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. From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Showed Me What I Was Missing!:
This book is amazing - a fast-paced entertaining read, plus it improved my relationship with my dogs. I never knew how much I was missing. My dogs were sending me signals about how they were feeling using facial expressions and body language and I just wasn't getting it. Now that I know what to look for we can have two-way communication. The numerous photos inside are helpful and entertaining. I also loved the stories about the author's dogs Tulip and Luke. This book is essential for all dog lovers. I... more info
Too much story telling:
If you like a lot of story telling, you will probably enjoy this book.
But for me, I like a little story and get straight to the point. So far I can't get pass the massive of this happened, that happened...etc. I'll probably pick it up again sometimes when I really don't have anything else to do or read.
Heartwarming and intellectually stimulating:
A dog nerd's delight, this book delves into the complex subject of canine intelligence and emotion and brings along compassion for both the animal and the well-intentioned, occasionally foolish human. The pictures are great! Comparing a dog's facial expression/mood with that of a human being in same frame of mind was a stroke of genius. Who will not understand that? Those photos alone make the book purchase worthwhile. It's not an easy read but well worth the extra effort. Every sentence is packed... more info
Do Dogs Feel Emotions? Silly Question!:
I am nearly finished with this book and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. In the first chapter, I grew somewhat impatient. It seemed a bit overwritten. Mostly though it addressed the question, still alive in scientific circles, of whether or not dogs feel emotions; I think I was more impatient with the question than the writing. As a dog person, I've answered this question to my own satisfaction: of course they do! And indeed, over the course of the book, the author makes a very strong scientific case for... more info
