What is my DOG thinking?

[Thomas Liggin]

This Christmas, among the gifts I received was an interesting book. "What is my DOG thinking?" by Gwen Bailey. It is a fairly small book, just under a hundred pages, and can be read or skimmed through in less than an hour.

It will take longer than that to assimilate all the info it contains, but it does provide many insights into the various behaviors we commonly read about on this site.

It isn't heavy, technical reading, but offers valuable and interesting insights into the various behaviors, without droning on and on.

It explains why remotes are one of the favorite "chew toys" for destructive dogs. In addition, the author explains why dogs spread out the shredded stuff, and are often found lying in the middle of their debris field.

Indy does not get into mischief, while Ava if left unattended, can be expected to chew up the remote, if we fail to put it out of reach, pulls place mats from the bakers rack and spreads them around without chewing them up, and take clothes from the laundry basket and festoon a room with them.

Among the other interesting tidbits are warning signs that a dog displays when it has bad intentions. A dog baring its teeth is not always a threat, and how to tell the difference between bared teeth as a friendly or hostile greeting.

Raised hackles (hairs along the back) are more a sign of fear or concern than aggression, though the dog may be preparing for aggression. The author asserts that by raising the hairs, the dog is attempting to look bigger, and therefore, stronger in an effort to make a possible adversary back down. A dog that is fearless, or confident in a situation will not raise its hackles, though it may be prepared to fight or attack.

In considering what the author says in the light of the differences between Indy and Ava, her assertions are right on the money.

The book is published by Thunder Bay Press.

My daughter found it at BJ's Wholesale Club.


Tom

[Layla's Mom]

Thanks for sharing Tom! The book sounds great--I just posted also regarding a book that I got called "Dogs Never Lie About Love" by Jeffery Masson. I just started reading so I can't really comment yet but it is about reflections on the emotional world of dogs. I love reading anything that helps me understand our wonderful breed better!

Happy reading!

Taryn and Layla