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

Gives fascinating insight into the emotions we always knew our furry companions possessed.

Dog Fancy

A fascinating, highly educational read. McConnell alternates between expressing empathy with our canine friends and taking a step back to explain the scientific limits of any attempt to get into their heads.

F RANS DE W AAL , author of Our Inner Ape

For anyone whos ever wondered how to pick out a well-adjusted puppy, McConnells explanation of the neurology of emotion is a must-read.

Newsday

Patricia McConnell skillfully blends cutting-edge scientific data with examples from her personal experiences with dogs to produce a clear picture of the emotional life of dogs. In the process, we learn more about how the mind of a dog works, and how to better understand and interact with them. This is a must-read for all dog owners.

S TANLEY C OREN , author of
The Intelligence of Dogs and How Dogs Think

A compelling combination of stories, science and practical advice to show how understanding emotions in both people and dogs can improve owners relationships with their pets.

Publishers Weekly

Brilliant! For the Love of a Dog is a perfect balance of science and soul. These stories will keep you up reading long into the night knowing that with your dogs, you love and are loved, need and are needed.

D R . M ARTY B ECKER , resident veterinarian on
Good Morning America and co-author of Fitness Unleashed!

Patricia McConnells book is a wonderful guide to the inner life of dogs. She warmly describes the posture changes, facial expressions, and other aspects of non-verbal communication that help us read and know what our loving companions are feeling and perhaps even thinking. On this journey in getting to know our pups, we get a treasure trove of information. Her chapter on happiness is a superb practical guide to increasing the happiness and joy of our pets and ourselves.

J OHN R ATEY , M.D., co-author of Driven to Distraction

For the Love of a Dog is a must-read for skeptics who still cling to outdated views of animal emotions as well as for those who embrace other animals as the sentient beings they really are. This is a well-rounded and clearly presented discussion of canine passions. Move over naysayers, and welcome Patricia McConnell.

M ARC B EKOFF , editor of the Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior and author of Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues

Fascinating from beginning to endthe kind of book you cant put down, and that you want to read out loud to your friends. It should be required reading for every dog trainerand her clients!

T RISH K ING , behavior and training director at the Marin Humane Society, Marin County, California, and author of Parenting Your Dog

Patricia McConnell has written a book that appeals to both the mind and the heart. She addresses the emotional lives of dogs and their humans with insight, wit, and acute sensitivity to the appropriate balance of science and speculation. Her rich personal experiences make for a compelling and deeply moving narrative. Must love dogs? Must read this book!

B ARB S MUTS , professor of psychology,
University of Michigan, and dog behavior researcher

In For the Love of a Dog, Patricia McConnell provides a fascinating window into the workings of the canine mind. It will bring people who live with and train dogs to a new level in understanding and communicating with their canine friends. This is another excellent book from a renowned author, and everyone who loves dogs will want to read it.

W AYNE H UNTHAUSEN , DVM, animal behavior consultant

Yet another utterly delightful book from Dr. Patricia McConnell such a fine storyteller and such a good scientistthe Jane Goodall of the dog world. For the Love of a Dog is an authoritative review of emotions in dogs and people. Thoroughly interesting, intriguing, entertaining, and such a pleasure to read. Youll love this book.

I AN D UNBAR , P H .D., BV ET M ED , MRCVS,
founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers

This exciting book is a welcome addition to our understanding of companion dogs and our relationship with them. At turns engaging, funny, joyous, passionate, sad, and poignant, it is a wonderful blend of science, social commentary, and great story telling.

D ANIEL Q. E STEP , P H .D., CAAB,
Animal Behavior Associates, Inc.

The Other End of the Leash
Beginning Family Dog Training
The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears
Ill Be Home Soon! How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety
How to Be Leader of the Pack, and Have Your Dog Love You for It!
The Fastidious Feline: How to Prevent and Treat Litter Box Problems

Puppy Primer (with Brenda Scidmore)

Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy
Your Multi-Dog Household (with Karen B. London)

Way to Go! How to Housetrain a Dog of Any Age (with Karen B. London)
Feisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Aggressive Dog (with Karen B. London)

To my guys
Jim and Luke

Daily, in the morning, this faithful dog,
silent, sits near me,
till I recognize him
with a touch.
At my little notice
his body erupts in waves, streams of joy.

R ABINDRANATH T AGORE , Recovery 14