PLEASE read this book!!! I would recommend this to anyone wanting to understand dogs better and become a better dog owner!

Don't go into this book expecting a manual and you will not be disappointed. It's a conversationally delivered comparisson of primates and canid behaviors, and how they sometimes (often) conflict, with some stories that make it all seem more relevant to real life, mixed in. I enjoyed this book because I find this topic fascinating. The next time I trained a dog after reading this book, I was more aware of what I was doing, and the training went much more easily. When studying Ethology, I've found that people don't like to think of themselves as animals, and not necessarily controlling absolutely every signal other animals perceive, so it may offend some people to compare primates to humans, but I think the comparissons are helpful and find them extremely relevant.

If you are looking for a manual on training, I suggest Beginning Family Dog Training, also written by Patricial McConnell. It IS a manual, and the majority of the dissatisfied reviews about this book I've seen would probably have been eliminated if they'd read that book too. Having trained animals for a while now, I would suggest reading both of them, but not having expectations of a manual from The Other End of the Leash.

If you're interested in communicating with animals, dogs in particular, this can be a very interesting read. Using bodily signals you aren't really aware of, you're communicating all of the time. This book helps to point them out, make you aware of them, and gives advice on increasing the helpful ones and eliminating the not-so-helpful ones. You end up training yourself, and really helping your dog understand what you want communicate, and not just what they've seen you communicating.

I have learned a lot about the way my two pups think. The author explains how to use their thought process to make them modify their behavior and how to get them to accept differant situations. I have learned how to quite my dogs when they are barking at nothing and I have learned how to get them to come almost effortlessly. I would highly recommend this book to any dog owner that would like a better behaved dog.

This book provides truly wonderful insight into the human/dog relationship. It is a must read for all those who love dogs. I am humbled by Dr. McConnell's wisdom. This is one book it was a privilege to read!

This is a well written book. I do some traveling and was a great read on the plane.

I loved this book. I thought it was so helpful. It really helps me understand my dogs. I thought it was a very positive book (unlike another reviewer)...she really lets her love of dogs shine through. I highly recommend it.

This is a timeless book about the all too often hidden relationships between people and dogs. This book is enjoyable reading with reliable, scientifically based information. Reading will enhance your knowledge of and your communication with your remarkable companion animal. We are privileged to be at the other end of the leash and this book will help us live up to this honor and responsibility.
For an expanded and similar approach to our relationships with dogs and other companion animals take a look at this book. I enjoyed it, too, and it provides some surprising insights and valuable, usable information from.The Powerful Bond between People and Pets: Our Boundless Connections to Companion Animals (Practical and Applied Psychology)

This book is one of the best on dog training and understanding canine behavior. It was recommended to me by a canine behavior expert and also by a trainer in the Whole Dog Journal.

This book will give you great insight into your behavior and the behavior of your dog. It is the best book I have read so far on dog behavior in my search for training books for new dog owners like myself.

It is not a training book, but it will make any training you do more effective because you will understand how human and dog communications/interactions differ and you will be able to better apply any training methods you use.

I really do feel this book should be read by every dog owner. The insight and understanding you gain from reading this book are invaluable. Please do get and read this book.

The book presents some interesting concepts about life with your dog, Thought provoking at times.
Presents a different view of dog ownership when establishing your position as the pack leader. While I found most of it enlightening I do have some differences of opinion on a few points.

'The Other End of the Leash' is an informative, easy-to-read book. I own many, many books on dog behaviour and the only other book I would recommend, together with this one, is Jean Donaldson's 'The Culture Clash'. With these two books you'll know what you're doing!

By the time I came into my dog's life, I thought she was a lost cause. I tried all of the tricks I had seen my parents use when growing up, but her behaviors only seemed to get worse. The Other End of the Leash made me much more aware of why my dog was acting the way she was, and of the things I was doing to trigger her behaviors. She is a different dog than she was six months ago, she is a pleasure to take into public now. I have learned what to look for in her body language and how to instill confidence in her. This book is no longer on my personal shelf because I passed it on to a friend.

This was the first book I read when my family began considering getting a dog, and I'm so glad it was. The main focus is on how dogs and humans communicate (and mis-communicate) with each other. But it also contains useful suggestions on dog training, a clear explanation of how positive reinforcement works, and a whole lot of charming and moving dog stories. The author clearly loves and respects dogs, and I get the sense that she likes people pretty well too. She's someone I'd like to have lunch with (maybe a picnic on the farm with the dogs playing around us!). Since that's not likely anytime soon, I'll have to settle for reading her extremely well-written, enjoyable, and informative books instead.

Let me begin by saying, I'm not an animal behaviorist, nor do I feel qualified to agree or disagree with everything in the book... I will say this though, when McConnell gives you a bit of food for thought, and you work with it, you really realize how great her books are. - - Though not an instructional manual, I often find myself putting her books down and trying out ome of the ideas, and saying, "Wow, she's right! I never thought of it like that!" - - as to what her key point is, its simple: We people are primates, and we have an instinctively different way of talking with our body than canines... in many ways the opposite... As a result, often we send messages to our dogs that we don't mean to, while misinterpreting the one's they send to us. Dogs, both fortunately and unfortunately are masters at reading body language and as a result we drive them nuts, as well as are driven nuts... for example when we say "come!" with our mouth, but with our bodies say "run away from me!" - - We even try to express our love to our dogs using gestures that dogs use to tell other dogs, "Submit or put up a fight!" - - (Hence the phenomena of the normally friendly German Shepard who suddenly snaps right at a kid's face.)


Using her distinct style of writing which combines academic experience and anecdotal experience with the loves of her live (Lassie and Cool Hand Luke), Patricia McConnell really does bring to life the mystery of human dog communication... and does it in an interesting way: but getting US to observe our own body language...

In the end, even if you are one of those people who are enlightened enough to realize that dogs are dogs, not people... after reading this book you will probably look at yourself and your dog VERY differently ! MUST HAVE READING !

P.S. Since reading McConnell's books, I can get my 5 month pup to come when called almost EVERY time no matter how distracted he is... - - not bad for two books that DON'T claim to be training manuals!

This book was a truly great source if you are looking to understand the behavior of your dog better. It is not a training manual, but there are things that dog owners and potential dog owners can learn from the information in the book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in dogs!

I just finished reading this book and I have to say, I loved it! The tone of the author is personable and not at all condescending. She has some fascinating ideas about primates and canids and uses amazing sources to back them up. This is not a training manual. I see it as more as a guide to dog and interspecies behavior that should accompany a training book and some real life classes. I highly recommend this book!

"The Other End of the Leash" is facinating reading for dog owners as well as non-owners. Easy reading and lots of eye opening facts about why dogs act like they do.

Reading other peoples' reviews, I noticed that a common complaint is that this book talks too much about primates. Hey, humans are primates too! It's important to understand our own behaviors - why we do the things we do - just as it is important to understand our dogs' behaviors. This book made me hyper-aware of how I was acting around my dogs, how my good intentions were being misunderstood, and what we CAN do to communicate effectively with our four-legged friends.

This is not exactly a how-to reference manual, but McConnell does give some great suggestions for dealing with certain behaviors which I have used on my own dogs. I found this book to be engaging from cover to cover and recommend it to anyone who has a dog, is thinking about getting a dog, or knows someone who has a dog. In fact, I wish everyone who will come into contact with my dogs could read this book first :)

A funny, engaging, and sometimes eye-opening introduction to human-canine communication. This book is less about how dogs act, and more about how they perceive our actions. It is a great book for first time (and often long time) dog owners.

Just today, a man asked if he could pet my dog. He said he'd owned dogs all his life. I told him that he could, and he immediately leaned forward over my dog, grabbed his muzzle, looked full into his face and started smiling at him. After I got the idiot to let go (he looked very offended) I wanted to hit him in the face with a copy of this book. It should be a prerequisite read for owning a dog.

If you don't understand why this mans actions were so dangerous, please buy, borrow, or steal this book and read it before you even look at another dog!

It's extremely heartening to find that even a certified animal behaviorist can be challenged by a pet's behavior--and to see the creative ways in which these behaviors can be addressed. Patricia McConnell has that rare combination of being both informative and entertaining. She has done both dogs and their owners a big favor with this book.

I owe Dr.McConnell a debt of gratitude: I purchased this book shortly after my cherished Alaskan Malamute and I began her long battle with cancer (osteosarcoma). I wanted to read something other than cancer-related books, and The Other End of the Leash turned out to be just right.

Dr. McConnell manages to mix discussions based on her work as an animal behaviorist with stories and anecdotes about her own experiences with her dogs as well as stories about other people's (sometimes crazy) interactions with their dogs.

It's a great book for any dog lover to read as sort of a refresher course on just who our shaggy friends are and on how we relate to them. It certainly brought me some piece of mind as I took my time reading it during the course of my dog's cancer treatment.

I'm just starting to read For the Love of a Dog, which promises to be equally interesting.

Thanks for the great books!

This is a good book for all dog lovers, but too wordy sometimes and with too much information about chimpazee, bonobos and gorillas that makes you think you are not reading a book about dogs. Hard to use as a reference book because is written like a novel. If you take out all the primates tales it would have half the pages. Not a waist of money but after reading such wonderful comments about it I am a little dissapointed.

I loved this book! Patricia McConnell has written an easy to understand and entertaining book for dog lovers and those who seek to gain a better understanding of their canine companions. Although I am not an evolutionist and disagree with Patricia on the origin of life and dogs, the rest of the information is sound and she presents it in a most entertaining way. It should be required reading for all dog owners.

I have enjoyed but this is not one of those dog books you can pick up and find a quick fix to a problem. With in the text their is good information, but it is set up like a novel and not a resource. If you want a book to pick up to solve a problem this is not the book. To read an interesting book on dogs and get some good information.

This book is a key reference about positive dog training written from the perspective of both scientist and practioner. I think it is a model for all trainers and dog training facilities (dog clubs, canine schools, etc.). The author's website is also helpful http://www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com

I've read this book twice -- each time after adopting a terrier from the local animal shelter. I can't recommend it too highly in understanding why we primates have such a hard time in understanding our canine companions. It's an invaluable training tool.

I had read quite a few books on dog behavior before this one and still found this book informative and a fast, easy read. What I loved about the book most, is what it did for my fiance. As someone who grew up with cats, he was hesitant to adopt dogs and wasn't a natural "dog person." I had been trying to help him see some of the basic characteristics to help him understand our dogs better and the book did it for me! He now is the happy father to three rescues and we are one big happy family with better communication skills thanks to books like this one.

This book is incredible - intelligent, informative, and even entertaining. I learned a great deal about canine behavior, as well as primate and human behavior. My methods of communicating with our four dogs has already become exponentially more effective in just a few days! I understand my dogs signals in a way I never did before. To top it all off, the author has a relaxed, engaging writing style that's a joy to read.

I've always loved dogs, but now I appreciate them even more.

An eye-opening book that explains what you are really saying to your dog - as distinct from what you think you are saying. Dr MacConnell trains humans just as kindly and as competently as she trains dogs. (And that's a great shot on the front cover.)

I think this book should be required reading for all dog owners (parent of children as well!) Service was excellent.

There's a lot in this book that's very worthwhile. Parts of it remind me of another favorite, "Adam's Task: Calling Animals by Name," by Vicki Hearne, which combines animal training with philosophy and literary criticism. If you are an animal trainer-- or even just an animal lover-- it's definitely worth checking out.

In this wonderful book, McConnell deftly explores some of the all too common problems that arise between humans and canines because the two species have inherently different ways of communicating. For example, while humans consider it polite to make eye contact and approach another person directly, dogs consider this hostile and confrontive. Polite dogs approach each other from the side, and only if they play together often do they get away with making direct eye contact. McConnell makes the case that humans misunderstanding this bit of canine-etiquette has caused many a dog-bite. Another bit of advice she offers - if you want your dog to approach you, don't move toward her; turn and move the other way. (It works!) And yet another tidbit - never pat a dog on the top of his head; dogs dislke this. (If you don't believe her, just pat your dog on the head and see for yourself the look on his face!) "The Other End of the Leash" is jam-packed with examples of mistakes we humans make in dealing with our canine companions, and suggesions about how to communicate what we really want to communicate.

Not only is this book filled with helpful suggestions about how to better communicate with dogs, it's loaded with tips about how to choose one! I wish I'd read this BEFORE getting my puppy - I'd have been more careful about selecting a breeder. I'd have made better use of that small window of opportunity puppies have to be properly socialized - if only I'd known about it before the window closed! I'd have chosen my puppy more carefully - i.e., not based the decision merely on breed, gender and looks, but on the puppy's disposition and ability to tolerate frustration.

"The Other End of the Leash" is so much more than a how-to book on human - canine communication. It's a well-written, reads-like-a-novel page-turner that's filled with interesting vignettes and useful information. McConnell's love for dogs and respect for their owners shines through brilliantly. When I finished this book, I had that 'aaahhhh' feeling I get when I've read a thoroughly satisfying novel.

Thank you Patricia McConnell!

This is a book that will not only help you train your dog but it will also help you to understand the way your dog perceives the world around him/her and why they might act like they do. I found it most beneficial to know why the dog was doing something rather than just knowing a way to correct it and nothing else. I haven't found an all inclusive book to training a dog since there are an infinite number of behaviors but this one covers quite a few and is useful from puppy, adult rescue and even the "old dog". Would without a doubt recommend to anyone that needs help.

Yes, I'll admit, I'm a dog lover and will be tempted by almost any title that pertains to the beasties. But this book appeals on several levels. It will delight and instruct many like myself, but it will also appeal to people who wonder about the psychology of human and canine interaction. It teaches amusing (and sometimes not so amusing) lessons to some of us who "misread" various animal responses as having any similarity to recognized human responses.

And Patricia McConnell is a good writer--compassionate, funny, and seriously committed to her values.

This book was great. Really helpful in understanding how and why your dog behaves the way s/he does. Also helpful in learning to deal with other animals you don't know well. I volunteer at my local animal shelter and found the information in this book extremely helpful in working with these animals- many of which are frightened by their new surroundings.

This animal behaviorist/trainer presents solid information about how to enjoy your dog or dogs.
The ability to read their body language and know how they read yours, is priceless.
She tackles all subjects with love for the animals.
I have read other books similar to this but this one is the best. I plan to give one to each of my family and friends.

This is a wonderful book about dog and human communication, and why we do what we do. Of all of the dog books I have read, this has by far been my favorite. Patricia is a very entertaining writer and uses numerous stories and studies to explain her points. I think that this should be required reading for every dog owner.

A must for every dog owner. Great book, one you will want to read over and over. Great ideas, great tips.

I brought home a very human- and dog-reactive adult border collie from a shelter 20 months ago. Realizing I was in waaay over my head, I went to the library, and must have read 50 dog training books over the course of a month. Flooding - not that effective with dogs - surely isn't the way to go when learning dog training! Choke the dog! Don't choke the dog! Roll him over! Never roll him over! Crate him! Never crate him!

Patricia McConnell's book was recommended to me after a few discussions with other dog lovers. It was the first book whose philosophy gelled with what I was seeing in my own dog. After reading the book, I had the confidence to do what I needed: 1) Watch my dog's body language to see how he was reacting BEFORE there was a problem 2) Protect the dog from having bad interactions and 3) Slowly introduce him to spooky things and reward for good interactions.

Read it. Study it. Believe it. She knows what she's talking about!

Anyone who has an "aggressive" or reactive dog should also read "Cautious Canine" and "Feisty Fido" by Ms. McConnell.

Item was as advertised, got to me quickly. Good Seller.

Very easy to read and understand. The author takes the time to incorporate her own experiences to help you better understand the thinking and behaviors of dogs. I loved the book.

I am local to Patricia's services and she was recommended to me from 2 vets, a dog counseling service, and a pet store. I called her office and was told that Patricia was not taking any calls and would not call me back (she is to busy).

All 4 of my references told me that I should not use my local "counselor" who appears to have been trained by Patricia (or uses her methanol).

I have serious doubts about her commitment.

I loved this book. It's easy to read, full of great information and insight and amusing stories. It really helped me figure out WHY my dog was doing some of the things he was doing and WHAT I could do to make it different for him. My ONLY complaint (with this and virtually all dog books) is that my dog is very small and some of the suggestions really need some modifying because of his size. It would have been helpful to have some of these modifications suggested rather than having to come up with things on my own that would accomplish the same thing.

This is perhaps the best book we have found on dog behaviour. It is a discursive book and takes time to digest, in fact it takes many readings and lots of dipping to absorb the profound insights it contains. McConnell's writing style is warm, compassionate and funny but underpinned by her scientific training and background. The 'science' is perfectly balanced by anecdotes, case studies and by her stories of her own pack. Highly recommended to all dog owners.

As a dog trainer who specializes in behavior issues, as well as being an avid reader (and fellow author), I cannot express how much I adore this book. I have attended Patricia's seminars and her warmth, intelligence, and ability to convey invaluable information related to canine behavior comes across in this book just as it does in person. I have a vast collection of dog training books. Some are referred to for specific information on behavioral issues. Some gather dust. This one will be read more than once, just for the sheer enjoyment. Patricia McConnell is an excellent writer, and anyone who wants to understand more about the relationship between dogs and people and how to improve them should absolutely buy this book. It is one of my most highly recommended books to my dog training clientele.

I'm not understanding the rave reviews as it read like a
blog and the bulk of this info is obvious if you've ever
owned a dog. Excessive references to being an Applied Animal
Behaviorist with a Ph. D. was annoying. Mom would be proud
but it got old. I suppose if you never had a dog in your
life and you were curious it might be useful but...

Patricia McConnell has written a clear and thought provoking book on ANIMAL behavior. Take note, McConnell does not stop with dog behavior, but looks closely at primate behavior as well. It is important to know not only how to speak dog, but why our behavior, while understandable by us and other primates, communicates in a foreign language to our dogs. For example, did you know that every time you grab a dog by the face and press your face up to the dog that you are probably making that dog quite uncomfortable? Dogs do not greet each other face to face - it is an aggressive behavior and your dog will notice when you stop staring him in the eye (basically saying "you wanna fight!") and start kissing her on the cheek! McConnell's writing is fluid and clear. However, I find sections overly pendantic at times and I would highly recommend further sections on practical, hands on things we can do to help correct problem behavior. This is important to note. This book is not really a training book - there is not even a single paragraph on leash pulling. While it has helpful training tips and advice, it is mostly a book about psychology and communication. For functional training methods, pick up another of McConnell's training books (or perhaps those of another well qualified trainer). But if you want to better understand what your dog's behavior communicates and how you can change your behavior to better communicate with your dog, this is by far the best and most accesible book on the subject. Learn the importance of tone of voice, length of sound, repetition, body language, facial expression and the often misunderstood concepts of dominance and leadership. After reading McConnell, you and your dog will finally be speaking the same "body" language! I highly recommend this interesting book.

Amazing insight into why your dog does what she does. It is an interesting read. I would buy this book again in a heartbeat!

I have owned pitbulls for the last 27 years and don't intended to ever own another breed of dog. having read this incredibly educational masterpiece three times since i bought it a few months ago, i understand my dogs so much better and love them even more. I would encourage anyone that owns any kind of dog to read it at least more than once. I know I will read it again several times. Thank you very much dear Patricia McConnell

Every dog owner should read this book!

I'm an experienced dog owner who just adopted a 4 year old rescue dog. I decided to go "back to school" and look for some new books to help me train my new dog. I bought three books by Patricia McMillan:
1) How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have your dog love you for it
(a WONDERFUL short primer on having happy relationships with dogs)
2) The Other End of the Leash
(a full-length book about communicating with dogs-- GREAT!!!!)
3) Family Dog Training
(a very readable, clear, wonderful book on training dogs gently-- it works!! My dog is learning so quickly!)

This is the best author I have ever found for people who want to learn how to train their dogs through understanding effective canine-human communication. Read her books and you will never again try to train your dog through "leash pops", etc.. What a breath of fresh air! Finally, training methods you can feel really, really good about. Fun for dogs and humans. I can't say enough good things about Patricia McMillan!