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

by Cheryl S. Smith

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764544217
• ISBN13: 9780764544217
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Howell (TP)
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful dog book!

This is a great dog book. If you want a happy, cooperative companion, then take the advice in this book. The art of training manifests in the level of clear communication between handler and dog. This art is not about dominating or controlling or punishing. Anyone can get a dog to submit by being heavy-handed enough. Getting cooperation and a joyful working dog takes much more intelligence and finesse. This book will help you learn how to train smart and develop "language" skills with your dog.

Communication is the key

This book raised my consciousness about the two way communication between dog and owner. It doesn't give many step by step directions about training but that can be found in reference books at the end of the book. Perhaps understanding the relatiionship with our pets is a bigger step before attempting specific training. I found myself much more sensitive to my dog after reading this.

An Excellent Guide

This was a superb book. It confirmed so many things I knew about dogs...the very same things I had a difficult time convincing "expert" trainers about! It also taught me quite a few things by clarifying the subtle differences between several canine messages, by explaining the different behaviors of certain breeds of dogs, and by clearing up the issues of common misinformation. This is a beautifully structured book. I was comfortable enough to read straight through it in two sittings. The sidebar exercises were fun and informative. The gentle training methods used in this book work with the dog's natural behaviors, easing stress on both species. Not to be forgotten, the book was a lot of fun, too. Included in the index is a nice resource section packed with websites, mailing addresses, and telephone numbers of noteworthy organizations. There are even sections in the book that touch briefly on canine massage techniques and the possibility of telepathic communication with dogs. Chapter 12 deals solely with various events and competitions dogs can enter and enjoy. This is a great book for anyone interested in strengthening the bond they share with their canine companion(s).

A wonderful book to give as a gift for owner AND dog!

This is a perfectly wonderful book to give to not only those that already have a great relationship with their dog and want to further their knowledge of canine-human communication, but also to those that would like to know how to develop one. I've always wanted to find "just the right book" I could share with people I've come across that have very little or no idea how to properly relate to their dog(s)- WITHOUT offending or boring them. This book is it! It has a catchy title that doesn't scream "ho-hum instruction manual", and it's written in a unique style that is a natural page turner, packed with interesting anecdotes as well as well-researched information that gives rise to amazing insights. Thousands of dogs will be healthier and happier for their owners to have read this gem of a book.

The BEST DOG BOOK EVER

The Rosetta Bone is the best dog training, dog communication, human/pet love stories book I have ever read (and I have a shelf full to which I often refer). Learning to read my dogs' body language and gaining an awareness of how they read mine, has opened a new dimension of fun and sharing in our relationship. They and I are more responsive to each other and take more joy in the time we spend together each day. This book is a must read for the person acquiring their first dog, experiencing behavior problems with a current animal, or wanting to communicate with their dog on a deeper level. Cheryl Smith's insights into how dogs communicate (top dogs give a disdainful look--they don't jerk misbehavig subordinates or roll them on their back) turns training into play time and enhances the dog's life with its people. Thanks to the Rosetta Bone the time I spend with my dogs is more relaxed and joyful. Thanks Cheryl Smith--you've done the dog loving world a great favor with this great book!