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The Story of Your Dog: A Straightforward Guide to a Complicated Animal
GET TO KNOW YOUR DOG. Renowned expert dog trainer and bestselling author of Lucky Dog Lessons Brandon McMillan unpacks the unique and often misunderstood 15,000-year evolutionary history governing a dog’s every move. Most dog owners know the truth—their dogs are totally incompatible with the modern world. Instincts like herding, chasing, and protecting have no natural outlet and frequently result in chewing, barking, nipping, jumping, lunging, and worse. However, as McMillan argues in these pages, the solution isn’t as simple as mastering “sit” and “stay.” No matter what kind of dog you have, no matter how old or young or well trained or well-bred, your beloved companion is strongly influenced by his DNA. The result of these genetic distinctions shows up in every inch and action—from the size and shape of a dog’s head (and the brain inside it) to the length and curve of his tail, from the texture of her fur to the webbing (or lack of webbing) between her toes. It’s in their lung capacity, their tolerance for heat and cold, their appetites for food and exercise, and whether and how they bark. It goes beyond their structure and deep into their psychological profiles. Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have a dog with more than a few breeds mixed in, which makes this information all the more crucial to know and understand. In The Story of Your Dog , McMillan breaks down why your dog acts the way it does, so you can train better and easier, with fewer missteps and miscommunications, and bond in ways you never thought possible. It is an invitation to get to know the sometimes frustrating but always incredible dog at the other end of the leash.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published April 5, 2022
48 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Brandon McMillan
8 books37 followersBrandon McMillan is a world-renowned animal trainer, Emmy® Award-winning host of the CBS television show Lucky Dog, and the host of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Born into a family of trainers and entertainers, Brandon has been working with wild and domestic animals all his life. He has trained animals for over 300 Hollywood productions and privately worked with the pets of A-list celebrities. Brandon began rescuing dogs from shelters to train them as Hollywood actors, then turned his expertise to saving, training, and re-homing shelter dogs as family pets. Brandon is certified to train service dogs and is the cofounder of Argus Service Dog Foundation, which provides service dogs to disabled veterans. He lives in Los Angeles, California, and New York, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 2, 2022
After years of adopting purebred lab rescues, I have found myself with a lab mix. And the personality was definitely different. So, I’ve been reading up on her Siberian husky traits. Let’s just say, she doesn’t have the easy going, I’ll do anything for my human, nature that I’m used to. Getting an advance copy of The Story of Your Dog was perfect timing. McMillan’s supposition is that neither you or your dog is going to be happy if you try undoing hundreds of years of breeding through one size fits all training. For each group, he provides behavior challenges and possible solutions.
He initially focuses on the different groups - working, herding, sport, terrier, hound to give an overview and then provides a brief snapshot on specific breeds within the group. He’s a big fan of mixed breeds and says that he now requires clients to have a DNA test done on their dog so he knows what he’s dealing with, saving everyone time and trouble. He’s honest about which dogs aren’t good for novice owners or ones not willing to devote daily time to wear a dog down. It should be required reading before someone buys or adopts a dog. Here’s what he has to say about the herding group: “keeping any dog cooped up is like never allowing a child to play. Keeping a herding dog cooped up is the next level, like what happens when that child is a track runner with attention issues who’s stuck in a chair by an open window on a sunny day. The scenario just doesn’t work.”
I found the book fascinating. I learned things about my little sled dog and got some good ideas on figuring her out. But I also enjoyed reading about other breeds - their original jobs, their background and their traits. I recommend this to anyone who has a fondness for dogs. This is not, per se, a training book. McMillan wrote another book on that topic.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harper One for an advance copy of this book.
He initially focuses on the different groups - working, herding, sport, terrier, hound to give an overview and then provides a brief snapshot on specific breeds within the group. He’s a big fan of mixed breeds and says that he now requires clients to have a DNA test done on their dog so he knows what he’s dealing with, saving everyone time and trouble. He’s honest about which dogs aren’t good for novice owners or ones not willing to devote daily time to wear a dog down. It should be required reading before someone buys or adopts a dog. Here’s what he has to say about the herding group: “keeping any dog cooped up is like never allowing a child to play. Keeping a herding dog cooped up is the next level, like what happens when that child is a track runner with attention issues who’s stuck in a chair by an open window on a sunny day. The scenario just doesn’t work.”
I found the book fascinating. I learned things about my little sled dog and got some good ideas on figuring her out. But I also enjoyed reading about other breeds - their original jobs, their background and their traits. I recommend this to anyone who has a fondness for dogs. This is not, per se, a training book. McMillan wrote another book on that topic.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harper One for an advance copy of this book.
February 19, 2022
Brandon is an animal trainer whose common sense methods impressed me when I read his last book. Now he is talking about specific breeds of dogs (including his favorite mixed breeds which he finds in shelters and trains as service dogs). We must consider that some breeds have hard-wired behavior, like digging and prey drive, and work with the animals to modify their behavior instead of punishing them, which doesn't work anyway. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me to review this advance copy.
April 18, 2022
I love the way this book is structured! Learning about the different breed categories to learn more specific ways to train your dog is just so intuitive. Every breed has a distinct purpose, so why not learn how to take your dog’s strengths and use them to help your pup become the well-adjusted and happy dog he was meant to be!
I so appreciate the author’s celebration of mixed-breed, rescued dogs. He makes it a point to acknowledge the huge number of dogs waiting for people to adopt them. But he also does not diminish ownership of full-breed dogs. He is ready to help all dog owners find their dog’s motivations as well as their potential triggers.
The information is well laid out and well researched. I enjoyed reading about all the different breeds- not just the breeds of my four fur children. I found the information insightful and accurate.
Highly recommend this one!, thank you to NetGalley and HarperOne for the ARC to read and review.
I so appreciate the author’s celebration of mixed-breed, rescued dogs. He makes it a point to acknowledge the huge number of dogs waiting for people to adopt them. But he also does not diminish ownership of full-breed dogs. He is ready to help all dog owners find their dog’s motivations as well as their potential triggers.
The information is well laid out and well researched. I enjoyed reading about all the different breeds- not just the breeds of my four fur children. I found the information insightful and accurate.
Highly recommend this one!, thank you to NetGalley and HarperOne for the ARC to read and review.
December 16, 2022
This wasn't quite what I had been hoping for. This guide is based on specific breeds and what they have been trained for. There is very little general information. Where the breeds themselves come into play, more time and effort is spent on innate behavior and instinct than, for example, genetic diseases. This is a book for absolutely clueless dog owners. Most of us are fare more intelligent and understanding of our dogs than this author would give us credit for.
May 6, 2022
Brandon McMillan writes with enthusiasm and joy when discussing dogs. Overall, the AKC breakdown of dog types(hounds,terriers,toy etc.) guides the review of many breeds of dogs. He sprinkles in a few hilarious stories of the antics of his own dogs. A great discussion of the effects of wolf DNA in the modern domestic dog opens the book. Any dog lover/owner will enjoy this book and probably learn something useful to enhance their relationship with their own pets.
June 7, 2022
Loved watching Brandon’s show “Lucky Dog” and wanted to check out his book. Not sure how much of a guide it really Is. Most info can be googled about each breed. I did pick up a few interesting facts however I found the book missed an important opportunity to encourage people to research the breed of dog BEFORE they get it — not afterwards - through this book.
February 18, 2023
“Most people choose their dogs based on looks – size, shape, cute eyes and ears, wagging tail, soft coat – and many do it without taking into account the history of the breed and how that might make the dog a great fit, or a constant struggle, with their lifestyle.”
This is the crux of Brandon McMillan’s recent treatise on dog breeds. The book is a pleasant read with sections short enough to grab the average human’s eight-second attention span and concise enough to set the book down between sessions and then pick it up again without having to fight through the fog of “Hmmm, what exactly was I reading?”
And yet the theme of the book packs a punch that I hope will benefit both dog owners and the currently overwhelmed managers of dog shelters and rescues. Dogs are awesome. But not everyone is meant for dog ownership. Not every season of one’s life can sustain dog ownership. And… a dog’s qualifications for being a family member need to go far beyond being soft, cute, loyal, or even well-behaved.
McMillan takes a brief look into the history of domesticated dogs before diving into his driving point. Dogs exist for a reason. Different breeds exist for a reason. There were jobs our dogs were bred to do, and even if the dog we love happens to be a nearly perfect Heinz 57, that lovable mutt is comprised of two or more breeds weighing heavily on its genetics. There are certain things we can train into or out of our dogs, but there are far more things we need to accept and manage as a result of genetics. A scent hound is not made for obedience, a sight hound is not built for a marathon, a herder cannot ignore sudden movements (and try training those out of your young children), and terriers were not bred to be cute lap pets… they are actually “relentless and deadly hunters.” Yes. We have the terrier group to thank for our beautiful (and typically sweet) pit bulls.
I wonder to what extent the average pet owner understands this. For that matter… do those who run our shelters, pet stores, and veterinary clinics spend much time thinking about this? I’m going to guess this is understood to a greater extent among those who make their living on canine products or services, but I rarely see or hear the matter addressed. Shelters in particular would benefit greatly from understanding and educating their clients on breed tendencies. How much is a DNA test for dogs? What would it take to run this while the dog was in the shelter? The shelter could then provide at least basic education for prospective adopters. The Humane Society says between 7% and 20% of shelter dogs are returned to the shelter for one reason or another. (I would guess rescues have fewer returns as rescues tend to be breed specific and tend to vet dogs and cats in foster homes first.) Would even a little bit of breed education reduce this percentage?
A local shelter recently allowed me to help place a litter of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies. These pups were eight weeks old, and they didn’t really need time in a foster home to evaluate their temperaments or health needs. They needed good homes. But they needed good BERNER homes, which is different than good Aussie homes or good Setter homes. There were four girls and one boy, but the shelter told me they already had a home for the boy; I had 24 hours to place and deliver the girls. The shelter was over-full and didn’t have space for the puppies. When I arrived to meet the families, I had contacted for the girls, I also met the individual for whom the boy had been intended. She grabbed me on the way in and said, “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m not sure if I should take this puppy or not.” Turns out she was a single woman who works 8+ hours a day, but a friend who worked at the shelter thought the puppy would be great for her. No puppy needs to go home to 8+ hours of alone time; Berners, in particular, are people dependent. Fortunately, this woman recognized the flaws in this plan and the boy ended up in a great home.
So, I appreciate McMillan’s work in this book. I believe so fervently in the benefits of the canine/human relationship. But like McMillan, I believe we have made a pact with dogs in domesticating them. They would work for us, and we would care for them. By and large we’ve taken away their jobs and yet the genetic codes we’ve bred for remain intact. Dogs are doing their best to adapt… now we must return the favor.
This is the crux of Brandon McMillan’s recent treatise on dog breeds. The book is a pleasant read with sections short enough to grab the average human’s eight-second attention span and concise enough to set the book down between sessions and then pick it up again without having to fight through the fog of “Hmmm, what exactly was I reading?”
And yet the theme of the book packs a punch that I hope will benefit both dog owners and the currently overwhelmed managers of dog shelters and rescues. Dogs are awesome. But not everyone is meant for dog ownership. Not every season of one’s life can sustain dog ownership. And… a dog’s qualifications for being a family member need to go far beyond being soft, cute, loyal, or even well-behaved.
McMillan takes a brief look into the history of domesticated dogs before diving into his driving point. Dogs exist for a reason. Different breeds exist for a reason. There were jobs our dogs were bred to do, and even if the dog we love happens to be a nearly perfect Heinz 57, that lovable mutt is comprised of two or more breeds weighing heavily on its genetics. There are certain things we can train into or out of our dogs, but there are far more things we need to accept and manage as a result of genetics. A scent hound is not made for obedience, a sight hound is not built for a marathon, a herder cannot ignore sudden movements (and try training those out of your young children), and terriers were not bred to be cute lap pets… they are actually “relentless and deadly hunters.” Yes. We have the terrier group to thank for our beautiful (and typically sweet) pit bulls.
I wonder to what extent the average pet owner understands this. For that matter… do those who run our shelters, pet stores, and veterinary clinics spend much time thinking about this? I’m going to guess this is understood to a greater extent among those who make their living on canine products or services, but I rarely see or hear the matter addressed. Shelters in particular would benefit greatly from understanding and educating their clients on breed tendencies. How much is a DNA test for dogs? What would it take to run this while the dog was in the shelter? The shelter could then provide at least basic education for prospective adopters. The Humane Society says between 7% and 20% of shelter dogs are returned to the shelter for one reason or another. (I would guess rescues have fewer returns as rescues tend to be breed specific and tend to vet dogs and cats in foster homes first.) Would even a little bit of breed education reduce this percentage?
A local shelter recently allowed me to help place a litter of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies. These pups were eight weeks old, and they didn’t really need time in a foster home to evaluate their temperaments or health needs. They needed good homes. But they needed good BERNER homes, which is different than good Aussie homes or good Setter homes. There were four girls and one boy, but the shelter told me they already had a home for the boy; I had 24 hours to place and deliver the girls. The shelter was over-full and didn’t have space for the puppies. When I arrived to meet the families, I had contacted for the girls, I also met the individual for whom the boy had been intended. She grabbed me on the way in and said, “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m not sure if I should take this puppy or not.” Turns out she was a single woman who works 8+ hours a day, but a friend who worked at the shelter thought the puppy would be great for her. No puppy needs to go home to 8+ hours of alone time; Berners, in particular, are people dependent. Fortunately, this woman recognized the flaws in this plan and the boy ended up in a great home.
So, I appreciate McMillan’s work in this book. I believe so fervently in the benefits of the canine/human relationship. But like McMillan, I believe we have made a pact with dogs in domesticating them. They would work for us, and we would care for them. By and large we’ve taken away their jobs and yet the genetic codes we’ve bred for remain intact. Dogs are doing their best to adapt… now we must return the favor.
July 16, 2022
I love dogs. I love rescue dogs. Since all of my dogs have been rescues, they tend to be mixed breeds - only, that begs the question - what’s in the mix?
After a little research I discovered that Mars Petcare launched its first DNA test for dogs, in 2007, you could only get it through a vet. The breed-mix test required a blood draw, and Mars thought vets could help interpret the results for inquiring dog owners. It wasn’t that much later that the first mail order doggy DNA kits became marketable. So, with our current two rescues, we bought and sent in our DNA kits. We waited eagerly for the results.
In this book, Brandon McMillan, breaks down the major breeds and places them into categories, in order to (fairly) easily explain the physical, mental and some personality traits of the breeds. He does this in order to attempt to explain some behavioral intricacies that you may find in your dog. Now, unless you have a fairly true pure bred dog, your own dog may be a mix of several breeds. These days you will find that some of the most popular are true mixed “designer” dogs. However your breed composition, this book will be a valuable tool for understanding your mix.
I found the book fascinating, in that, with my dogs own DNA results handy, I compared it to the authors descriptions of the behavior traits, along with the roots of, the specific groups, and his descriptions, coupled with our results, were pretty darn closely tied. It gave us an understanding of some of the more head scratching behavioral traits that were especially difficult to manage.
I recommend this book to any dog owner who would like a closer look under the hood of their own dog. Also, it is insightful to anyone who would like a working, general knowledge of the who, what, where, when and why of dogs, in general.
Read the audio version, excellently read by Dan Woren.
Recommend to all dog lovers ✔️
An aside: interesting were the DNA results of our very small, petite black rescue that we were told was a Chiweenie. She is a very docile girl, though her DNA may draw a different picture.
Coco (if so inclined, you may find a photo of sweet Coco, in my group of photos)
25.9% Chihuahua
23.8% Shih Tzu
21.8% American Pit Bull Terrier
19.3% American Bulldog
9.2% Supermutt
August 25, 2023
This was interesting and informative. I never thought about the reasons for some dog behaviors, and the way Brandon lays out the history of the breeds and their behaviors, it makes sense. This is a great resource for people who are looking to add a new family member and who have questions about what type of dog they should get. Brandon tells it from the perspectives of the happiness of both the dog and family. I also loved the personal anecdotes.
March 6, 2023
This is a fairly shallow book for someone like me to read, but I’m sure it will be useful as an intro to the different breed groups for people who don’t know anything about them. It was enjoyable enough; I just didn’t learn anything from it.
January 28, 2024
This was a very interesting listen! I vaguely knew some of these genetic traits of dogs from obsessively watching animal planet in middle school, but still learned a lot.
Wish there was a whole book on poodles and doodle mixes though 😆
Wish there was a whole book on poodles and doodle mixes though 😆
September 4, 2022
Very informative and helpful.
April 6, 2022
LOVED this book! So much very interesting and useful information about the historic genetics, selective breeding, and jobs each breed was basically created to do. Also, a great deal of good information as to cautioning owners what you can and cannot fix, as well as things to avoid altogether (wolf hybrids for starters). And my personal favorite, the shameless push to encourage people to adopt dogs from the shelter first and foremost over any other place. Amen Brandon! I’ve been a fan of Brandon’s for some time now, I love the work he does and his mission - to rescue dogs from the wild and shelters, find and train them for jobs (service animals), or just plain old forever homes, all the while educating the public about how amazing rescue dogs are. I first came across Brandon by chance while channel surfing years ago and found his Lucky Dog show. I was hooked immediately. I’ve since followed him on Instagram and am a fan of his current show on YouTube, rescuing stray dogs from streets, deserts, and places they don’t belong. He’s doing great work. But my opinion of him aside, this is a very well researched and well written book, with loads of useful info for anyone - dog lover, dog owner, prospective dog owner, etc. It’s a great read, with some very funny parts, interesting tidbits, and some sad or scary moments too, which all reinforce why people should be more invested and knowledgeable about the dogs they choose to bring home. A knowledgeable, well rounded owner, who puts in a bit of time and effort, will be rewarded ten fold with a happy, well adjusted dog. It makes for a healthy dynamic for all involved - the dog, the family/owners, and the neighbors.
April 23, 2022
Interesting information about about various breeds but nothing extraordinary.
August 26, 2022
4.5+ rounded to 5 stars
This is an excellent survey of various dog breeds, organized by categories such as Working Dogs, Herding Dogs, etc. Brandon McMillan understands dogs. He trains them and works with owners to help them appreciate the specific animal they are living with. He especially feels called to train and re-home shelter dogs of all kinds, and is particularly drawn to mixed breeds.
He believes, as I do, that dogs are not furry humans. They have evolved with us for thousands of years; we have influenced each other and impacted the one another's lives profoundly, but we are genetically quite different. Dogs are most definitely NOT wolves, but they are descended from them and thus retain some of their hard wired behaviors. In addition, humans have "designed" dogs through genetic selection to perform specific tasks such as hunting, warning, protection, herding, and companionship. Dogs from distinct breeds retain the genes for the jobs they were bred to do. Some of the characteristics which result are no longer compatible with the lives we humans have come to live, and this can create fatal problems for these dogs.
Humans who adopt dogs have an obligation to understand the heritage of their animals. Fortunately this can be aided by modern DNA tests for mixed breeds and understanding breed standards for purebreds.
We live with 6 adult Belgian Malinois, most of whom come from the DoD Working Dog Breeding Program at Lackland in San Antonio. Ours are wash outs, dogs that we raised and fostered but which do not possess all of the characteristics required of a military or law enforcement canine. Even so, our "maligators" are chock full of hard wired tendencies that make it impossible for them to passively lie on the couch for hours and watch the world go by. They are each unique, but all are intense, active, possessive, highly intelligent, and incredibly athletic creatures. They require far more time, training, and stimulation than any other dog I have lived with. Brandon McMillan describes this breed precisely. We have discovered, as he states in this book, that some of their behavior can never be trained out of them, but it can be managed. Both training and management on on us, the humans.
I totally agree with this author that while individuals within a breed differ, they often share a number of characteristics from their common heritage. Our one mixed breed dog is a wonderful combination of Siberian Husky, American Bulldog, and American Staffordshire Terrier. He loves his home, but given the chance, even at the age of 14, Regal will take off and run like his husky forbearers who pulled sleds for miles. He is incredibly sweet with people, even little kids, and he tolerates a lot from his crazy Malinois siblings...but if they threaten him beyond endurance, his bite is swift and hard. It is always the Malinois that requires veterinary care even though Regal never holds a grudge and is instantly peaceful the moment the perpetrator stops. Understanding his genetic background has helped give all of us the best of lives.
This book can be very helpful to owners of all breeds and mixes. Think about the life you and your family want to have, learn about the various kinds of dogs, and begin with one that has the temperament most compatible. Remember that training and time are required to teach any dog what you need and to finally accept and manage what cannot be changed. This book is not a training manual; it is a survey of the many types of dogs we have developed and, as such, it provides invaluable guidance for understanding your animal, the first step in forming a loving, positive relationship with any dog.
This is an excellent survey of various dog breeds, organized by categories such as Working Dogs, Herding Dogs, etc. Brandon McMillan understands dogs. He trains them and works with owners to help them appreciate the specific animal they are living with. He especially feels called to train and re-home shelter dogs of all kinds, and is particularly drawn to mixed breeds.
He believes, as I do, that dogs are not furry humans. They have evolved with us for thousands of years; we have influenced each other and impacted the one another's lives profoundly, but we are genetically quite different. Dogs are most definitely NOT wolves, but they are descended from them and thus retain some of their hard wired behaviors. In addition, humans have "designed" dogs through genetic selection to perform specific tasks such as hunting, warning, protection, herding, and companionship. Dogs from distinct breeds retain the genes for the jobs they were bred to do. Some of the characteristics which result are no longer compatible with the lives we humans have come to live, and this can create fatal problems for these dogs.
Humans who adopt dogs have an obligation to understand the heritage of their animals. Fortunately this can be aided by modern DNA tests for mixed breeds and understanding breed standards for purebreds.
We live with 6 adult Belgian Malinois, most of whom come from the DoD Working Dog Breeding Program at Lackland in San Antonio. Ours are wash outs, dogs that we raised and fostered but which do not possess all of the characteristics required of a military or law enforcement canine. Even so, our "maligators" are chock full of hard wired tendencies that make it impossible for them to passively lie on the couch for hours and watch the world go by. They are each unique, but all are intense, active, possessive, highly intelligent, and incredibly athletic creatures. They require far more time, training, and stimulation than any other dog I have lived with. Brandon McMillan describes this breed precisely. We have discovered, as he states in this book, that some of their behavior can never be trained out of them, but it can be managed. Both training and management on on us, the humans.
I totally agree with this author that while individuals within a breed differ, they often share a number of characteristics from their common heritage. Our one mixed breed dog is a wonderful combination of Siberian Husky, American Bulldog, and American Staffordshire Terrier. He loves his home, but given the chance, even at the age of 14, Regal will take off and run like his husky forbearers who pulled sleds for miles. He is incredibly sweet with people, even little kids, and he tolerates a lot from his crazy Malinois siblings...but if they threaten him beyond endurance, his bite is swift and hard. It is always the Malinois that requires veterinary care even though Regal never holds a grudge and is instantly peaceful the moment the perpetrator stops. Understanding his genetic background has helped give all of us the best of lives.
This book can be very helpful to owners of all breeds and mixes. Think about the life you and your family want to have, learn about the various kinds of dogs, and begin with one that has the temperament most compatible. Remember that training and time are required to teach any dog what you need and to finally accept and manage what cannot be changed. This book is not a training manual; it is a survey of the many types of dogs we have developed and, as such, it provides invaluable guidance for understanding your animal, the first step in forming a loving, positive relationship with any dog.
June 22, 2023
McMillan offers some solid advice on how to approach your dog's training. McMillan starts by describing the genetic evolution of the pooches we know today from the wolf -- and how many of those traits are still found in today's dogs. He explains how some traits can not just be trained away. One cannot train a husky to not dig or run because that's been bred into them. He suggests that owners get to know their dog's breed well and train accordingly -- he gives good advice for each class of dog. Got a mutt? McMillan strongly advocates for getting a DNA test to see what possible traits the dog may bring with it.
I also appreciate the fact in McMillan acknowledges that today's "designer" dogs (think anything ending in "-oodle") are often high-priced mutts and that one has an equal chance of hitting the genetic jackpot by getting a pup that is the best of both breeds -- or the worst. One only needs to see how many labradoodles, berniedoodles, golden doodles, whoodles, aussiedoodles, bassetdoodles (and more) innundate shelters across the country.
The Story of Your Dog gave me some added advice in raising our rescue mutt. Now to order a DNA test and figure out what breeds make up our dog -- and referring back to the book, seeing how to best train him to be the best dog he can be.
I also appreciate the fact in McMillan acknowledges that today's "designer" dogs (think anything ending in "-oodle") are often high-priced mutts and that one has an equal chance of hitting the genetic jackpot by getting a pup that is the best of both breeds -- or the worst. One only needs to see how many labradoodles, berniedoodles, golden doodles, whoodles, aussiedoodles, bassetdoodles (and more) innundate shelters across the country.
The Story of Your Dog gave me some added advice in raising our rescue mutt. Now to order a DNA test and figure out what breeds make up our dog -- and referring back to the book, seeing how to best train him to be the best dog he can be.
July 6, 2024
This book gives a lot of information about the history of dog breeds, which is very eye-opening. I liked seeing the evolution of why dogs were bred a certain way and how that affects their behavior now. McMillan also defends that though dog breeds give us this information, that we should be compassionate and fulfill our end of the pact that our two species take care of one another by not abandoning them after demanding them do impossible tasks or rid themselves of behaviors that have been bred into them in the first place.
Still, I think there is much to be desired. McMillan still talks a lot about alpha theory and dominance theory. For a very informative book, he should engage in both sides of that debate and discuss the debunking of that theory. He doesn't have to buy into it, but it would be good to acknowledge and then defend his historical analysis of dog breeds and why dominance might give us information about the changing family unit for dogs versus wolves.
Still, I think there is much to be desired. McMillan still talks a lot about alpha theory and dominance theory. For a very informative book, he should engage in both sides of that debate and discuss the debunking of that theory. He doesn't have to buy into it, but it would be good to acknowledge and then defend his historical analysis of dog breeds and why dominance might give us information about the changing family unit for dogs versus wolves.
December 22, 2022
I saw this author interviewed on TV awhile back. When I saw the book on sale thru Book Outlet, I decided to go ahead and get it. So glad I did. McMillan is a renowned dog trainer who has worked with all breeds training them for TV, film, service dogs, and correcting bad behavior. The book is filled with stories of his adventures and successes with problem dogs, the main focus of the book is explaining how understanding your dog’s DNA and breed can help you understand their behavior; I certainly understand my dog’s behavior better after reading this book. But the best part of the book, is how love and devotion to dogs, no matter where they come from, dominate McMillan’s training and life. Great read for dog lovers.
September 14, 2022
Brandon McMillan is someone who cares deeply about the welfare of animals. especially dogs. In "The Story of Your Dog" he shares his knowledge of the evolution of the various dog breeds in an effort to arm dog owners, or potential dog owners, with the knowledge and skills needed to understand dog behavior as a function of the purposes for which each breed was originally developed. The hope is that this knowledge will contribute to a better understanding of why behavioral certain tendencies may develop within certain breeds and, thereby, improve the quality of relationships humans can develop with their canine companions.
October 21, 2022
Great book for any dog lover. Hearing Brandon describe the characteristics of a dog like the one sleeping at my feet as I type this review, quite literally brought tears to my eyes. What special people our dogs are. As Brandon concludes, human history would be radically different without our beloved canine partners.
Brandon's details were great and his summaries of each breed group were excellent. I feel like I understand how my dog thinks and how to adjust myself to better know and love her.
Brandon's details were great and his summaries of each breed group were excellent. I feel like I understand how my dog thinks and how to adjust myself to better know and love her.
July 4, 2025
This is an interesting and informative read for someone who knows very little about dog breed classification and the behaviour patterns associated with each class. Common traits and behaviour challenges are described for each American Kennel Club classification group, with personal stories sprinkled in for effect (mostly humorous). The author also provides 10-15 examples of breeds within each class, in the form of a paragraph or two describing the history and unique traits or challenges for each breed. This would be great for new potential dog owners to read before choosing a dog.
August 16, 2022
Interesting listen--a survey of dog breeds, their histories, and the implications for pet owners with those breeds or mixes. I suppose with the advent of dog dna testing, this is more interesting if you accept that the testing is accurate/meaningful. This book could really have used photos (even the print edition lacked them!?!). In fact, it would probably work best as a video documentary series showing the dogs in action as he describes each one.
March 26, 2023
What a great book.
The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is that maybe there could have been longer or more detailed descriptions of groups or breeds. And a chapter on how to train for the 7 common commands would have been nice, too. If it was possible, I would have rated this book a 4.5.
But overall, a well-written and to-the-point book on dog and breed behaviors, the history of dogs, and the differences between the wolf ancestors and the modern dog of today--wonderfully done.
The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is that maybe there could have been longer or more detailed descriptions of groups or breeds. And a chapter on how to train for the 7 common commands would have been nice, too. If it was possible, I would have rated this book a 4.5.
But overall, a well-written and to-the-point book on dog and breed behaviors, the history of dogs, and the differences between the wolf ancestors and the modern dog of today--wonderfully done.
April 13, 2022
We all know that dogs come from wolves, but this book really breaks down the specific behaviors and evolutionary traits passed down to our favorite breeds and explains both how and why these traits affect our dogs' personalities today.
My Corgi-Staffordshire Terrier mix fits the behavioral descriptions EXACTLY, and now I feel like I understand my little goober better than ever before.
My Corgi-Staffordshire Terrier mix fits the behavioral descriptions EXACTLY, and now I feel like I understand my little goober better than ever before.
August 14, 2022
Through stories and examples, the author describes how the behavior of various dog breeds were selected over many generations. This has great explanations of why dogs behave in what seems like unexpected and often counterproductive ways. Yet these behaviors may have their root in the behaviors that the dog was bred to perform.
August 25, 2022
This was an Audible daily deal — so I jumped on it. 3.5 ⭐️ — I learneda decent amount about breeds I have heard of & about some I had no idea that existed.
This isn’t a ‘how to train’ your dog book. This is a: your dog has unique genetics and inherent drives, learn about them and become a better pup-parent.
I will definitely read more by this author. I want to be a good dog 🐶 mom.
This isn’t a ‘how to train’ your dog book. This is a: your dog has unique genetics and inherent drives, learn about them and become a better pup-parent.
I will definitely read more by this author. I want to be a good dog 🐶 mom.
August 29, 2022
I enjoyed the book and learned a lot. He is a huge proponent of mutts, as I am, and it was interesting to here about the different information about the breeds that make up my mutt, Daisy. I wish my purebred friends would be willing to read this, but my guess is that they wouldn’t, since there is too much about “other breeds”.
August 18, 2022
What a sweet and interesting book! There is much more to dogs than meets the eye and I enjoyed learning more about breeds and temperaments. Dogs have needs and we would all be better off with greater understanding of how to meet those needs.
August 19, 2023
A comprehensive look at tons of different breeds and type of dogs. Many people choose a dog because of it’s looks or because they saw it in a movie and get a dog that isn’t right for their family or home. I you are wondering which dog you should choose, this book is for you.
September 9, 2024
I really loved reading about the different dog breeds and ways to work with them. Only thing that would have made it better would be pictures of each breed. I found myself searching them up on my phone as I was reading.
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