For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend

I didn't enjoy this book, and couldn't get very far, despite the mostly positive reviews it has received. The lure of more exciting texts pulled me away from this book. It might just be because I don't enjoy the tone of scientific-based texts. I did not feel like I could relate what I read with my own relationship with my dog, despite the author's constant use of anecdotes. I'm sure someone else could enjoy this book. Perhaps someone a little more left-brained than me!

Patricia McConnell has to be one of the best dog behaviorists writers in the US. This book is both funny, thought provoking and advanced enough to keep the interest of those of us who have read many, many dog books and worked with hundreds of dogs. It focuses on human and dog brain functions and emotions. Don't let that technical description scare you though. It is written in a very accessible style though so would not be inappropriate for the casual dog owner who wants to have a better relationship with their dog.

Great book!

In the course of the book it uses examples of human psychology and physiology to discuss dogs. Both dogs and psychology are two of my favorite topics. She uses lots of stories and experiences so I didn't feel bogged down anywhere. And her footnotes on her thoughts often made me laugh.

I will have to go back and read her other book, 'The Other End of the Leash' as it has been a while. I would recommend reading that one first if you can. This book is one of my top favorite dog books and I have over 200 books on dogs.

Great book!

In the course of the book it uses examples of human psychology and physiology to discuss dogs. Both dogs and psychology are two of my favorite topics. She uses lots of stories and experiences so I didn't feel bogged down anywhere. And her footnotes on her thoughts often made me laugh.

I will have to go back and read her other book, 'The Other End of the Leash' as it has been a while. I would recommend reading that one first if you can. This book is one of my top favorite dog books and I have over 200 books on dogs.

I liked this book quite a bit. It's a little repetitive in places, reading a bit like the chapters were written separately. Still, there was a pretty good flow. The pictures are really nice examples. I'm not as much interested in the debate of what emotions animals have since I already agree with the author that they must have them. Still one of the best dog books I've read and a good follow up on her other book "The other end of the leash"

Excellent book for dog lovers or those interested in animal behavior. The author does a great job of discussing current research, opinions and philosophies (as well as areas where current research is lacking) while still keeping the book lively and entertaining. This book also contains a very thorough and useful reference section.

This book was well-written, down to earth, and extremely interesting. McConnell's descriptions of dog behavior were apparent even in my well-mannered dog. Although it did not explain some of my dog's odder behaviors (what inevitably draws me to these kinds of books), it provided a background on how my dog acts on a day to day basis. Reccomended.