it lists a comprehensive array of 'dog language', ie facial expressions, signs and signals, behaviours etc. it also describes what each signal or expession means. however, it stops here, it doesnt tell you how to deal with it. an example is 'faeces eating', it tells you what it is, touches on why they do it but offers no solution. for a few items, it frustratingly neglects to tell the 'why' as well.

if you're looking for a book to tell you how to deal with our dear little friend who always growls at someone wearing pink, you won't find answers here. after reading though, you should know, if you observe carefully, if your dog is growling out of nervouness or anger or if it was a 'friendly growl' (haha)...

this is a good reference book if you're interested in knowing what certain signals mean, but it doesnt tell you how to solve any problems you have with dogs, nor to understand thoroughly how any problems develop. you'll learn to be able to tell if your dog is confident, happy, worried etc.

not a bad book to have for dog owners.


Excellent Quick Reference on Behavior   June 8, 2003
 57 out of 60 found this review helpful

This book is incorrectly titled -- which is probably what disappointed the negative reviewer. Far more than a look at dog language, this book covers in bite-size portions all aspects of physiology and ethology (body language and behavior). I have read many (many) works that focus on specific aspects of what this one book covers, but this is the one I will reference most often for the simple, straightforward, and easily organized information.


Ok as a quick reference   January 8, 2003
 17 out of 32 found this review helpful

You'd be better off buying a more thorough discussion as contained in How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication by Stanley Coren.


Excellant reference book!   August 4, 2001
 42 out of 43 found this review helpful

This is an outstanding reference book for both pet owners and dog professionals. Behavior definitions are alphabetically arranged and cross referenced for easy use. It is intellegently written, concise, and easy to understand. There are many beautiful B&W illustrations throughout the book which further define behavior and body language. This book remains one of my personal favorites on basic behavior (my original copy is well used) and one I highly recommend. No good dog library is complete without it!