What do you think?
Rate this book
The Language of Dogs
The canine expert and star of the hit TV show Dogs in the City shares his cutting-edge methods for training and caring for happy, healthy dogs in the city.
Do you have a doggy dilemma? Struggling with canine claustrophobia? Are you trying to give Fido the best care and attention, but your busy life is getting in the way?
Meet Justin Silver.
As a dog trainer by day and stand-up comedian by night, Justin combined his two vocations and created the charity "Funny For Fido," providing assistance to homeless animals and the groups that support them. In 2006, after fostering and rehabilitating abused animals for more than a decade, he opened a full-service pet care company in New York, which was featured on the hit CBS show Dogs in the City. With a creative and instinctive ability to connect with dogs and solve problems between pets and their owners, Justin became New York City’s top dog guru. Now, in The Language of Dogs , Justin shares insider tips—not to mention his best hound humor—for socializing dogs of all ages and preparing new puppies for well-adjusted city lives. Packed with expert training techniques, recipes, and grooming advice, this book is a complete guide for people with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments.
Justin’s work with pet owners is more than a business; he has a true gift for distilling complex issues into simple solutions. A must-read for all dog lovers, The Language of Dogs will help you become the best dog owner you can possibly be.
Do you have a doggy dilemma? Struggling with canine claustrophobia? Are you trying to give Fido the best care and attention, but your busy life is getting in the way?
Meet Justin Silver.
As a dog trainer by day and stand-up comedian by night, Justin combined his two vocations and created the charity "Funny For Fido," providing assistance to homeless animals and the groups that support them. In 2006, after fostering and rehabilitating abused animals for more than a decade, he opened a full-service pet care company in New York, which was featured on the hit CBS show Dogs in the City. With a creative and instinctive ability to connect with dogs and solve problems between pets and their owners, Justin became New York City’s top dog guru. Now, in The Language of Dogs , Justin shares insider tips—not to mention his best hound humor—for socializing dogs of all ages and preparing new puppies for well-adjusted city lives. Packed with expert training techniques, recipes, and grooming advice, this book is a complete guide for people with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments.
Justin’s work with pet owners is more than a business; he has a true gift for distilling complex issues into simple solutions. A must-read for all dog lovers, The Language of Dogs will help you become the best dog owner you can possibly be.
- GenresDogsNonfictionAnimals
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2014
18 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 4, 2014
The Language of Dogs, the long-awaited dog training/behavior book from dog care professional and comedian Justin Silver, has finally made it into my hands. I have been waiting patiently for this book ever since it was a mere hint of a suggestion following the short-lived CBS series Dogs in the City, which aired 6 episodes during the summer of 2012 (and now repeats on the TV Guide Network, which I don't have, but maybe you do, and can catch it there. Or via Amazon or iTunes.)
Studying dog training and behavior has become a hobby of mine for the past 10 years, coinciding with acquiring the first dog of my own as an adult, and maybe a little bit inspired by a dog training tip or tidbit or two that I learned as a kid. It's been my habit, during all of this time, to collect, read and watch every book, DVD or video available on the subject. I pre-order new releases, search the local library for older volumes, which I then track down and purchase in good, used condition if I like them well enough, and am always recommending one or another to various friends and relatives to help with their own personal issues and questions. It's great to have so much information provided in so many different ways- you never know what one author will present in a slightly different way from another, that suddenly makes more sense than it did before, or is understood in a new light. The world is full of diverse people and diverse dogs. We all have different learning styles and different ways of perceiving the world around us.
I can't say enough great things about The Language of Dogs. Justin Silver manages to deliver clear, concise, intelligent information while also being entertaining and witty, in addition to avoiding passing judgement. He's done a great job of teaching the basic necessary skills a dog should learn, while also touching on common behavior issues and providing adept solutions for handling them. Clear photos and step-by-step instruction accompany each concept.
The book also provides a helpful evaluation section with regard to your own dog and determining his/her energy levels and personality. Sort of a "pre-test" that you can then revisit later, after you've followed through with the book's recommended teachings, to determine your dog's improvement.
I love how Justin teaches readers to "listen with our eyes" with regard to observing our dogs' behavior, what it means and how we are to go about making positive changes.
This is definitely one of the most reader- and user-friendly dog books I've read. I took my time reading it, though it's a relatively short book- just under 250 pages, and am still sad that it's over! Very well done!
Studying dog training and behavior has become a hobby of mine for the past 10 years, coinciding with acquiring the first dog of my own as an adult, and maybe a little bit inspired by a dog training tip or tidbit or two that I learned as a kid. It's been my habit, during all of this time, to collect, read and watch every book, DVD or video available on the subject. I pre-order new releases, search the local library for older volumes, which I then track down and purchase in good, used condition if I like them well enough, and am always recommending one or another to various friends and relatives to help with their own personal issues and questions. It's great to have so much information provided in so many different ways- you never know what one author will present in a slightly different way from another, that suddenly makes more sense than it did before, or is understood in a new light. The world is full of diverse people and diverse dogs. We all have different learning styles and different ways of perceiving the world around us.
I can't say enough great things about The Language of Dogs. Justin Silver manages to deliver clear, concise, intelligent information while also being entertaining and witty, in addition to avoiding passing judgement. He's done a great job of teaching the basic necessary skills a dog should learn, while also touching on common behavior issues and providing adept solutions for handling them. Clear photos and step-by-step instruction accompany each concept.
The book also provides a helpful evaluation section with regard to your own dog and determining his/her energy levels and personality. Sort of a "pre-test" that you can then revisit later, after you've followed through with the book's recommended teachings, to determine your dog's improvement.
I love how Justin teaches readers to "listen with our eyes" with regard to observing our dogs' behavior, what it means and how we are to go about making positive changes.
This is definitely one of the most reader- and user-friendly dog books I've read. I took my time reading it, though it's a relatively short book- just under 250 pages, and am still sad that it's over! Very well done!
October 13, 2014
My full review can be read at http://bosoxamysbooks.blogspot.com/20....
The Language of Dogs isn't a dry how-to. Since Justin is also a comedian, his humor comes through in his writing making the reader feel like one of their buddies is helping them to get their dog to behave. At the same time, he is able to convey the importance of training a dog properly. He explains the terms he uses in training so the reader can follow along without confusion. He then gives step-by-step instructions on how to train different behaviors. Near the end of the book, Justin touches on some common behavioral issues and discusses how to handle them with the training techniques he explained previously. He gives real world examples of dogs he has actually trained, making it even more understandable.
I enjoyed the simplicity of the directions Justin gave. I felt like I could read the book, then use the training tips on my dog without having to reference the book at every step. It was sensible and cohesive. There were also some phrases that really stuck with me. My favorite was when he pointed out that "Boredom is an enemy for both dogs and kids." You can add cats to that as well! If a pet parent doesn't give their pet enough to do, the pet will find something for themselves. You can bet it won't be what you want them to do.
Another great phrase Justin wrote was "Keep it fluffy." In other words, don't feel so uptight about training your dog. Be enthusiastic and have fun.
The Language of Dogs isn't a dry how-to. Since Justin is also a comedian, his humor comes through in his writing making the reader feel like one of their buddies is helping them to get their dog to behave. At the same time, he is able to convey the importance of training a dog properly. He explains the terms he uses in training so the reader can follow along without confusion. He then gives step-by-step instructions on how to train different behaviors. Near the end of the book, Justin touches on some common behavioral issues and discusses how to handle them with the training techniques he explained previously. He gives real world examples of dogs he has actually trained, making it even more understandable.
I enjoyed the simplicity of the directions Justin gave. I felt like I could read the book, then use the training tips on my dog without having to reference the book at every step. It was sensible and cohesive. There were also some phrases that really stuck with me. My favorite was when he pointed out that "Boredom is an enemy for both dogs and kids." You can add cats to that as well! If a pet parent doesn't give their pet enough to do, the pet will find something for themselves. You can bet it won't be what you want them to do.
Another great phrase Justin wrote was "Keep it fluffy." In other words, don't feel so uptight about training your dog. Be enthusiastic and have fun.
February 29, 2024
The book is great, it really gives dog owners a good idea on how to properly train dogs. The author makes the book entertaining by adding his start as a dog trainer, and he uses his experience from those years as a way to learn how to train dogs. Whenever he starts to talk about how to make a dog behave better, he uses precise, yet simple words to make it easier for the reader to understand his instructions. One thing I would like for the author to add is a way to better understand a dog's personality. Not all dogs do or like the same things, and so I would like for the author to add in-depth steps into figuring out a dog's personality, so as to better train them.
June 5, 2018
I received this book for free through the GoodReads first reads program in exchange for an honest review.
The Language of Dogs is more than simply a dog training manual, as Justin Silver believes that such manuals aren't a great help in truly training your dog. It is more important to be able to understand how dogs think and communicate than how to position your hand to get them to sit - you need to make the dog want to sit, and to do so consistently. This is the essence of dog training. You need to be part zoologist, part psychologist, and have the patience of a saint to make it work... but it is worth it. It is very much worth it.
The Language of Dogs is a wonderful look at how to foster a better relationship with your dog. Rather than focus on breed stereotypes and differences, the author highlights various personality types dogs often fall into and the behaviors associated with them. Genetics isn't destiny, an our relatively mellow husky is proof enough of that. You don't need to say "My dog is a Siberian Husky, therefore he'll never obey me." You just need to find the right motivation, and then your dog can run through the tricks and walk well on a leash. Work with the animal, not against it. No one loves a harsh dictator.
I appreciate the focus on the need to get proper exercise, as being able to walk our dog regularly has changed him so much for the better. Exercise and socialization are the two biggest problems dogs face, and this book focuses on both of them enormously. The training sections, likewise, are great as they come after you've a basic course in operant conditioning, how dogs think, and how to work within those guidelines.
Overall, this is a wonderful book to pair with Ian Dunbar's titles for the basics in how to have a well-balanced dog, and a great relationship with such a long-term companion. Highly recommended.
The Language of Dogs is more than simply a dog training manual, as Justin Silver believes that such manuals aren't a great help in truly training your dog. It is more important to be able to understand how dogs think and communicate than how to position your hand to get them to sit - you need to make the dog want to sit, and to do so consistently. This is the essence of dog training. You need to be part zoologist, part psychologist, and have the patience of a saint to make it work... but it is worth it. It is very much worth it.
The Language of Dogs is a wonderful look at how to foster a better relationship with your dog. Rather than focus on breed stereotypes and differences, the author highlights various personality types dogs often fall into and the behaviors associated with them. Genetics isn't destiny, an our relatively mellow husky is proof enough of that. You don't need to say "My dog is a Siberian Husky, therefore he'll never obey me." You just need to find the right motivation, and then your dog can run through the tricks and walk well on a leash. Work with the animal, not against it. No one loves a harsh dictator.
I appreciate the focus on the need to get proper exercise, as being able to walk our dog regularly has changed him so much for the better. Exercise and socialization are the two biggest problems dogs face, and this book focuses on both of them enormously. The training sections, likewise, are great as they come after you've a basic course in operant conditioning, how dogs think, and how to work within those guidelines.
Overall, this is a wonderful book to pair with Ian Dunbar's titles for the basics in how to have a well-balanced dog, and a great relationship with such a long-term companion. Highly recommended.
October 15, 2014
Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and four paw prints
September 6, 2021
It was pretty amazing to read this book & learn more about dog behavior. I feel like so may people get dogs & then just fly by the seat of their pants in how they take care of their dog. People should really due their homework by figuring out what works best in training & taking care of their dog. Seems like many folks are just too lazy or think they know what they're doing. This book gives you so many tips on how to go about this & also tells a story which is also important. Although I have never seen the show I guess he does alot on there which is why the book is a thing. Here is a way for people to know & better understand what is going on w/ their dog. He does make it seem pretty easy but then again he didn't start out knowing everything either so everyone has to adjust to the right way of doing things which is better not just for you but your dog. I may not agree 100% on what he goes through on certain techniques or about shock/choke collars which I whole heartedly disagree on their use. This is all a matter of working w/ the uniqueness of you & your dog too. Not everything works for everyone but certainly worth checking out. You will totally learn something.
October 16, 2017
One of the best books I've read on the subject of ordinary dog ownership. I was immediately impressed by the stress he places on the need to learn about our individual dog and not take a generic approach to training. Training should reflect what you understand about your particular dog and not just what you know about the breed or just what you've been told by professional trainers. Very easy, enjoyable book to read and well organized. Uses a lot of common sense, an every day vernacular with great humour. Totally enjoyed it and will use it as my "go to" dog book.
December 12, 2025
Contains numerous examples of "difficult " dogs and their problem owners, and what author did to address them. Takeaway is that dogs are basically expected to live in environments foreign to their nature, that patience is required in training, and that each dog is unique: what works for one dog may not work for another. Socialization is absolutely key. Humorous at times, including the usual evolutionary bunk. Unfortunately, as is common in these type books, he says not a word about curbing your pet.
July 15, 2018
This is very much Justin's take on dogs and dog training. I was looking for some suggestions in how to win the confidence of an Australian shepherd who was also an agility dog, and what I found in this book didn't work. I did love his attitude toward dogs and his business, which are kin to mine (I'm a pet sitter and dog walker). But I have to admit, I was disappointed in everything except his attitude and his stories of canines. Light reading, not what I wanted.
January 7, 2021
I love Justin’s perspective and this was a quick, easy read. Following his social media, I’d already implemented many of his advice bits into training with and everyday life with my pup. The book serves to dig deeper into everything. He’s given me a lot of great ideas and shifted my attitude about how to handle myself around my dog. It hasn’t been long, but I can tell my pup sure loves to learn. Definitely worth the read!
May 14, 2015
Amazing tips with so many helpful things for me to teach my dog. The book is relatable,humorous and informative!
January 10, 2016
Great book. Would definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews