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For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend Audiobook
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(4.00) - 930 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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.
In this remarkable book, renowned canine expert Patricia McConnell answers the questions of dog lovers everywhere. Do dogs have emotions like we do? More to the point, does my dog love me? Such questions have fueled bestsellers like Elizabeth Marshall Thomas' The Hidden Life of Dogs and Jeffery Moussaieff Masson's Dogs Never Lie About Love.
Sharing riveting dog stories from her experiences, Dr. McConnell also offers accessible science that clues readers in to what's going on behind those puppy dog eyes. We learn the fascinating similarities and surprising dissimilarities in dogs' and humans' brains, and how current scientific studies have led McConnell to conclude without a doubt that dogs share a profound emotional life with us.
The information found in this book will help readers have better-trained dogs, at the same time deepening their dog-human connections. For the Love of a Dog is a must-have for dog lovers everywhere. "Highly recommended..."—library Journal Starred Review
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"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."
— Stephanie (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“A marvelous book that everybody who loves dogs should own.”
— Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author -
“A fascinating, highly educational read.”
— Frans de Waal, New York Times bestselling author -
“Ellen Archer’s fresh voice maintains a lively tempo while dropping its timbre for ironic asides and projecting compassion when relating tales of unsuccessful rehabilitation attempts or a description of a dog’s grief…Winner of an Audie Award.”
— AudioFile -
“A compelling combination of stories, science, and practical advice…This is more than a simple dog-training book: much of what McConnell discusses concerns how dog owners can learn “the language” of dog by recognizing important signals and reading them correctly…[and] her discussion of the meaning of a dog’s ‘tongue flicks’ is alone worth the price of the book.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“McConnell’s examination of cases from her veterinary practice, backed up by her scientific study of animal behavior, will help readers better understand their closest companions…[and] understand the emotions behind their actions, both good and bad.”
— Booklist -
“Brilliant! For The Love of a Dog is a perfect balance of science and soul.”
— Dr. Marty Becker, resident veterinarian on ABC’s Good Morning America and author of Fitness Unleashed! -
“Patricia McConnell skillfully blends cutting edge scientific data with examples from her personal experiences with dogs to produce a clear picture of the emotional life of dogs. In the process we learn more about how the mind of a dog works and how to better understand and interact with them. This is a ‘must read’ for all dog owners.”
— Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs -
Ellen Archer's fresh voice maintains a lively tempo while dropping its timbre for...projecting compassion when relating...a description of a dog's grief.
— AudioFile
Awards
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Winner of the 2007 Audie Award for Best Narration of a Personal Development/Motivational Audiobook
For the Love of a Dog Listener Reviews
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" Very academic but I learned some interesting things. "
— Carrie, 2/14/2014 -
" if you are considering getting a dog you have to read this book! it talks about how to read emotions in humans and dogs. and how to deal with aggressive, scared, anxious dogs. "
— Alice, 2/14/2014 -
" a great christmas gift from my business partner! "
— Annemarie, 1/31/2014 -
" 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 book began to drag near the end. I never read to the last page. That said, I'm really glad I read this book. I thought I understood my dog well, and I did. Now I understand her better, and we're both happier for it. "
— Kim, 1/22/2014 -
" Learning a lot about what dogs mean from their expressions "
— Bruce, 1/20/2014 -
" Very interesting on the interaction of humans and their dogs. It even made me evaluate how I pet my dog and whether is is pleasing to her. I don't know if I would have been able to make it through reading it but the reader was fantastic and kept me interested even through all of the medical jargon. "
— Marina, 1/18/2014 -
" i learned, from this book, as much about how humans feel & think as dogs do. "
— stephanie, 1/9/2014 -
" Fun read. What I liked best, is that I learned that when my dog looks like she is smiling, she really is smiling! :) Pink is my smiley dog, and Zoe is my cuddley dog,unlike most dogs, Zoe likes to be hugged. (maybe cuz she's insecure...) "
— Chad, 12/26/2013 -
" Great book. Got the most out of it, has a great reference section for other dog training books also. "
— Natalie, 12/10/2013 -
" Pretty technical... not at all what I was hoping for. "
— Megan, 11/15/2013 -
" Well I tried to read this book But I could not get in to it -after every chapter I read I would try to analyze my dog and then without fail I would begin to question my dop-parenting skills "
— Erin, 10/30/2013 -
" A great book to help you understand your dog. "
— Ashley, 5/4/2013 -
" I listened to this while walking the dog and really enjoyed the mix of science and anecdotes. "
— Sara, 1/6/2013 -
" i have to admit, i didn't like this one as much as the first one, the other end of the leash. it was still a very good informative read though, i feel like a better dog trainer for having read it. "
— Anneliese, 11/4/2012 -
" This book is by a woman with a PHD in animal behavioral psychology. "
— Natosha, 10/14/2012 -
" This is my favorite author on canine behavior. She is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and has a great sense of humor that had me giggling on the N in front of strangers. "
— Nicole, 6/2/2012 -
" Really enjoyed this book. Info on deciphering facial expressions and body language, emotions in dogs and humans. I have a lot to learn! "
— Emily, 3/4/2012 -
" Great book for any dog lover. "
— Pilars, 2/8/2012 -
" This book is a must read for dog lovers. It is so insightful, and although it discusses a lot of "science" and biology of emotions, it is very readable. Filled with anecdotes and interesting case studies, the author explores the emotional side of man's best friend. "
— Jennifer, 11/21/2011 -
" As usual, Trish McConnell has presented complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. A good read even if you're not a dog lover as it explains a lot about human emotions. "
— Faith, 10/10/2011 -
" Good book to understand newest thought on canine psychology. Lots of references to scientific studies, with good stories about dogs included. A bit of a slog, but worthwhile. "
— Madeleine, 8/4/2011 -
" Another wonderful dog book by Dr. McConnell "
— Erika, 3/12/2011 -
" 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. "
— Fred, 1/27/2011 -
" A great book to help you understand your dog. "
— Ashley, 1/13/2011 -
" Really enjoyed this book. Info on deciphering facial expressions and body language, emotions in dogs and humans. I have a lot to learn! "
— Emily, 1/2/2011 -
" Fun read. What I liked best, is that I learned that when my dog looks like she is smiling, she really is smiling! :) Pink is my smiley dog, and Zoe is my cuddley dog,unlike most dogs, Zoe likes to be hugged. (maybe cuz she's insecure...) "
— Chad, 11/17/2010 -
" Great book. Got the most out of it, has a great reference section for other dog training books also. "
— Natalie, 10/9/2010 -
" This book is a must read for dog lovers. It is so insightful, and although it discusses a lot of "science" and biology of emotions, it is very readable. Filled with anecdotes and interesting case studies, the author explores the emotional side of man's best friend. "
— Jennifer, 8/31/2010 -
" This is a great book for anyone who loves animals. It's not just for dog trainers, as some of her books are. Engaging, informative, and fun. "
— Sarah, 7/3/2010 -
" Maybe I'll be a zoologist or a animal behaviorist when I grow up "
— Linda, 4/17/2010 -
" Learning a lot about what dogs mean from their expressions "
— Bruce, 3/19/2010
About the Authors
Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB, is an ethologist and certified applied animal behaviorist who has consulted with cat and dog lovers for more than twenty-two years. She combines a thorough understanding of the science of behavior with years of practical, applied experience. Her nationally syndicated radio show, Calling All Pets, played in more than 110 cities for fourteen years, and her television show Petline played on Animal Planet for two and a half years. She was the behavior columnist for The Bark magazine and is adjunct professor in zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching “The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships.” She is a much sought-after lecturer and seminar presenter, speaking at training organizations, veterinary conferences, academic meetings, and animal shelters around the world about dog and cat behavior and on science-based and humane solutions to serious behavioral problems. She is the author of thirteen books on training and behavioral problems, as well as the critically acclaimed books The Other End of the Leash, For the Love of a Dog, and Tales of Two Species. She lives with her Border Collies, Willie and Maggie, her rescued Cavalier Spaniel, Tootsie, and a very spoiled flock of sheep, and she suffers from separation anxiety when she leaves them.
About Ellen Archer
Ellen Archer has narrated numerous audiobooks and has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards, as well as the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. She is an actress, and singer with a degree in opera performance from the Boston Conservatory. She has performed extensively on the New York stage and in regional theaters.