think this is why most people have picked up the book, we want to understand our dogs we have already chosen! There was a section at the end of the book about old dogs which I’ll give credit and sometimes bits sprinkled in the book, but i understand it’s impossible to fit everything about a dogs behaviour in one book. I do think there could be more detail to what was written, especially about rescue dogs. It was often quite generic and perhaps information a lot of dog owners will already know, which is why Louise being a dog behaviourist I felt she could have unpicked and explained a lot more.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read is perfect for new dog owners. I don’t think it will be nearly as much use for those who have already had dogs in the past, or at least those who’ve had more than one. Glazebrook wants to make sure folks realize dogs are like kids - each with their own personalities and that there are no cookie cutter rules that apply to all. Bear in mind, this is not a training manual.
The book starts with the idea of finding the dog that’s right for you. She pushes this point home because too many folks only focus on a dog’s looks. She gives lots of good points about recognizing good vs. bad breeders. She then walks the dog owner through how to properly socialize a dog. She does this for both puppies and older dogs (typically rescues).
Glazebrooke lives in London and she often makes a point of focusing on the specific issues related to city living.
The second part of the book deals with how to interact with your dog to build trust and understanding. Eye contact, sniffing, chewing, body language, play, food, collars/harnesses, safe spaces and interacting with kids are all covered. Negative problems like aggression, fear, separation anxiety and resource guarding are also discussed.
One thing she wisely emphasizes that too many of us fall prey to is walking a dog purely for exercise. A walk is a time to allow them to sniff, to get their fill of sensory exposure; which will wear them out faster than purely walking a few miles. A walk is for them, not a time to see how many steps we can register on our Fitbit. She spends a lot of time on play as well because of the need to mentally stimulate, not just physically tire, your dog. I was impressed by two ideas. The human doesn’t always need “to win”, for example when playing tug of war. And there are multiple ways a dog can enjoy playing with a ball or throw toy that don’t require retrieving.
The book takes the reader through dealing with an aging dog and even the final inevitable decision.
My thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company.

[Arliegh Kovacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book by Louise Glazebrook! If you are already a dog owner or you are a dog lover, about to add a dog to your life, this book is a must>.
The first section talks about Your Dog especially dealing with the different ways a dog learns about the world, and Understanding Breeds and Behaviour. Some behaviors are bred into certain types of dogs (e.g., barking, digging, temperament, activity). One of the major things she points out is that
"you can't train a dog out of its breed behavior... nor should you try." If you don't want a dog that barks, don't get a breed that going to bark a lot (e.g., Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Rat Terriers, Huskies, Miniature Poodles). You aren't going to be able to train them out of it. Instead, choose a quiet breed (e.g., Basenji, Bulldog, Corgi, Irish Setter.)
If you don't want a dog that drools research which dog breeds do. And don't get one!
She includes a list of questions you should answer before you choose a dog (instead of how a breed looks or what color it is).
After you have chosen your canine companion, she discusses a variety of topics from supplies you will need to toilet training and on through life to older dogs.
In my opinion, this was a remarkable book and I will be using it when we choose another dog in the future.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you thinking of bringing a puppy home? Do you want to rescue a dog? Before you begin your search, you need to read The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read. The subtitle, How to Raise the Happiest Dog, is also important. Trainer Louise Glazebrook begins by helping you pick the right dog for your lifestyle as some dogs are very active, some prefer sleep and others are good with small children. Choosing the right breeder is also covered with very useful tips about avoiding deceitful practices. Puppy behavior and how to choose the best of the litter for you are discussed followed by the very different selection of rescue dogs. Part Two is where How to Raise the Happiest Dog comes in. Do you know what licking means? (Tip: it isn’t kissing.) Do you know how to play with a dog? Handle their anxiety during walks? How to stop your pet from chewing on furniture, etc.? All the answers are here in this well organized, encyclopedic guide written with a calm, informative tone. It should be required for new dog owners. And as s a long time dog owner, I learned a lot. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Little Brown and Company and Loise Glazebrook for the ARC.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

DEFINITELY READ THIS BOOK BEFORE YOU GET A PUPPY! ITLL HELP YOU MAKE A DECISION AND KNOW IF YOURE READY AND KNOW HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT DOG FOR YOU!

If you’re not getting a puppy…
Honestly, nothing new or new perspectives. She’s definitely confident in her opinions- so if you’re someone who hates people generally not giving you an exact yes or no on whether or not you should do something with your dog, this is for you.

This book is good if you haven’t really read any general dog books before. But if you have.. it’s the same as any other and you could probably go without reading this.

The author is very passionate about dogs and her talent and understanding about dogs is undeniable.

One opinion she has that would raise an eyebrow of other dog experts is how she believes slow feeders cause more problems then resolve.

[Lucy Oldham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book repetitive and judgemental. She focuses so much on bad breeders and getting the right match and whilst I don’t disagree life isn’t that black and white. I dread to think what life my dear Henry would have had if I hadn’t taken him on and likewise mine would have been devoid of all the love he gave me, despite not being the so called “perfect match at the perfect age”. Additionally she seems to assume everyone is made of money and only wealthy people with absolutely nothing to do should have dogs. Much better and practical books out there about dog ownership. Everyone should experience a dogs love but this book would put most off when the world is full of dogs needing homes.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book pulled me in right away. As someone that has dreamed of owning a dog for the entirety of my life, I was eager to learn some tips and tricks for being a future dog mom. Some of the material was probably old news for experienced dog owners, but I found it really beneficial and ended up taking notes. The information was digestible and doesn't shy away from the realities of adding a canine companion to the family. I appreciated the inclusion of Glazebook's personal experiences with her own dogs and those she worked with as a behaviorist. There was a lot to like about this book, and when the time is right and I'm looking for my own pooch, I'll make sure to pick up a physical copy of this book to refer to.

[Vonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is probably strongest as a pre-req read for a new dog owner before actually acquiring a dog whether from a breeder/rescue. A lot of the focus is on choosing the right dog for you - considering the breed characteristics and energy level etc.

As an existing dog owner (and someone who grew up with dogs) there were a few pointers in here which I thought made a lot of sense from my own experience (but which flies upon a lot of popular advice on the internet). However, it is important to note that this book is more about giving a high level insight as to how dogs think, and is not in any way cover practical dog training tips.

[Laura Attwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for families considering adding a dog to their home. Full of advice on how to choose the right dog and where to choose them from. However saying that, as an owner of three dogs I still really enjoyed reading through this book.
There were many useful chapters and reminders on what we can do to give our dogs the best life possible. The final chapter on ‘what your dog wants you to know about the end of its life’ had me absolutely sobbing but I know the advice given will be poignant when my girls reach that stage of life. All in all, I would recommend this book to new and experienced dog owners alike.

[Aimée · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly good for people who are really not acquainted with dogs but would like one or do something where one is around one.

For people otherwise you might find the odd thing piques your interest but otherwise a lot of skimming material.

There's many mentions of specific experiences with dogs as a behaviorist and an 'owner'. Possibly could be less, but some might enjoy reading these.

Could be shorter. Or else some things exchanges for more detail and depth. But likely too much of the later might be a bit much for a total 'newbie' on average anyway.

Not a book I'd have probably bought or sought out; it was around and I read it.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BOOK YOUR DOG WISHES YOU WOULD READ is a cute title that does an excellent job of describing the book’s material. Author Louise Glazebrook has covered every possible question or concern that humans may have while interacting with dogs. I especially liked the extra focus on rescue dogs; not enough dog books include rescues as a type. This book discusses dog development from early puppyhood to late stage adulthood and the rescue pup is one of those ‘stages.’ The author has filled the book with common sense solutions to everyday issues and offers an array of valuable knowledge for the dedicated dog owner.

[Julie Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful tips here to arm me - I was very purposeful in my dog management immediately after reading the book but as ever my determination is waning.

I can now see that we should have bought the book prior to getting the doggie although if we'd read it first I don't think we would have ever got the dog!

I'm certainly more alert to doggie's needs and what she's trying to tell us - mainly leave me bloody alone and stop fussing with me!