Yes, humans and canines are different species, but current research provides fascinating, irrefutable evidence that what we share with our dogs is greater than how we vary. As behaviorist and zoologist Dr. Patricia McConnell tells us in this remarkable new book about emotions in dogs and in people, more and more scientists accept the premise that dogs have rich emotional lives, exhibiting a wide range of feelings including fear, anger, surprise, sadness, and love.

In For the Love of a Dog, McConnell suggests that one of the reasons we love dogs so much is that they express emotions in ways similar to humans. After all, who can communicate joy better than a puppy? But not all emotional expressions are obvious, and McConnell teaches both beginning dog owners and experienced dog lovers how to read the more subtle expressions hidden behind fuzzy faces and floppy ears.

For those of us who deeply cherish our dogs but are sometimes baffled by their behavior, For the Love of a Dog will come as a revelation–a treasure trove of useful facts, informed speculation, and intriguing accounts of man’s best friend at his worst and at his very best. Readers will discover how fear, anger, and happiness underlie the lives of both people and dogs and, most important, how understanding emotion in both species can improve the relationship between them. Thus McConnell introduces us to the possibility of a richer, more rewarding relationship with our dogs.

While we may never be absolutely certain what our dogs are feeling, with the help of this riveting book we can understand more than we ever thought possible. Those who consider their dogs part of the family will find For the Love of a Dog engaging, enlightening, and utterly engrossing.

Your Relationship With Dogs Will Improve Dramatically!

Review Date: September 25, 2006

Reviewer: Dmitri Bilgere, Madison, WI United States

I'm blown away by this book. I really liked McConnell's first book, "The Other End of the Leash," but this book blows even that away. And here's why: This book is an uncommon combination of 3 things that usually don't go together. 1) Entertaining and moving (yet educational) stories of dogs and their humans (many from McConnell's long career as an animal behaviorist), 2) Immediately useful knowlege about dog behavior and the "clues" dogs give about what is going on with them, and 3) Relentless scientific backup for what she says, while NOT being hard to read or "science-y." For instance, do you know what it means when a dogs mouth is closed? Do you know what it means if a dog is pointing her muzzle away from you, but looking in your direction? Do you know what it means if a dog is pulling the corners of his mouth forward? You should, because these are all critical clues about what the dog is going to do next -- it may even prevent you from being bitten by the next dog you reach out to pet! Do you know the government-tested 30-second puppy-exercise regime that helps them grow into dogs that are gentle, flexible, and tolerant? You should, it might make a huge difference in the next dog you get! Along the way McConnell provides TONS of useful and entertaining knowledge about dog and human brains, how we learn, developmental phases (and how to impact them!), the nature of happiness (and how to be more happy!) and a whole lot more. . . .even how to tell if a dog might be laughing at your hairstyle. And it's so well written it's hard to put down. I'm sorry if this sounds like an ad for the book . . . I'm not selling the book, just reviewing it, and I really liked it. I think that if you like dogs and spend time with them, your relationships with them will be noticibly enriched by your reading this book.

Understanding the emotional basis of behavior

Review Date: October 5, 2006

Reviewer: Franklin D. McMillan, DVM, Los Angeles

Patricia McConnell has written a wonderful book filled with engaging stories and much practical advice for dog owners. She incorporates the latest research findings on the workings of the dog's mind in presenting her own cases from her behavior counseling service. Her discussion of counterconditioning covers an extremely valuable concept that is not stressed (or even utilized) enough by other behaviorists and trainers. This technique is invaluable and of nearly limitless potential in alleviating many emotional distresses and disorders in dogs. Especially pleasing to see is that in her discussion of counterconditioning and other techniques the author diverges from the decades-old approach of addressing "behavior problems" (a term that should be killed off and unceremoniously buried - it's not the animal's problem any more than if your husband had a habit of talking too loudly to your liking would you tell your friends that he had a behavior problem) by focusing on simply eliminating the behavior. This mechanistic behaviorism approach may be effective in eliminating the behavior but frequently does nothing to relieve the dog's underlying emotional distress that is causing the behavior. For example, if a dog is suffering from loneliness because he is tied up alone in a backyard and barks endlessly for human attention and companionship there are plenty of ways to eliminate the barking. But there is only one correct one: alleviate the emotional pain of loneliness. McConnell understands this and focuses on this underlying emotional distress when working with the dogs to change unwanted behavior. In light of the advances in neuroscience, comparative psychology, and brain imaging, this places McConnell on the leading edge of the changes underway in how unwanted behavior in dogs should be addressed. The primary focus in treating behavior "problems" is to help the dog rather than the owner. McConnell gets this. Most dog behaviorists and trainers don't. I strongly recommend this book for all dog owners who want their dogs to get the best emotional care and support in all behavior-related matters.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE for dogs and their humans!

Review Date: September 17, 2007

Reviewer: Eddie Landsberg, Tokyo, Japan

I made the mistake of getting the audio book expecting a light but informative read... big mistake: this is one read chock full of morsels... the type of book that has stuff you want to come back to, cross reference, read backwards and forwards on, and really get into, and that's why I like this book so much... Though written for a lay audience, after reading this book you may very well find yourself wanting to do what the author does (technically speaking she's an animal beahviorist, but her approach is so multi-disciplinary, you'll find yourself dabbling in a wide variety of fields from social psychology, animal beahvior to the neurosciences and beyond.) And yes... there are heard warming doggie stories that draw you into the heavy anecdotes about how the chemistry of our brains and our pets brains make us think and behave the the way we do... McConnell also makes some compelling arguements that may very well change the way you think as well... or atleast how you read, understand and react to your dog. - - though not a how-to book, she does offer plenty of ideas... in fact, I'd say that although this is not a dog training book, I wouldn't suggest getting a puppy, and training your dog UNTIL reading through it. (I got a real kick out of her suggested experiment with lifting your dog's back leg and noting how his licks... its true!) (Note: some of her conclusions may have to be taken with a grain of salt... but they will get you thinking.) All in all, this is one book that never gets boring... and is definitely puppy chow for the medula oblongada (if you don't know what that is she'll explain.) Think of it as EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE for doglovers!

Bravo!

Review Date: March 4, 2007

Reviewer: Ellen Hanson, New York

Once again McConnell has delivered a wonderful book written for people who love their dogs and want nothing more than to strengthen the bond between themselves and their canine companions. "For the Love of a Dog" is McConnell's second novel-like book on the relationships between humans and canines. In her previous book, "The Other End of the Leash," McConnell explored problems caused by the inherently different ways that humans and canines communicate. In "For the Love of a Dog," McConnell explores the emotional human-canine connection. Jam-packed with research to back up her points, McConnell's depth of knowledge, combined with her obvious love of dogs and respect for their owners was a deeply satisfying read. Especially useful were all the photos she included depicting various dogs' emotional states. I've always been leary of large dogs - unsure what's going on in their minds, what they'll do next, wondering if I'm in danger. Having read this book (as well as "The Other End of the Leash"), I find myself feeling much more comfortable around dogs, probably because I have a greater understanding of them. McConnell's books make sense, and they've changed my outlook on dogs. I can't thank her enough!

Learn about canine and human emotions and development!

Review Date: December 16, 2006

Reviewer: ,

I had heard many of my dog friends rave about Patricia McConnell -- people who had read her previous book, "The Other End of the Leash" and people who had attended her canine behavior seminars and workshops. But nothing could have prepared me for how amazing this book is! I assumed since the book was about emotions that it would be a mushy book without much substance. But I could not have been more wrong! McConnell presents an intelligent argument about emotions -- a perfect mix of scientific backup and anecdotes. You will learn so much about reading a dog's body language and predicting behavior. The one very minor thing that would have made the book even more perfect was pictures. There is a section in the middle with a nice photo spread comparing dog and human expression. However, it would have been nice to have the pictures in the text to show exactly what she was describing as you were reading. What I found most interesting were the parts on development. I also, unexpectedly, learned a lot about HUMAN development and brain function. You will probably approach child rearing differently after reading this as well! For the Love of a Dog is an incredible book that is a must read for ALL dog owners!