The Other End of the Leash shares a revolutionary, new perspective on our relationship with dogs, focusing on our behavior in comparison with that of dogs. An applied animal behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell looks at humans as just another interesting species, and muses about why we behave the way we do around our dogs, how dogs might interpret our behavior, and how to interact with our dogs in ways that bring out the best in our four-legged friends.

After all, although humans and dogs share a remarkable relationship that is unique in the animal world, we are still two entirely different species, each shaped by our individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (like wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation.

The Other End of the Leash demonstrates how even the slightest changes in your voice and the way you stand can help your dog understand what you want. Once you start to think about your own behavior from the perspective of your dog, you’ll understand why much of what appears to be doggy-disobedience is simply a case of miscommunication. Inside you will learn
• How to use your voice so that your dog is more likely to do what you ask.
• Why “getting dominance” over your dog is a bad idea.
• Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble–and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of trouble.
• How dogs and humans share personality types–and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alphawannabees!”

In her own insightful, compelling style, Patricia McConnell combines wonderful true stories about people and dogs with a new, accessible scientific perspective on how they should behave around each other. This is a book that strives to help you make the most of life with your dog, and to prevent problems that might arise in that most rewarding of relationships.

From the Hardcover edition.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The other end of the leash
I have had 2 to 3 dogs with me as companions for more than 40 years. I was under the impression that I know a lot about dogs. This book has opened my eyes. Now I understand dogs behavior better after reading this book. Real life experiences narrated by Patricia McConnell makes us understand why we behave the way we do! A must have for any dog lover.

5 Stars One of the best books ever on dog & owner interaction!!
I had farm dogs for many years – no leashes – just the basic training of manners. I have read many books over the years on dog training, but now I am in a whole new realm. I am living in the city with a dog I adopted from a local shelter, and have been reading more advanced approaches to training and behaviors,therapy dog training and use, etc., and have learned something from each book. It has been an adventure navigating from novice city dog owner (how to hold the leash, ‘heel’, greeting other dogs) to really understanding in depth what the relationship can be ideally between human and dog. The part about our body signals to our dogs was helpful, even though I knew some of it by experience – hat means going outside – the author took it to a much deeper level, and I am using body language in more advanced ways, whether in play or in training.

I found this book just at the perfect time for what I needed to learn to go even further in making my amazing dog be the best she can be!

Have read other books by Patricia McConnell which were excellent also, and alerted my local librarian to her books, especially for new owners. It covers everything from puppies to senior dogs and even rehoming if necessary.

Most helpful book ever!!

(Just a note about another book I’d recommend..’The Loved Dog’ by Tamar Geller. Somewhat different approaches, but both about the great love and connection with your dog)

5 Stars This is the book
I got my first dog three years ago and have since read many canine training/behviour/psychology books. This is the best for the following reasons:

1) My relationship with my dog has changed thanks to the explanations in the book. It has opened my eyes.

2) The excellent bibliography in the book gives lots of tips for further learning which has been very useful.

3) Excellent blend of science/anecdote – a very accessible book!

Should a friend of mine obtain a dog, this is the book I’ll be offering!

4 Stars Actually more like 4 and a half stars
I found the first part of the book very interesting as she explains the differences in innate behavior between humans and dogs. It provides a lot of insight really. Towards the end of the book she wanders off topic a bit. There wasn’t a lot of practical advice on training dogs, but there were enough useful tips that I would recommend it to others interested in training their dogs.

Her writing style is easily accessable. Although she approaches the subject from a scientific standpoint, she doesn’t write in the elitist way of many PhDs that I have encountered.

5 Stars Read this book if you love your dog.
This is an excellent book by someone who really knows and loves dogs. The author is highly trained and experienced in the field of animal behavior and writes with heart. You will find it a very readable, enjoyable, and informative book. As a dog trainer myself, who has read many books on the subject of dogs, training, and animal behavior this is the one I always recommed. Whether you are thinking of getting a dog, or already have one or more dogs, this book will enlighten and help you to be your dog’s best friend.

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