When you sit and listen to Dr. Patricia McConnell on stage giving her rendition of the similarities between humans, chimpanzees, gorillas and, of course, dogs, there isn't a dry eye in the audience. Not to worry if you can't see her in person. Her book offers you the same vivid anecdotes and keen insights. If you dare read it in public, be aware of your grin and don't be surprised if you get an odd stare, or if the extrovert sitting next to you on the bus just has to ask, “What are you reading?”
McConnell's book is an invitation into her world and life. As she shares her unique experiences with animals and interprets them with her finely honed talents of perception, she succeeds in intriguing not only the new pet owner but the experienced dog fancier as well. This book exudes wisdom and passion throughout. Shedding light on the true non-verbal communicative signals we give to our cherished canines on a daily basis, it is a wonderful book for those of us who train and for all who love dogs.
McConnell focuses on several “hot topics” in training today: communication, dominance and leadership. By emphasizing the importance of visual signals between people and dogs-while making us aware that “little movements have big gains”-she helps readers improve their inter-action and communication with their canine friends.
Gaining dominance and leadership are loaded terms in dog training today. The concepts have been misused and misunderstood. McConnell states: “Well-socialized, healthy wolves and dogs don't pin other dogs to the ground. Submissive individuals initiate that posture themselves. The posture is a display signal from one animal to another, a signal of appeasement, and not the result of a wrestling maneuver. Forcing dogs into 'submission' and screaming in their face is a great way to elicit defensive aggression. It makes sense that a dog would bite.”
She continues to share wonderful tips on helping dogs become happier, more patient and polite members of the family, so long as we behave like benevolent leaders. Most problematic dogs “can't regulate their own emotions and have no impulse control.” When leaders establish and set boundaries and rules of conduct, the dogs become less pushy about what they want. McConnell compares this to the situation of troubled adolescents who finally find a mentor in their life. The result is better behavior. She stresses that “most social animals profit from the wisdom of a wise leader.”
The book closes with heartfelt thoughts spotlighting the intimate connection we share with our canine companions. And yet, “we are still a cosmos apart.” We speak different languages and behave differently. Our body postures can and will be misinterpreted. As McConnell says, the “miracle” is that it doesn't matter if we ever understand precisely what our dogs are thinking or doing. We've all been perplexed by relationships with spouses, friends and children, but this doesn't prevent us from developing intimate ties with them, and a little perplexity won't spoil our deep bonds with our dogs, either.
