Book review – How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language
We really need to teach kids about dog behavior.
A lot of dogs are extremely tolerant around the children they live with. It’s easy for the parents to get a little careless (I would too) about allowing the children to play pretty rough with the dog. The dog either puts up with being sat on, squeezed, chased, pinched, etc., or the dog might actually enjoy the rough attention!
But if the child is allowed to treat the family dog this way, the child never learns to be respectful of dogs – especially new dogs. The child never learns to watch for signs the dog might be stressed.
If 6-year-old Ashley is allowed to sit on the family’s bull dog, will Ashley think she can sit on a friend’s Lab? Probably. And how will this situation play out?
How many dogs are blamed for snapping “out of nowhere” when really they were practically screaming at their owners for help, only to be ignored?
It’s so sad, isn’t it?
The new book How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language by Aline Alexander Newman and Dr. Gary Weitzman may be part of the solution. The book is marketed as a children’s book, but adults will certainly learn something as well (we can only hope).
I received a free copy of the book for review on this blog, and I’ve also included some Amazon affiliate links.
How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language
Examples of what kids will learn from the book:
- Dogs don’t naturally enjoy hugs
- A raised paw can mean the dog is feeling unsure
- A high, stiff tail can mean the dog is on guard
- Sometimes dogs yawn when they’re feeling stressed
- Sometimes dogs pant heavily when they’re stressed
- Beware of dogs with a hard stare, curled lips, forward ears and bared teeth
- When meeting a new dog, keep your hands to yourself
Who should read this book:
- Kids and their parents
- First-time dog owners
- Rescues and shelters should keep a few copies on hand for new adopters
- Obedience instructors may want to keep a few copies on hand for clients
- Anyone starting a dog walking business should know this information
More info about the book:
How to Speak Dog is marketed towards kids ages 8 and up or in grades 3 to 7, but adults will find the book interesting as well. It’s certainly not an in-depth book on dog behavior, but it includes tons of information and most of us will learn something (I did). The book is 176 pages with lots of bright colors and photos, breakout boxes and quizzes.
Newman is a contributor to National Geographic Kids Magazine, and a former teacher. Weitzman is the president of the San Diego Humane Society and former CEO of the Washington Animal Rescue League.
The book is available on Amazon. You can order a copy here.
Pipa
Sunday 22nd of September 2013
What a fantastic idea. Should be required reading in all primary schools! (Not sure what "primary school" is called in the U.S...but the one with the younger kids!)
Lindsay Stordahl
Sunday 22nd of September 2013
Yes, definitely.
Sean
Friday 20th of September 2013
Wish I had this book when a visiting guest insisted that it was fine to hug my lab and pull her front 2 legs off the ground because she didn't mind. Thankfully, she's tolerant of idiocy, but it's still my job to protect her from having to endure.
The same friend also thinks he can make her leave him alone by taking her ball or another toy and throwing it away - ha-ha-ha!
Lindsay Stordahl
Friday 20th of September 2013
Ugh, I have some family members who are constantly hugging and pulling on their dogs and I can tell the dogs don't like it but they put up with it. Makes me sad that the dogs are so tolerant. When this same family member does this to my cats, the cats don't hesitate to bite and scratch. I say, good cats! :) Of course, it's my job to intervene first.
weliveinaflat
Friday 20th of September 2013
We made sure to read up on how to read dog behaviour when we adopted. That said, something this may be a great coffee table book to conveniently leave in the living room for visitors to flip through! Better than preaching at them! :P
Lindsay Stordahl
Friday 20th of September 2013
Exactly!
Dawn
Thursday 19th of September 2013
Sounds like a great book! I should get one for my nieces and nephews. :)
Lindsay Stordahl
Thursday 19th of September 2013
Great idea!
Tegan
Thursday 19th of September 2013
Thanks for the tip off for this book. I'll add it to my wish list on Amazon. :)
Lindsay Stordahl
Thursday 19th of September 2013
It would be a great book to suggest to first-time puppy owners. And also for people who adopt your foster pups.