The Rosetta Bone: The Key to Communication Between Humans and Canines

by Cheryl S. Smith

• ISBN13: 9780764557484
• ISBN10: 0764557483
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2004-02-01
• Publisher: Howell Book House

Summary

Far too often, we humans expect our dogs to understand what we say to them. Though we may spend a lot of time talking to them, we're really not communicating. And without proper communication, it's impossible to train a dog properly-- let alone make your human/canine relationship a rewarding one. Packed with unique insights and gentle training advice, The Rosetta Bone provides average dog owners with the know-how they need to decipher canine meanings, communicate effectively, increase training success, and share a deeper bond. Focusing on the behavioral basis-- the "silent" symbols-- for learning, understanding, and communicating, expert dog trainer and competitor Cheryl S. Smith reveals how you can use your own body language to send a message and even teach a dog what specific words mean. She reveals how a dog's breed can affect his personality and explains how to decode-- and correct-- common behavior problems. With the knowledge and solutions this book provides, you will train more effectively, enjoy your dog more, and ease your own stress. What's more, you'll apply what you've learned immediately, with solid, practical advice on: Learning the As, Bs, Cs, and Ds of human-canine communication Teaching English to your dog-- and, in turn, understanding "Doglish" Using body language to assist in communication and help your dog learn Incorporating various kinds of touch to tighten your bond Making rewards and reprimands real, relevant, and reliable Understanding the relationship between kids and dogs Supplemented with enlightening, easy-to-do exercises with your dog, as well as quotes from trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians, and humane society workers, The Rosetta Bone is a revealing guide to making life better in your human/canine household.

Table of Contents

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

1. The Mists of Time.

Where did dogs come from?

Where did all those breeds come from?

2. Wagging Tongues, Wagging Tails.

Why should you want to communicate?

Why should your dog want to listen?

3. Conversation With a Canine.

How do you teach English as a second language to a dog?

Why are rewards better than reprimands?

4. Seeing Is Hearing.

Why should you listen to what your dog is saying?

If humans are anthropomorphic, are dogs canomorphic?

5. Hands-Off Handling.

Why should you rely on more than a leash and your voice?

How do dogs know what we’re about to do?

6. Canine Spoken Language.

Do dogs really mean things when they make all that noise?

Do dogs from different countries understand each other?

7. Best of Breed.

How did we get so many breeds; what are they meant for?

Do you need to communicate with or train different breeds in different ways?

8. A Touching Experience.

Can touch be a form of communication?

Do the benefits of touch flow both ways?

9. Kids Speaking Canine 161

What should kids know about interacting with dogs?

What should dogs know about interacting with kids?

10. X-tra Sensory.

Do animal communicators really communicate?

Do dogs have souls?

11. Solutions to Common Problems.

How can you use communication to resolve problem behavior?

When is compromise the right solution?

12. Now We’re Talking!

Are you more receptive to what your dog is trying to tell you?

Would you like some more ways to have fun with your dog?

Resources.

Some Quotable People.

Index.