THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF DOGS

By Sunday, December 1, 2019 6 No tags Permalink

The Secret Language of Dogs has to be one of the most enjoyable and addictive books about dogs that I’ve read in a very long time…

My reading pawtner!

It’s a book designed to help you not only understand how your dog thinks and feels – but also appreciate his needs so that he can live confidently in your world.

Victoria Stilwell

Victoria Stilwell does a superb job “unlocking the canine mind for a happier pet” with each page.

I can honestly say – 

There are no boring chapters!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR— 

I have stalked kept up with Dog trainer and behavior expert Victoria Stilwell for several years. At least a decade. Harley (then a puppy) would sit curled up between my legs as we watched “It’s Me or the Dog” on Animal Planet together. 

Her “fear-free, positive dog training” approach always appealed to me. She is committed to causes and organizations that focus on animal rescue and rehabilitation. She’s a true advocate for millions of dogs. #Icangetbehindthat

MEETING THE AUTHOR – 

Several months ago, I flew out to San Antonio for a pet therapy conference. It was a professional life changer!

To spend three days with more than six hundred individuals involved and/or connected with pet therapy through clinical studies and applications was both astounding and inspiring.

Stilwell opened one of the sessions, and I hadn’t been that excited to see someone walk on stage since my first Luther Vandross concert .#andthatwasmonumental

When I found out she was selling and signing copies of her book later that afternoon – well you know I couldn’t stop grinning…

Of course when I reached the table I was twelve years old again – at Madison Square Gardens with my Dad, meeting Wilt “da-stilt” Chamberlain for the first time – I embarrassed myself.

Filled with run-on sentences, I twitched, bounced and swayed, hugged her, shoved Harley & Jaxson’s pet therapy trading cards in her hand, and asked some stranger to take our photo #battydoodlemom…

She was very gracious and patient with my kooky “groupie like” behavior 🙂

ABOUT THE BOOK – 

As she states in the introduction – 

Understanding what your dog is saying is the key to building a strong relationship. But not all language is easy to read, and some subtle signals are hard to interpret. Gestures or actions that we assume mean one thing can actually be the dog telling us something completely different. 

Part I delves into what she defines as the “Secret Inner Experience of Dogs.”

There are four chapters catering to the uniqueness of the –

  • Loving Dog
  • Thinking Dog
  • Emotional Dog
  • Sensing Dog

Part II focuses on the “Secret Meaning of Body and Vocal Language.

I was blown away with the first chapter in this section – Lateral Language!

  • Did you know that dogs can have paw preference? Have you ever watched your dog play with a toy and favor a certain paw?
  • Were you aware that you can “decode that tail wag?”

Illustrations and photos are throughout the book to help with visual understanding.

HOW TO SPEAK DOG – 

Since my return several months ago, I have referenced this book more than a dozen times. I am still learning how to “speak dog” it’s not always easy but it’s a process and I can see results. 

This book has taught me new and helpful ways to have a better understanding about what my Boys physical and vocal language means. I’m more attentive to their behavior and it’s bringing us even closer together.

Victoria is as sincere in person as she is on television. She is warm, attentive and quite humorous to talk with. 

I had her autograph the book to the Boys #liketheycanread…

Aly (a Curricular Manager for Victoria Stilwell Academy) and I had many laughs that weekend (mostly about my Stilwell obsession) in Texas. 

After thumbing through my book for the umpteenth time, I reached out to Aly inquiring about a give-away. I figured, if this is still my “go-to” book after all these months, I should tell all of you about it.

Victoria has agreed to send an autographed photo to one very fortunate person AND for the month of December you can use the code GROOVY and receive a 20% discount from their online store!

 ARE YOU THAT LUCKY WINNER? – 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language ❤️

In full disclosure: Groovy Goldendoodles™ is not being compensated for this book review. Groovy Goldendoodles™ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. All opinions are my own. Victoria Stilwell is not responsible for the content of this post.

6 Comments
  • Madison
    December 2, 2019

    Mom spends a lot of time reading our behavior because of our sports and also now that Bailie and I are working on getting our relationship back after the summer disaster. We think there would be some great information in this book. We’d love to win it for our mom.

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 2, 2019

      Tell your mom – I know she would enjoy this book. Paws crossed for her to win 🙂

  • Christina Waggoner
    December 3, 2019

    Understanding what our dogs are trying to tell us is so important! Thanks for the fabulous review!

    —Christina, Victoria Stilwell Academy

    • Cathy Bennett
      December 4, 2019

      I believe all that I know is just the tip of the iceberg, there is so much more they could teach us – that’s just one reason why I enjoyed this book so much!

  • Jan K
    December 7, 2019

    I have always heard such good things about Victoria Stilwell, but didn’t really know a lot about her or her book. I’d love to read this and learn more.
    How exciting that you got to meet her!

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 6, 2020

      How’s the book coming along? Are you enjoying it?