Dog to Dog Communication

    • Gold Top Dog

    Dog to Dog Communication

     I just received a copy of Jamie Shaw's book, "Dog to Dog Communication."  It's geared toward pet owners, not trainers, and has lots of valuable information on how to tell if dogs' interactions are OK, what to expect from different breed groups, how to tell if your dog likes day care, how to introduce dogs correctly, etc.  Her use of the terms "dominant" and "submissive" is contextual to each doggy interaction, and not intended to identify a dog as one or the other.  Her training and desensitization methods are sensible and positive. There's a good section on muzzle training, and she gives owners permission to keep their dogs away from other dogs and not insist on courting disaster, if that's the best solution in their situation, plus she gives good suggestions on how to keep a "house dog" occupied and exercised.  The thing I like best is her treatment of the issue of humans being embarrassed by their dogs' behavior, and the necessity for letting normal dogs communicate with one another, even if they are saying, "Get out of my face," or "Hey, that's mine!"  She also tells people how to deal with dogs that aren't just telling one another off, but are intent on harm.  One problem I did have was when she advised on how to find a trainer.  Her suggestion to ask your vet seems fine (I have no problem with that one - at least around here, they usually figure out quite fast who the good ones are), but "ask at your local pet store" is not so fine.  People who train using nasty methods can be nice people, and those who work at pet stores can be less than knowledgeable, if nice.  You want someone who is both gentle and extremely knowledgeable to deal with dog-dog aggression, and certainly dog-human aggression.  But, all in all, I give this book a high five and suggest it for anyone who wants to know if their dog is a "dog park dog" or not.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Thanks Anne...sounds like a good one.  I'll pick it up.

    • Gold Top Dog

     You're welcome:-)  I thought it was great because it also gives permission to the owners to actually make the decision to have an "at home" dog.  With all the hype about the rehabilitation of dogs, it's so easy for people to think there's something wrong with them if they don't have the time, money, energy or knowledge to do it.  The main goal is keeping dogs and people safe, and this book is good at giving lay people an idea of how to do that.

    • Gold Top Dog

     is the book well illustrated with photos and diagrams?

    • Gold Top Dog

    TheMilkyWay

     is the book well illustrated with photos and diagrams?

     

    Not as much as I would like, but there are good explanations for pet owners about what constitutes normal behavior and there are some step by step training protocols.  If you want good photos and explanations of dog language, I would prefer you to try Barbara Handelman's book.

    • Bronze

     Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing books. Thats are awesome and very much helpful for me. Actually now a days dogs are needs much more training and adequate exercise for their health & growth.