If Only They Could Speak by Nicholas Dodman
January 6th, 2009Title: If Only They Could Speak
Author: Nicholas H. Dodman
Publisher: W.W. Norton (2002)
I have 2 dogs who sometimes behave so I thought this would be an interesting book. I also watch a lot of episodes of The Dog Whisperer because Cesar Millan is awesome. I was hoping this would be along those lines, and I think it was supposed to be. I’m sure Dodman is a really excellent vet, but unfortunately, I was pretty bored with this book.
If Only They Could Speak: Understanding the Powerful Bond Between Dogs and Their Owners by Nicholas H. Dodman does tell some fun stories, but the first chapter annoyed me…which meant the rest of the book was a bit spoiled. In the first chapter, Dodman tells about a rich client that came to him to get help with her two dogs. She had one dog for longer and it was obviosuly her favorite. Later she added the second dog and immediately had problems. It seems the newer, and larger, dog got very aggressive and sometimes attacked the smaller dog. Dodman recommended they keep the dogs separate and use some behavioral techniques to reign in the aggressiveness. Good advice. Everything was happy. Except the lady didn’t listen to Dodman and decided to do nothing. Then the big dog attacked and killed the small dog.
Obviously that is a sad story. I just didn’t like how super obvious Dodman was about it. Basically he is saying…”LISTEN TO MY ADVICE OR YOUR DOGS WILL KILL EACH OTHER!!!!!” That just put me off.
I haven’t read Cesar Millan’s book yet…but I imagine it is much more positive and better than this one.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5
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January 6th, 2009 at 11:19 am
I think that Cesar wouldn’t say to separate the dogs either. I think he would say to teach the big dog that you are the pack leader and that he is not allowed to eat the little dog.