Product Description

Named one of the top five books on dogs by the Wall Street Journal. With humor and compassion, Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman explores the complex emotional problems of troubled animals and their (often) equally distressed owners. If Only They Could Speak has become a classic of animal literature, with stories as wise, and almost as human, as the lives of the animals they portray. 15 illustrations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #69119 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From Booklist
The countless joys and rewards as well as the frustrations and failures of pet ownership are explored by an author who examines the complexities of the human-animal dynamic from both points of view. From the dog who is more apt to chew his master's slippers than fetch them, to the cat who would rather pounce than purr, determining why even the most loyal and lovable pets display inappropriate behavior is the goal of renowned animal behaviorist Dodman, a proponent of behavior modification based upon a thorough understanding of an animal's inherent personality traits and species characteristics. Sharing case histories culled from his extensive caseload of distraught pet owners desperate to discover the cause of their pet's perplexing actions, Dodson advocates strategies ranging from dietary changes to pharmaceutical remedies. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
A 'must-read' for anyone interested in the behavior of dogs and cats—and people too! -- Stanley Coren, author of How to Speak Dog and The Intelligence of Dogs

A truly landmark book...an immensely pleasurable read. -- Marty Becker, DVM, Good Morning America"

Dodman may very well be the best thing that ever happened to domestic pets. -- Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Social Lives of Dogs and The Hidden Life of Dogs

About the Author
Nicholas H. Dodman, DVM, trained in Scotland, is a leading veterinarian and currently practices at Tufts University. He lives in Westborough, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Dr. Dodman Has Another Hit on His Hands
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, author of four other books on dog and cat behavior and founder of the Behavioral Clinic at Tufts Veterinary School, has once again demonstrated why he's a leading authority on dog/cat behavior. "If Only They Could Speak" chronicles several stories on dog and cat behavior pulled from the clinic's lengthy history.

The reader gets to see the "case" from start to finish, and in doing so comes to an understanding as to the necessity for treating serious behavioral issues from a behavior modification as well as a pharmacological approach. But the author's style keeps the book moving from chapter to chapter. Aptly subtitled, "Stories about Pets and Their People", Dr. Dodman presents each case in such a manner that the love between the pet and its owner is not given a backseat to the issues at hand.

It is unlikely that any pet owner will fail to recognize one or more of the problems related in "If Only They Could Speak". Dominance, separation anxiety, and aggression problems are handled with Dr. Dodman's normal aplomb and compassion. And while the problems are serious, disrupting the owner's household and day-to-day life, Dr. Dodman offers helpful information which should go a long way to helping the owners and dogs resolve their problems. Dr. Dodman's writing style makes for a fast and enjoyable read.

James Herriott Returns
I picked this book up on a whim, since I own two neurotic miniature Dachshunds. I was captivated from the first paragraph of the preface. Dr. Dodman writes eloquently, with wit, compassion, and common sense about the pitfalls we fallible humans fall into when it comes to interacting with our beloved pets. Most importantly for me was the reassurance it gave that there are millions of dedicated animal-lovers who know that animals are not "just pets." They have feelings and emotional needs, too. Thank you, Dr. Dodman, for a wonderful read, and a confirmation that there lots of cherished doggies out there!!!

A Treasure--Required Reading For All Pet Owners!!
This book should be required reading for anyone contemplating getting a pet of any kind, and even those who have had pets all their lives will learn much from this latest treasure from Dr. Dodman. No one comes close to having his depth of understanding of animal behavior, and most especially, of how it is profoundly affected by the relationship of animals with humans. The beautifully-told stories in this book, at turns inspirational and heart-wrenching, will cause much reflection in readers. I thought I already understood how my feelings and behavior could affect my pets, because, after reading Dr. Dodman's book "The Cat Who Cried for Help" I sought him out to solve what other vets had written off as an impossible situation between my two cats. Dr. D. with endless patience never gave up on my cats--or on me!--and his compassionate understanding resulted in a happy ending for Peri, Dax & me. But in reading this book, I learned much about my own behavior that I could see created and contributed to perpetuating the problem (Dr. Dodman, the soul of kindness, very nicely didn't point it out at the time!)So, if you care about animals, have animals, or are contemplating getting animals, get this book today--it will make a world of difference to them, and to you. (Thanks again, Dr. D.!!!)