Book review:

Canine body language: A photographic guide interpreting the native language of the domestic dog (paperback)
By Brenda Aloff
Dogwise Publishing
Price: $US39.95

Brenda Aloff also wrote Aggression in dogs: practical management, prevention and behaviour modification, and much of her information is useful and useable. However, I have to say that I do consider many of her methods of training are now out of date and last year's news.

Her information on dog language and signals does follow the Turid Rugaas school that teaches calming signals and canine body language to we ignorant humans, but she then ruins the picture by advocating methods of training that seek dominance over the dog and obedience as the aim of training.

In doing that I think she has lost the importance of the canine body language - she is saying learn it so you know what your dog is saying to you, but then does not use the language as a training tool. Training today does not require dominance over your dog - it requires only that you and your dog enjoy each other's company and treat each other with respect and friendliness.

Over-all the information in this book is good and well worth reading and following. Most dog owners need to watch the signals their dog gives to other people and dogs and learn from them.

The book is rather lacking in editing and the photographs are often not of good quality, but all things considered is still a good buy. - EP