The Other End of the Leash

Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs

By: Patricia McConnell PhD

Narrated by: Ellen Archer

The Other End of the Leash shares a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs, focusing on our behavior in comparison with that of dogs. An applied animal behaviorist and dog trainer with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell looks at humans as just another interesting species, and muses about why we behave the way we do around our dogs, how dogs might interpret our behavior, and how to interact with our dogs in ways that bring out the best in our four-legged friends.

After all, although humans and dogs share a remarkable relationship that is unique in the animal world, we are still two entirely different species, each shaped by our individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (like wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation.

The Other End of the Leash demonstrates how even the slightest changes in your voice and the way you stand can help your dog understand what you want. Once you start to think about your own behavior from the perspective of your dog, you'll understand why much of what appears to be doggy disobedience is simply a case of miscommunication. Inside you will learn:

• How to use your voice so that your dog is more likely to do what you ask
• Why "getting dominance" over your dog is a bad idea
• Why "rough and tumble primate play" can lead to trouble - and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of trouble
• How dogs and humans share personality types - and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than "alpha-wannabes!"

In her own insightful, compelling style, Patricia McConnell combines wonderful true stories about people and dogs with a new, accessible scientific perspective on how they should behave around each other. This is a book that strives to help you make the most of life with your dog, and to prevent problems that might arise in that most rewarding of relationships.

©2002 Patricia B. McConnell (P)2016 Audiobooks.com Publishing

Every dog owner should listen

So many incidents, problems, and issues with our dogs could be mitigated if owners had a basic understanding of the concepts in this book.

She explains from a scientific, practical, and applied viewpoint why dogs do what they do, how they perceive our actions, why our actions have the consequences they do, and advice on dealing with some common scenarios.

There were a couple of stories where I wondered if they were exaggerated to prove a point, but she’s had a lot of clients so she’s probably seen a lot of crazy stuff.

Some of the scientific explanations needed a second listen, but she writes with a bit of wit so it’s not dry.

One warning. There is a chapter on dying dogs that I happen to listen to on my way to work. I was a mess when I got there.

I feel like this gave me a better understanding of my dogs and I can stop making some of the human mistakes that causes the confusion between us. This is about having clearer communication so everyone is happy.

This lady knows her stuff

I've had dogs for all of my 63 years. And I learned much from this book.

Not bad overall

There was a lot of good information in this. I did not like how the author focused almost exclusively on purebred dogs. I would have liked information about how to find a good pet from the shelter, especially an older pet that most people would otherwise look over. And I don't feel as though I got quite about applicable information about improving my dog's behavior. However, I appreciated the comparisons between animals and humans. The comparison provided the listener with an opportunity to fully understand how human behavior, however natural it might be, is not always conducive to good relationships with our pets. The narrator was excellent as well, although I've never listened to an audiobook that actually includes the acknowledgements at the end. That seemed a bit odd and I ended up fast-forwarding through most of it.

Great overview of why our dogs act the way they do

I'm a first time dog mom and enjoyed learning how my dog's behavior is influenced by their environment and the things I do. Every suggestion she makes in this book works and has helped me build a mutual bond with my new pup.

amazing

one of the best books I have ever read, which I didn't expect. very well written and extremely informative.