Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Book Pairing Recommendation: For the Love of a Dog AND Bones Would Rain from the Sky

Folks recommend food & wine pairings all the time, so I figure why not book pairings?  
I recently read 2 books that complement each other very well.

They are: 

For the Love  of a Dog by Patricia McConnell



AND 

Bones Would Rain from the Sky by Suzanne Clothier


I thoroughly enjoyed both of these books, and I got even more out of them by reading them back-to-back.  

First, I read Patricia McConnell's book in which she talks about dogs and their emotions.  The book is great in that it combines the science around dog emotions, with stories, descriptions and illustrations.  The book caused me to pay attention to the Trio a little more - watch for their reactions, their moods, and start to suppose what they might be feeling based on their actions, expressions, and body language.

Next, I read Suzanne Clothier's book.  I'm glad I read this book after McConnell's book.  For the Love of a Dog made me a firm believer, and Bones Would Rain from the Sky caused me to think about what impact my actions and my training have on my dogs' emotional states.  In the book, Clothier talks about the emotional and spiritual connection we have with our dogs, and reinforces the need to bring this insight into one's training and interaction with their canine partners.  It made me think about how many times I probably "misdiagnosed" the actions of one of my dogs.  Were they really being stubborn, or were they nervous and distracted.....?  Gosh, how many times have I misread my dogs and responded in the wrong way because of it?  

If you haven't read these books, I highly recommend you do.  McConnell first; Clothier next.  If you have read them, what did you think?  Did they cause you to "think different" like they did me? 


2 comments:

  1. Great Post! I totally agree! I have read both books and learned alot. When I am in danger of losing my patience with the boys, I try to remember what I read in these books. Another good one is The Other End of the Leash, also by Patricia. Both Suzanne and Patricia have great blogs as well.

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  2. I like that book too. I haven't read it for years. It might be time for a re-read!

    Also- thanks for the heads up about Suzanne's blog. I'll have to add it to my list.

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