I received this book for free through the GoodReads first reads program in exchange for an honest review.

[b: The Language of Dogs|18596647|The Language of Dogs|Justin Silver|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1411349770s/18596647.jpg|26869387] is more than simply a dog training manual, as [a: Justin Silver|4588302|Justin Silver|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] believes that such manuals aren't a great help in truly training your dog. It is more important to be able to understand how dogs think and communicate than how to position your hand to get them to sit - you need to make the dog want to sit, and to do so consistently. This is the essence of dog training. You need to be part zoologist, part psychologist, and have the patience of a saint to make it work... but it is worth it. It is very much worth it.

[b: The Language of Dogs|18596647|The Language of Dogs|Justin Silver|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1411349770s/18596647.jpg|26869387] is a wonderful look at how to foster a better relationship with your dog. Rather than focus on breed stereotypes and differences, the author highlights various personality types dogs often fall into and the behaviors associated with them. Genetics isn't destiny, an our relatively mellow husky is proof enough of that. You don't need to say "My dog is a Siberian Husky, therefore he'll never obey me." You just need to find the right motivation, and then your dog can run through the tricks and walk well on a leash. Work with the animal, not against it. No one loves a harsh dictator.

I appreciate the focus on the need to get proper exercise, as being able to walk our dog regularly has changed him so much for the better. Exercise and socialization are the two biggest problems dogs face, and this book focuses on both of them enormously. The training sections, likewise, are great as they come after you've a basic course in operant conditioning, how dogs think, and how to work within those guidelines.

Overall, this is a wonderful book to pair with [a: Ian Dunbar|59501|Ian Dunbar|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1350927782p2/59501.jpg]'s titles for the basics in how to have a well-balanced dog, and a great relationship with such a long-term companion. Highly recommended. ( )