Review: The Secret Language of Dogs by Victoria Stilwell

The Secret Language of Dogs

by Victoria Stilwell

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Pages: 160

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  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?

Kritters Thoughts:  I have always wonder between the three dogs in our lives what they are thinking or saying in their words and mannerisms.  We have three very different dogs and they each have their own ways and I enjoyed reading a book that gave me some tips and tricks to interpret my dogs and their language.

Dividing the chapters into different ways that dogs speak to humans was such an ideal way to organize the book.  It made it so this book was pleasing to read through front to back for the first time, but in the future to also use a resource when I need to figure something out.  I read this in ebook form, but plan on buying a physical copy to keep in our house as a reference book.

The biggest thing that I learned that I am excited to use was the tip about calming your dog when they get anxious.  One of our dogs can't stand fireworks and we live near a historic site that has fireworks very frequently, I plan on using the positive training techniques to see if we can lower his anxiety when there are fireworks in the neighborhood.

I almost wish this book was required reading before you brought a dog home.  I learned things in this book that I had been wondering about for years!


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2019 Challenge:  1 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.