Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 44
 Worthwhile March 9, 2007
Bob Fitzsimmons (New York City)
With so many dog training books out there, it is refreshing to find one that discusses meaningfully how to communicate with your pet. If you're looking to dive deeper into this issue, check out "Adam's Task: Calling Animals by Name," by Vicki Hearne. Combining animal training with philosophy and literary criticism, it offers excellent insight into how animals communicate and respond to humans. The Atlantic Monthly called it "A fascinating and often surprising discussion of animal-human encounters." If you are an animal trainer-- or even just an animal lover--it's definitely worth reading.
Buy this book for the appendix December 27, 2006
Leisa D. Deffenbaugh (Quinton, VA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
From my reading, I understood Conlan's mission not to convince any of us that dog's have a language per se, but rather to cultivate our understanding regarding how dogs communicate through vocalization and body language--as well as their perspicacity in reading our own body language. I agree with one reviewer that this book might be beyond the average dog owner--I'm an average dog owner. But Conlan's descriptions of facial expressions (wrinkles, ear position, muzzle positions), vocalizations (growls, barks, yips) and body language (tail position, body position etc) could very well save your life; and I found this information alone more than recommends the book. It is packaged in the appendix for ready reference.
I was particularly glad to understand how to spot a dog that was confidently aggressive v. scared aggressive. Both are dangerous, but how you react to each is different. Every dog owner should understand this--for he/she needs to understand it for his/her own dog(s)as well as with any confrontations other dogs.
For purely practical information regarding dogs and the top issues that dog owners must wrangle with, I recommend Leader of the Pack. But with Conlan, you'll get specific understanding regarding dog body language as well as vocalizations to ensure success in reading the animal's state of mind. These two books together will give every dog owner the confidence and knowledge they need to be confident, responsible dog owners.
Great Read July 1, 2006
T. Mc Larty (Milwaukee, WI)
23 out of 23 found this review helpful
I had my doubts about this book. I am a professional dog trainer, and a animal behaviorist. I would not recommened this book for your average reader. However it covers the basics of canine behavior very well and I would recommend it to anyone who trains dogs, or works with groups of dogs and wants a deeper understanding of their social interactions.
Reads a bit on the scientific side, so if your reading for entertainment you will probably be bored. If your reading to learn and increase your knowledge, you will probably enjoy.
Useful June 6, 2006
WILLIAM MCLEAN (Medford, OR USA)
9 out of 20 found this review helpful
I doubt that some of the examples were true to life. Some dogs were at first presented as knowing as much as a 3 year old human child. These dogs were presented as responding to long sentences and did things that dogs just cannot do. Then the book analysed these impossible canine responses. And I do not accept the book's analysis. These fantastic canine responses could not have happened as the book asserts.
However, the material presented seems sound enough in principal. I guess the author was taking artistic license to amplify the points of his thesis. Whatever, it doesn't matter.
This book does support many of my own observations and has given me insight into dog behavior that I was not yet aware.
I am 67, a lifetime dog owner who spent a year working full time for a Veterinarian when I was 17, and presently have a 5 year German Shepherd. If you are a typical dog owner you will gain much from this book.
Speak Dog March 3, 2006
Teacher Lady (Pennsylvania)
4 out of 12 found this review helpful
I don't agree with all that he says, but it is all interesting. Lots of information to integrate with practical learning.
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