Conversations with My Dog

by Zig Ziglar

Most people talk to their pets (some people even talk to their plants), but Zig Ziglar does more than just talk to his dog. He has conversations with him. Taffy is Zig’s little Welsh Corgi. Taffy moved into the Ziglar household in early 1995, and it didn’t take him long to endear himself to Dad (Zig). Over the years Taffy has been a part of the Ziglar family—including some really painful years of mourning. Dirty Dog (Zig’s affectionate nickname for Taffy) and Dad have talked about many facets of life—from faith to health to relationships. They decided (collectively) it was time to write a book.

Genres: Dogs, Animals, Nonfiction, Self Help, Memoir, Humor

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Zig Ziglar was a motivational teacher and trainer who traveled the world over, delivering his messages of humor, hope, and encouragement. As a talented author and speaker, he had international appeal that transcended every color, culture, and career. Recognized by his peers as the quintessential motivational genius of our times, Zig Ziglar had a unique delivery style and powerful messages that earned him many honors. Today he is considered one of the most versatile authorities on the science of human potential. Ten of his twenty-eight books have been on bestseller lists, and his titles have been translated into more than thirty-eight languages and dialects. He was a committed family man, a dedicated patriot, and an active church member. Zig lived in Plano, Texas, with his wife, Jean.

Reviews

[Sumit Singla · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a terrible, terrible book! I'm usually a big fan of whatever Zig says and writes, and I'm also a sucker for stories with dogs/cats in them. So, with great excitement, I picked this up right after finishing A Street Cat Named Bob: How One Man and His Cat Found Hope on the Streets (which, I loved by the way).

Zig Ziglar mentions conversations he has with his dog, who happens to be a Welsh Corgi called Taffy aka Dirty Dog. I think corgis are super cute, but somehow the voice of Dirty Dog just doesn't resonate with any corgi I can imagine.

Also, the dialogue in the book sounds like something contrived after a long rough night out on the town. Nowhere close to Zig's usual levels of brilliance.

[Cece Baez · Rating 1 out of 5]

in my opinion this book has the wrong title and concept.....from reading the title, i got psyched up for a nice warming story about a dog and his/her owner....there is no "doginess" in this book at all....perhaps the title should've been something like: "The venting of Ziglar" or "The Zig Zag in Zig's Mind"

[Lexidh Solstad · Rating 1 out of 5]

How to hide your own stories and preachings in a book disguised as a dog book.

[Kaylee S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conversations with my Dog by Zig Ziglar, came to me when my teacher recommended a short and sweet read. This book has really changed my outlook on animals and pets at home now. It shows an imaginary reality of what the pros and cons are to have pets at home, in this case, a dog. This book shows you the wonderful things a dog brings to a picture of your life. You will laugh, cry, and think about what life holds with an incredible sidekick by your side.

In this book, it is split up into too many chapters of short stories and shows the experiences and teaching opportunities Zig Ziglar gets from his dog Taffy. Taffy is a small Welsh Corgi, who moved in with Ziglar in 1995. Over the years Taffy acquired the nickname Dirty Dog from his passionate and uncontrollable heart. Dirty Dog is portrayed throughout these chapters as a leading hand to Ziglar as he goes through the enjoyable, disastrous, and normal parts of his life. Each chapter Ziglar puts into words the emotional and physical aspects of how Dirty Dog is acting like a friend at hand. For example, at the beginning of the book it shows how even going for a simple walk you can tell what Dirty Dog is saying. Dirty Dog states that he is tired of taking long walks, for reasons being that he has very short legs and it takes him four steps rather than one step for Ziglar. Ziglar sees this and they start to ease down on the walking. Even with this small detail in the book, it is amazing how Ziglar writes for Dirty Dog and the experiences they go through together.

There are multiple things that I completely loved about this book. The first was being a real dog lover, I adored how Zig Ziglar presented how Dirty Dog encouraged us to stop and reflect on the lesson you were teaching us. It shows how when we stop and think about what we are learning we retain it better. With how he set up the stories and how he portrayed Dirty Dog there were many inspirational life lessons I have learned from this book. Also, what I loved was the back and forth conversations with Dirty Dig, as it did get confusing sometimes because you do not imagine a dog talking like this. How this was specified gave us a dog’s perspective as well as humans on those great and terrible times during your life.

There were on really two things that bothered me about this book. Some of the times when a chapter would end, I would be left wanting more, rather than to just be leading onto the next event. The short stories through me off when I would put down a chapter and pick it up again, and ask myself “what happened last time?”. Another thing that I wish I could have changed was the way he wrote, it had a very old-fashioned feel to it, and after awhile it got a little outdated. However, with these minor critics, I would definitely recommend this book to a friend that loves dogs and wants a few good life lessons here and there!

[chrissy · Rating 1 out of 5]

You probably know that I will snatch up any book about dogs, relating to dogs, or ahem as a dog trainer as a main character, but this book sucks. I am listening to it on CD read by the author in my car and am afraid of what I may do to myself. I may fall asleep at the wheel or drive into a tree trunk on purpose. Zigler has such a drawl that I can barely listen to him, the fact that he is not saying anything worth listening to. He tells us what his dog says to him, but it is just plain ridiculous.

[Dundee Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio, which was read by the Author, who is an inspirational and motivational speaker. In this particular audio, he talks about the conversations he has with his dog, Taffy. He reads it as if the dog is really talking, and you start to believe that the dog really is talking! His conversations include advice on forgiveness, kindness and overall well being. The conversation would typically start as a question from the dog asking his master why he does or says a certain thing. The answer turns into the motivational aspect of the audio.

I really enjoyed this and found myself laughing out loud or smiling at the silliness of imagining a dog really having these conversations with its master. I think having the author read it himself, really takes on a special twist instead of reading the book for myself.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought his was going to be a book about Ziglar's dog. Instead he uses his dog as a literary device to share his wisdom about all sorts of topics. Ziglar oversimplifies things and I don't always agree with him about everything. Nevertheless he is a good story teller and hard not to like. There is also practical wisdom here.

(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})

[Cheryl Licata · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some good advice in this small book. My own dog could have shared some of the anecdotes if I would just listen to him. He listens to me sometimes, it seems fair I should do the same. This example from the book is exactly what my dog Dusty has tried to explain to me countless times -- Dirty Dog (AKA Laffy Taffy) said: "I'm in the house entertaining my people and protecting them from all dangers by sounding warning barks when anything or anybody, however harmless they might be, approaches the house or even walks by. I figure that's one way I earn my keep." Spoken like a true dog!

[Bob Adolfson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could listen to Zig all day long!!! ... and my other favorite topic - dogs!

[Carolyn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super read! I love dogs dearly. Always have one!!!!2 Corgis.My best friends!!

[Susan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this story on audio while driving to and from work. It got my attention because it is about conversations that the owner has with his dog which is a Welsh Corgi. I have a Welsh Corgi - totally sweet dog. But the author takes the part of both the narrator and the dog's part - and there are a lot of good quality life lessons. "Dad" called his dog "Dirty Dog" although the dog's real name was "Laughy Taffy". Dad had a nickname for all his children and his wife (Redhead) - so now just the past few days I have been calling my dog "Dirty Dog" - although her real nickname is "the girl" or "girlfriend" - but I find "Dirty Dog" quite funny. If you have a lovable little dog with short legs, or you just want to hear some really good life teachings, that you already know, but want to be reminded of - read "Conversations with My Dog".

[Gebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Zig or personal development, this is a fun way to explore it as this is in many ways Zig discussing Success for Dummies to his dog. Though, I have to say, this book was a bit odd at first and I couldn't tell if old Zig had really lost his mind in his later years or if this was actually a brilliant idea. After finishing it, I think it was actually one of his best works. And while there's a certain irony to a book where someone explains life to a dog, it reminded me of the lessons I've learned from trying to figure out and live with the animals in my life.

[Robert Federline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zig Ziglar is a perennial favorite. He is solidly based in scripture and in attitude. He chose an unusual vehicle to deliver his message this time, using his dog as a co-author. His distinctive speaking style is good for delivering his messages, but not for speaking as two characters, himself and his dog.

The points made in this book are worthwhile, and even pithy at times. He is succinct. This is not up to the usual level of his works, however.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

about his 'dirty dog' and stories of life, relationships and forgiveness as a means of unharnessing self. Also, The autobiography of Zig; To achieve help someone else achieve, life is a teacher failure merely an occurrence, growing vs swelling (poor listener), a neurotic early career and curious to note how products were marketed and sold prior to stores like Walmart, jcpenny and others.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Ziglar wrote this as if he were carrying on a conversation with his family dog. He used the so called conversations to exemplify life lessons. Even though it seems quirky, it is a good way to capture an audience of dog lovers. As the book ends, he also enlightens us to the dying of "DirtyDog." He then uses this time to verbalized what a pet can truly mean to someone.

[Ben Denison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Zig Ziglar and the concept intrigued me. Zig's life lessons and his delivery is usually spot on. But, this book was terrible. Just totally failed in the execution. Barely made it through and only because I respect the author so much.

[Cheryl Ruhl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I understand that Ziglar's folksy conversations with his dog might not appeal to everyone, but I enjoyed this book. I applaud his call to live our lives with faith, integrity and compassion. We can't hear these messages too often.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Are dogs like people, or people like dogs? This was an escape with a tilt toward self-reflection.

[Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zig is someone that should be listen to instead of read. This book goes over his other books.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't care for this book. I couldn't even finish it.

[Meiwilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

DIRTY DOG!!!!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous and creative collection of stories. Ziglar does an amazing job sharing principles for relating with people.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, meaningful, fun. Perfect combo. Listen to the audiobook read by the author for an extra dose of good times.

[Linda King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised not what I initiatly expected. lots of words of wisdom and life lessons.

[Marge]

Didn't finish the book. Lost interest pretty quickly although I really do & did like Zig. Wonderful man.

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the simple yet profound life lessons that came out from the conversations. It reminded me to go back to basics and live a meaninful, wholesome life.

[Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too schmaltzy. Couldn't even finish it.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very entertaining and some good thought to live by.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adored this book.. I will cherish it. I laughed, smiled, and of course shed some tears. So many valuable lessons in this book.. Dirty Dog will win your heart over.. Such a wonderful book!!!