For the Love of a Dog

By: Patricia B McConnell

Narrated by: Ellen Archer

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 differ. As behaviorist and zoologist Dr. Patricia McConnell tells us in this remarkable new audiobook 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. Listeners will discover how fear, anger, and happiness underlie the lives of both people and dogs and, most important, how understanding emotions 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 of 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.

Please Note: Photos are avaialbe on Tantor's website: tantor.com/Photos_extra.asp?Product=0300_ForLoveDog&num=1

©2006 Patricia B McConnell (P)2006 Tantor Media

Critic Reviews

• Winner of Audio Publishers Association 2007 Audie Award, Personal Development/Motivational

"A compelling combination of stories, science, and practical advice to show how understanding emotions in both people and dogs can improve owners' relationships with their pets." (Publishers Weekly)

needs photos

I have admired and respected Dr McConnell's works for a long time. And this book is terrific and full of good information. However, in some areas of the book the photos in the print version are constantly referred to. It is quite frustrating to constantly hear "see photo" when I cannot "see photo". Maybe it is not like that in an abridged version but in the unabridged version it is. I needed to buy the print version just so I can see the photos.

33 of 33 people found this review helpful

My dog doesn't like to be patted on the head!

After listening to this audiobook and reading my dog's expression, it is obvious that she truly hates being patted on the head. Honestly so would I. If not for this book, I would have never figured this out and would continue to irritate her instead of making her happy. Patricia McConnell has a knack at describing dog's expressions and behaviors in a manner that even the most inexperienced dog owner can understand. Her use of wit, humor and even heartbreaking stories helped me to better understand what my dog has been trying to tell me. Why she reacts to strangers in fear and how to help her overcome that fear. I cannot wait to listen to the book again. I am even considering purchasing the DVD on this book. I strongly advise any new or old dog owner to listen to this audio. It is fabulous tool for the dog owner! And I am sure your dog will appreciate it too!

22 of 22 people found this review helpful

For the Love of a Dog

One of the best authors about dog behavior for the non dog savvy dog owner and experienced trainers. If you want to know how your dog thinks and feels, get this book or any other Patricia McConnell book!! It will help you understand your dog and makes training so much easier!!

20 of 20 people found this review helpful

Super Content and Narration

I have been an Audible subscriber for some time now, and have never been motivated to write a review until now.

Dr. McConnell has an excellent, easy flowing writing style and Ellen Archer did a great job with vocalizing that style. A real pleasure on the brain and ears - nice jobs ladies!

The topics covered are done quite well - facts are presented as such and conjecture/theory/non-scientific statements are presently as such.

If you have dog, are considering buying a dog, or have dogs in your life through your human associates - you would enjoy understanding what "makes them tick" (no pun intended).

Another great book by this author is "The Other End of the Lease" - I'm sure Audible listeners would enjoy that online as well.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Should be required reading

This fascinating, well-written, well-narrated book should be mandatory reading for anyone who owns a dog--or anyone who will ever be in the same room with a dog. In other words, we can all benefit. It is funny, intriguing, just a great read. Using case studies and actual incidents, McConnell teaches you how to read a dog's experssions and body language. Not some boring text on dog training, but a really fascinating peek into your dog's brain.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

A must read for dog and animal lovers

Wow! This is an excellent book that will take you through the range of emotions from laughter to tears, and all in between. Very insightful to even a seasoned dog handler. I couldn't put it down and so I finished it in one weekend.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

SUPERB BOOK

Any dog owner who cares for their dog will find this a great read/listen.
Learned a lot.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Excellent, insightful, well-written

Patricia McConnell's clear-headed, accessible book about our relationship with dogs is well-researched without being academic or tedious. She draws from a wealth of practical experience. Best of all, she is clearly in love, passionately, with dogs, and this makes a compelling book even more powerful. I learned so much, enjoyably, easily. The narrator has the perfect voice, well-modulated, clear, and she imbues her "read" with the empathy that the writer clearly has. Some reviewers have commented that references to photos detract, but for me, hearing it offered a different way of "seeing" the dog - in my mind's eye. Well done. Highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

For the love of my dog

I really like Patricia McConnell as an author and thought this was a great book...It is very similar to other works she has done...It became boring the last hour of the audio book...If you are looking to find out why your dogs act like they do, it gives a good insight...If you are looking for a training manual (step by step) look into her book 6 week training book (not audio)...

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A must have for dog lovers & owners

This text helps me better understand my dogs motivations, behaviors and emotions. Now I can begin to open the door to a conversation with my dogs that will last the rest of our lives and improve my understanding of all of their emotions and motivations. Thank you Dr. McConnell for this extraordinary gift.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful