Making Dogs Happy

Worth the purchase for the beautiful photography alone!

McGreevy and Starling created a wonderful resource for dog owners. The text is fairly simple in that the authors really show how simple and easy being a dog owner is, if you understand what your dog wants.

A reasoned, approachable guide to dog behavior and training. The authors clearly have a lot of experience with canines of all shapes, sizes, and foibles. And if you don't smile at the photos of happy, goofy dogs throughout this book, you are probably dead inside.

This is a beautiful book filled with science-focused information. The main goal is to explore how owners can make their dogs happy. We learn about why dogs do certain behaviours and how humans can react.

I appreciate that the book begins by introducing us to the scientists who contributed to the book and the dogs they observed. It builds credibility, and also...the dogs were cute and who doesn't want to see cute dogs? Actually "credibility and also...the dogs were cute" is a pretty good summary of this entire book.

Another thing I appreciate is that even though this book is packed with scientific words like "vomeronasal," "antecedents," and "anal sac," the writers completely understand what it's like to be a dog owner. I like that they don't water the science parts down, and that they still include funny and relatable anecdotes.

Some things that I learned from this book: Why do dogs roll around in disgusting smells? Do dogs taste? How and when should I reinforce good behaviour?

Almost half of its 289 pages are full photographs featuring beautiful happy dogs. I highly recommend this book for any dog owner who wants to understand their furry pal a little better.

This books is for any dog parent either new or seasoned. The photos are worth looking at alone. The best dog information books out.