The Secret Language of Dogs

Unlocking the Canine Mind for a Happier Pet

By: Victoria Stilwell

Narrated by: Victoria Stilwell

The star of Animal Planet’s It's Me or the Dog reveals how to both interpret and "speak" the hidden language of dogs.

Recent studies into the minds of canines show that they have a rich social intelligence and a physical and vocal language as complex and subtle as our own. In this fun and fascinating guide, world-renowned trainer Victoria Stilwell explores the inner world of dogs. This book is your guide to understanding your pooch, communicating effectively, strengthening your bond, and helping dogs learn in the most effective way possible so they feel confident navigating the human world with success.

Along the way, you’ll learn the answers to questions such as:

• What do different tail wags mean?
• What does being right-pawed say about my dog’s personality?
• How can I tell the difference between boredom barking and warning barking?
• What does it mean when my dog spins around, arches his back, or gives me the whale eye?
• Do dogs feel guilt?
• How do dogs perceive human faces?
• Why do some scientists think dogs’ emotional experience is even greater than ours?

This insightful "dog decoder" will soon make you dog's best friend.

©2016 Victoria Stilwell (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Dogs don’t speak our language, but Victoria Stilwell is the perfect translator." (Dr. Ádám Miklósi, founder of the Family Dog Research Project)

An amazing insight into canine behavior.

I really enjoyed Victoria's presentation style. She presents modern views on dog behavior while dispelling old myths that may only damage the bonds that we share with our four legged friends.

5 stars

Great book full of useful and easy to understand info about many areas of our k9 friends!

Fascinating book for all dog lovers

It was emotional to understand my dog better! Perfect book for all dog lovers, informative, concise and brings me to my dog’s mind!

Understanding my fur babies

This was an insightful book, as I was reading this book I understood more some of the things that my puppies do. I just hope that I can learn enough to make them happy.

Bad application of narrow science that doesnt work

Victoria Stilwell's book, "The Secret Language of Dogs" and "Science-Based Dog Training", undoubtedly champion a compassionate and empathetic approach to dog training, prioritizing positive reinforcement and discouraging aversive methods. This focus on building trust and fostering a strong bond between humans and dogs is commendable and resonates with many modern dog owners seeking humane training practices.

However, a potential disconnect emerges between the idealized world presented in these books and the multifaceted reality of dog behavior and training.

Oversimplification of Dog Behavior: While Stilwell's emphasis on understanding canine body language is valuable, the notion that there is a universal "secret language" of dogs can be misleading. Dog behavior is influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, individual personality, past experiences, and environmental factors. A one-size-fits-all approach to interpreting dog behavior may lead to misinterpretations and ineffective training strategies.

Limitations of "Positive-Only": The "positive-only" philosophy, while ethically sound, may face challenges in real-world training scenarios. Dogs, like any other animal, learn through a combination of positive and negative consequences. While positive reinforcement is undeniably effective in shaping desired behaviors, there are situations where other techniques, such as negative punishment or extinction, may be necessary to address problematic behaviors effectively and safely.

Lack of Nuance in Training: A rigid adherence to "positive-only" methods might inadvertently ignore the individuality of dogs and their specific learning styles. Some dogs may require more structured guidance and boundaries to thrive, while others may respond best to gentle encouragement. A truly "science-based" approach to dog training would embrace a flexible and adaptive methodology that tailors training techniques to the unique needs of each dog.

Disconnect from Real-World Challenges: Stilwell's books, while inspiring, may not adequately prepare dog owners for the real-world challenges of training dogs with behavioral issues or those in complex environments. A "positive-only" approach might fall short in situations where immediate intervention is required for safety reasons, such as managing aggression or preventing a dog from running into traffic.

In conclusion, while Victoria Stilwell's book offers interesting tidbits of cherry-picked pop-science, but the leap that she then takes to practical application and the smugness with which she proclaims her incomplete and often wrong conclusions made this book painful to listen to. A critical and more experienced perspective reveals a disconnect between theory and practice. A balanced approach to dog training that acknowledges the complexities of dog behavior, embraces a range of evidence-based techniques, and tailors training strategies to individual dogs offers the most effective path towards a harmonious human-canine relationship.