For the Love of a Dog
Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend
“A marvelous book that everybody who loves dogs should own.”
—Temple Grandin, author of
Animals in Translation
“[McConnell] sheds new light on the emotional lives of animals.”
— The Washington Post
“A wonderful book…Fine, balanced, charming, it is sure to appeal to all dog fans…I read it with great delight.”
—Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Ph.D.,
author of Dogs Never Lie About Love
For the Love of a Dog: Synopsis
If you are interested in what’s going on behind those big, brown eyes, and would like to understand how your dog’s emotional life compares with your own, this book is for you. If you cherish your dog but are often baffled by his behavior, For the Love of a Dog is a revelation—offering you a new understanding of the emotions that sometimes bind, and other times damage your relationship with your dog. This book is:
- A delightful example of Patricia’s unique blend of science & soul
- Full of entertaining and moving stores about dog behavior
- A fascinating explanation on emotions
- A source of practical insights about dog behavior
- A visual guide to “reading” your dog’s emotional state
REVIEWS & FEEDBACK
What People Are Saying
“A fascinating, highly educational read. McConnell alternates between expressing empathy with our canine friends and taking a step back to explain the scientific limits of any attempt to get into their heads.”
—Frans DeWaal, author of Our Inner Ape
“A marvelous book that everybody who loves dogs should own.”
—Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation
“[McConnell] sheds new light on the emotional lives of animals.”
—The Washington Post
“A wonderful book…Fine, balanced, charming, it is sure to appeal to all dog fans…I read it with great delight.”
—Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Ph.D., author of Dogs Never Lie About Love
“A fascinating collection of real-dog stories [and] a deliciously easy-to-swallow science lesson on how much dogs and humans have in common.”
—St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“For anyone who’s ever wondered how to pick out a well-adjusted puppy, McConnell’s explanation of the neurology of emotion is a must-read.”
—Newsday
“Patricia McConnell skillfully blends cutting-edge scientific data with examples from her personal experiences with dogs to produce a clear picture of the emotional life of dogs. In the process, we learn more about how the mind of a dog works, and how to better understand and interact with them. This is a must-read for all dog owners.”
—Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs and How They Think
“Gives fascinating insight into the emotions we always knew our furry companions possessed.”
— Dog Fancy
“A compelling combination of stories, science and practical advice to show how understanding emotions in both people and dogs can improve owners’ relationships with their pets.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Brilliant! For the Love of a Dog is a perfect balance of science and soul. These stories will keep you up reading long into the night knowing that with your dogs, you love and are loved, need and are needed.”
— Dr. Marty Becker, Resident Veterinarian on Good Morning America and co-author of Fitness Unleashed!
“Patricia McConnell’s book is a wonderful guide to the inner life of dogs. She warmly describes the posture changes, facial expressions and other aspects of non-verbal communication that help us read and know what our loving companions are feeling and perhaps even thinking. On this journey in getting to know our pups, we get a treasure trove of information. Her chapter on happiness is a superb practical guide to increasing the happiness and joy of our pets and ourselves.”
— John Ratey, M.D., co-author of Driven to Distinction
“For the Love of a Dog is a must-read for skeptics who still cling to outdated views of animal emotions as well as for those who embrace other animals as the sentient beings they really are. This is a well-rounded and clearly presented discussion of canine passions. Move over naysayers, and welcome Patricia McConnell.”
— Marc Bekoff, editor of the Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior and author of Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues
“Fascinating from beginning to end—the kind of book you can’t put down, and that you want to read out loud to your friends. It should be required reading for every dog trainer–and her clients!”
— Trish King, behavior and training director at the Marin Humane Society, Marin County, CA author of Parenting Your Dog
“Yet another utterly delightful book from Dr. Patricia McConnell—such a fine storyteller and such a good scientist—the Jane Goodall of the dog world. For the Love of a Dog is an authoritative review of emotions in dogs and people. Thoroughly interesting, intriguing, entertaining, and such a pleasure to read. You’ll love this book.”
— Ian Dunbar, Ph.D., BVetMed, MRCVS,
founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
“Patricia McConnell has written a book that appeals to both the mind and the heart. She addresses the emotional lives of dogs and their humans with insight, wit, and acute sensitivity to the appropriate balance of science and speculation. Her rich personal experiences make for a compelling and deeply moving narrative. Must love dogs? Must read this book!”
— Barb Smuts, professor of psychology, University of Michigan, and dog behavior researcher
“In For the Love of a Dog, Patricia McConnell provides a fascinating window into the workings of the canine mind. It will bring people who live with and train dogs to a new level in understanding and communicating with their canine friends. This is another excellent book from a renowned author, and everyone who loves dogs will want to read it.”
— Wayne Hunthausen, DVM, animal behavior consultant
“This exciting book is a welcome addition to our understanding of companion dogs and our relationships with them. At turns engaging, funny, joyous, passionate, sad, and poignant, it is a wonderful blend of science, social commentary, and great story telling.”
— Daniel Q. Estep, Ph.D., CAAB Animal Behavior Associates, Inc.
Other Books from Patricia
Trisha’s debut mystery novel. A woman. A dog. A murder.
A powerful memoir about dogs, love, trauma, and redemption.
Trainer Favorite! Get your new family member started on the right paw.
Your dog is begging you to read this! A classic, now in thirteen languages.
Booklets That Make Training Easier
Patricia's concise training and behavior booklets are trusted by dog lovers and professionals alike. Filled with practical, positive-reinforcement techniques, they're perfect for individual owners and available at discounted pricing for trainers, shelters, and rescue organizations.
Upcoming Events
Explore upcoming appearances, workshops, and speaking events featuring Patricia McConnell.
View event details, dates, locations, andregistration information.
Beyond the Books
Go beyond the page with Patricia's latest podcast and radio interviews. Listen as she shares stories behind her books, insights into dog behavior, and theinspiration behind Away to Me—with conversations that are thoughtful, engaging, and full of heart.