My rating:
add to my books
Loading...
For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend
The critically acclaimed author of "The Other End of the Leash" offers fascinating insights into the canine mind---critical tools for a healthy relationship with a well-trained dog.
Unknown Binding, 0 pages
Published
March 15th 2008
by Tantor Audio
(first published 2006)
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is currently not featured on any Listopia lists.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
972)
The last book I read by her was all about communicating with your dog, with much emphasis on how humans act around dogs and why some of what we do is just plain wrong. The subject of this book was dogs and emotion.
There has been a lot of debate over the years as to whether or not dogs (and other non-human animals) can have emotions. I recall a philosophy class I once took. The teacher asked us what differentiated humans from animals. Someone said "emotions." He agreed. I dr...more
There has been a lot of debate over the years as to whether or not dogs (and other non-human animals) can have emotions. I recall a philosophy class I once took. The teacher asked us what differentiated humans from animals. Someone said "emotions." He agreed. I dr...more
Josh and I listened to half of this on our road trip to DC. I had already read the book a few months ago. With Charlie in tow in the back of the car, it made for a lovely conversation piece. Josh hasn't read an entire book on dogs (just puppy training), and this was my way of sneaking in some information. We got through the chapter on facial expressions and we are now paranoid that Charlie rarely smiles.
Still, it was a great book to listen to since Charlie was going to be with my two...more
Still, it was a great book to listen to since Charlie was going to be with my two...more
view 2 comments
Excellent book, I love McConnell's explanation of the science behind how emotion works in humans and animals. Very digestible. We are so very similar (from the physical structure of our emotional centres to the chemicals that create them, to the ways we express them) only the most narrow-minded can continue to believe humans are not animals. We are, and we behave very much like them. (Even with our much larger cortex.)
The more I come to understand about animals, the more I appreciate t...more
The more I come to understand about animals, the more I appreciate t...more
This was an excellent book. I am a fan of Patricia McConnell, I think she has the perfect balance between science and fun. "For the Love of a Dog" focuses on the biology of emotion, and what that means for animal, and human, behavior.
Although I enjoyed this book, and found it interesting, if you are to read only one book by McConnell, I would recommend "At The Other End of the Leash". She covers everything a dog owner or dog lover could ever want to know in that ...more
Although I enjoyed this book, and found it interesting, if you are to read only one book by McConnell, I would recommend "At The Other End of the Leash". She covers everything a dog owner or dog lover could ever want to know in that ...more
This is an invaluable volume for any dog owner. Primarily, McConnell tackles how we can learn to notice emotion in our canine companions, as well as the biological basis for these instinctual responses. Her scientific references are varied and fair, and she handles the complicated subject matter with aplomb, without making it noticeably dumbed-down for those of us without a rigorous scientific background. That said, I was occasionally frustrated with her reference to particular cases, which she ...more
Despite the syrupy-sounded lead, this book is a solid exploration of the emotional world of dogs. There's still a fair amount of debate in the scientific community whether animals have emotions, which emotions they have and what they mean. McConnell explores the role of emotion in cognition, laying out the arguments both ways, and citing a number of researchers in the field (notably Demasio). While it's clear she sides with those who believe animals do have emotions, she deftly navigates the unc...more
This book had more academic content than 'The Other End of the Leash' because it references some psychology and behavioral studies. Although some people (including scientists, in the past) believe dogs cannot experience emotions, McConnell goes through evidence to the contrary. As someone who wants to give my dog his best quality of life, these are really interesting questions, because I know that he doesn't experience or express emotions the same way I do. The author starts with basic emotions ...more
I liked the book until the very end. I got disappointed in the last chapter that made me rate this book from 5/5 to 3/5. My impression of the book throughout the book except the last chapter was the author was taking "academic-neutral" positions of the various topics....sort of "well let's give a benefit of doubts because there is no hard proof right now." But then in the last chapter, I noticed an inconsistency in her logic of reasonings. In one section she goes:
...more
...more
This book teaches how to read the emotions expressed by your dog's face, body language and actions; how to solve various behavior problems, when to get professional help; and your eyes will fill with tears at some of the stories of rescued dogs.
I was fascinated by this book. I heard Patricia McConnell talking on the radio about the importance of dog owner's posture and facial cues when dogs are checking each other out at the dog park and decided I wanted to learn more. We learned invaluable basic dog training in Patricia's puppy training classes but now I am enjoying studying my husky's facial expressions and observing the goings on at the dog park with new eyes.
I also learned to teach our 7 year old husky some new tricks, ...more
I also learned to teach our 7 year old husky some new tricks, ...more
McConnell wants us to understand what and how our dogs think. A fascinating topic, to be sure. My only reservation is one of audience. McConnell is a trained academic, and often uses academic tactics to make her point. She frequently references case studies and scientific experiments. This is an excellent thing, in and of itself. The other half of the book wants to be charming, with anecdotes about dogs and very helpful discussions of dog facial expressions. Also an excellent thing. Going back a...more
Loved this book. Not so much a manual as a bunch of research, written by an animal behaviorist and dog trainer (and dog lover) in a very readable, narrative way. Extremely highly recommended if you have a dog or want one.
I'm about halfway through and there's some great stuff about dog emotions here, but also what's interesting is what people do in response--and how we can be better, clearer owners based on the latest dog research. Very readable, even when she's discussing neuro...more
I'm about halfway through and there's some great stuff about dog emotions here, but also what's interesting is what people do in response--and how we can be better, clearer owners based on the latest dog research. Very readable, even when she's discussing neuro...more
It took me a while to finish this book, but I really enjoyed it. I would read it a section at a time and then spend a little while processing the information before continuing on.
This book really packs in a ton of information. It is a great book for anyone who is interested in learning more about canine behavior and emotional states. I found it really interesting and well researched. Each time I read a section I stopped to talk about it with my husband or try to observe some thing...more
This book really packs in a ton of information. It is a great book for anyone who is interested in learning more about canine behavior and emotional states. I found it really interesting and well researched. Each time I read a section I stopped to talk about it with my husband or try to observe some thing...more
This book helped me understand some physical differences and similarities between our species. It had an impact on me. My changes also made an impact on my dog. I thought it was really interesting to think on that emotions can be triggered biologically. (like a mouse will attack if you take away the chemical that makes him feel fear) Some dogs are made more shy genetically. (shy or afraid) If you are looking into getting a new pup it is always a good idea to meet the mom.
I loved to find...more
I loved to find...more
Warmly informative - should be on every dog owner’s shelf
My partner and I have a beautiful and loving Shetland Sheepdog as part of our family. I purchased this book in an attempt to better understand him, why he does the things that he does, how to know if he’s happy, and what I can do if he’s not.
Patricia McConnell writes with such warm concern and intimate tone that you feel as though you’re sharing a cup of coffee or tea with her somewhere. Her writing is lucid and w...more
My partner and I have a beautiful and loving Shetland Sheepdog as part of our family. I purchased this book in an attempt to better understand him, why he does the things that he does, how to know if he’s happy, and what I can do if he’s not.
Patricia McConnell writes with such warm concern and intimate tone that you feel as though you’re sharing a cup of coffee or tea with her somewhere. Her writing is lucid and w...more
Look past the sentimental title and accept my word that this is in fact a serious, albeit very readable, exploration of the intersection of canine and human behaviour, drawing on examples from psychology, neurobiology and the evolutionary sciences.
I picked this one up after it occurred to me that while I'm quite familiar with the workings, both inner and outer, of many of the gadgets I own, I'd devoted very little time to learning about the inner workings of Delphine and Salvador, t...more
I picked this one up after it occurred to me that while I'm quite familiar with the workings, both inner and outer, of many of the gadgets I own, I'd devoted very little time to learning about the inner workings of Delphine and Salvador, t...more
This book is a good read, but really you could clip out about half of it and it'd still be just as good. Half the time the author is blabbering on about how much she loves her dogs, and silly dog stories she has, and honestly, it's like some mother telling you about her kids: Unless you know the kid, you really just don't care. What is interesting is how the dog brain works, the similarities they share with our own, and reading a dog's facial expressions. There's a lot of nuance in reading...more
Excellent - a must read if you have a dog! A fascinating discussion that blends the latest research on emotion in animals, and particularly dogs, with the author's personal experiences with dogs as a consulting behaviorist. She talks in detail about the physical cues that can help you understand how your dog is feeling - and head off trouble if needed. But on another level, it is a fascinating discussion of the mechanics of fear and anger in both humans and dogs (very interesting how similar the...more
I loved learning how to read how a dog's posture, mouth, ears, tail, and stiffness can all help to tell you whether to greet fido or NOT. I have a German Shepherd who utterly hates getting affection. McConnell gave me an understanding of the anxiety that my dog feels by his hints like tongue flicks. WE lost our lab a couple of years ago and although I love my Shepherd to pieces, I think I need to get a lab who loves getting pets and kisses.
More folks need to be educated about their dogs. This is a wonderful book to illustrate many misconceptions humans have about canines. I think that many times we tend see things threw our eyes instead of seeing the effects of ignorance on our dogs. I didn't realize how ignorant I was until I started to take my dog ownership seriously.
I was given this for Christmas and just got around to reading it. While I generally agree with the author, anyone looking for a more objective discussion on the nature of thought and emotion in animals may prefer something else. That said, it was enjoyable and informative, which is a tough combo to achieve. I'd recommend it.
A must read for dog lovers and dog owners. I had the great fortune of taking McConnell's class, The Biology of Human and Animal Relationships, in college. An internationally recognized animal behaviorist, she gives great insight into the emotions of dogs and gives real life examples that you can observe with your own dog.
This was a very interesting read. McConnell lays out the biology behind emotions; what happens in the brain, what chemicals are present and how they affect the way we feel and how similar chemicals are present in dogs, how human brain and dog brain are similar, yet different and what that could mean for dogs' emotions, with the reservation of the limits of current knowledge, methods and amounts of studies.
I was thrilled about some of the studies she referenced, mostly about one where...more
I was thrilled about some of the studies she referenced, mostly about one where...more
I greatly enjoy this subject matter, so my only complaint is that it took the author too long to get to the interesting stuff. The personal experiences are heartwarming, sure, but that wasn't why I picked this up to read. If anyone liked this book, even a little, you'll love reading Temple Grandin's books.
By far my favorite "animal expert". I skimmed a lot of this book because it is sort of intro. evolutionary theory/animal behavior and I have a background in that bidness. For those without it, it would be an invaluable tool to understanding animal behavior. I was sad to hear Luke died.
Excellent resource for dog lovers! McConnell discusses some amazing aspects about the human-dog emotional connection. One of the beauties of having dogs in our lives is our ability to share certain emotions with dogs, even though we might experience them somewhat differently.
My favorite dog book of all time, I cried at different points in almost every chapter. For the dog lover, this is a must read. It combines anecdotes with scientific data perfectly, and addresses the love that we all feel for our dogs with a frankness that is refreshing.
This book was a revelation in helping me understand dogs. There is a wealth of information in this book. If you want to understand dogs, then read this book. If you think you already understand dogs, you probably don't, so you you should read this book. I found the book very readable, and I enjoyed the stories about the author's dogs and her experiences. It's written in a sometimes-conversation and sometimes-textbook style. My only complaint is that the author seemed to repeat herself and the bo...more
wonderful mix of scientific language with down-to-earth examples. great advice! allows dog-lovers to look (and sniff) at their relationships with their dogs in a new enlightened way.
Patricia McConnell is my hero. This is a beautiful book. Every dog owner should read it. My full review here: http://thedoggerel.wordpress.com/2011/08...
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers Also Enjoyed
Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, (CAAB) has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is known worldwide as an expert on canine and feline behavior and dog training, and for her engaging and knowledgeable dog training books, DVDs and seminars. Patricia has seen clients for serious behavioral problems since 1988, and i...more
More about Patricia B. McConnell...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“We humans may be brilliant and we may be special, but we are still connected to the rest of life. No one reminds us of this better than our dogs. Perhaps the human condition will always include attempts to remind ourselves that we are separate from the rest of the natural world. We are different from other animals; it's undeniably true. But while acknowledging that, we must acknowledge another truth, the truth that we are also the same. That is what dogs and their emotions give us-- a connection. A connection to life on earth, to all that binds and cradles us, lest we begin to feel too alone. Dogs are our bridge-- our connection wo who we really are, and most tellingly, who we want to be. When we call them home to us, it'as as if we are calling for home itself. And that'll do, dogs. That'll do.”
—
12 people liked it
“When people visit my farm they often envision their dog, finally off-leash in acres of safely fenced countryside, running like Lassie in a television show, leaping over fallen tree trunks, shiny-eyed with joy at the change to run free in the country. While they're imagining that heartwarming scene, their dog is most likely gobbling up sheep poop as fast as he can. Dog aren't people, and if they have their own image of heaven, it most likely involves poop.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
