Dog Talk: Lessons Learned from a Life with Dogs

Only rarely does a book come along that captures my interest from the first page of the author's introduction, but Harrison Forbes Dog Talk did just that. I couldn't wait to delve into more of the book and learn about the man who handles and works with aggressive and "damaged" service dogs. I've read the above comments in the other reviews that are negative and I just have to say that this is not a training book. I did however, pick up a lot of information in how to deal with aggressive dogs and more importantly how to work with damaged or abused dogs to gain their trust. The author takes the reader through his personal adventures of working with all types of dogs and gives insight into how to gain access into their head without using standard "roughhousing" techniques still so popular in the United States. You sense his passion for his work, his love for the animals that come under his care and his strong bond with two dogs; Lex and Sabina which helped shape his life's work. Where others read a self-serving or egotistical tone, I read only aa tone of a man filled with confidence and courage. Yes, there is sadness in some of the pages but that shouldn't stop anyone from picking up this book to learn about their own dog(s). Each dog is a work in progress, and Dog Talk is a labor of Love. It is not a dog training book, but Dog Talk is educational, filled with insight and a quick read. The title fits the book as Harrison Forbes has shown himself to be fluent in "Dog Speak."

If you are looking for a straight-ahead dog training book--and lord knows there are plenty enough of them out there--Dog Talk may not be for you. However, if you are looking for an extremely well written, deeply felt memoir by a man who has worked with some remarkable animals, this is your book. Forbes tells a good story and Dog Talk is filled with them. The book has a lovely conversational tone and reads like you are sitting on the back porch with Forbes as he tells his stories. I think the miracle of Dog Talk is Forbes' insights into the very essence of the animals so that each dog becomes a fully realized character. For the record, there is a wolf, a pretty interesting raccoon and group of crafty squirrels in the tale too! Lots of humor, some sadness and good, practical knowledge are here. There is also an abundance of love. Love of animals, love of sport and love of family. I was puzzled by some of the criticisms voiced here. First, the book isn't meant to be a dog training manual, so any reasonable and intelligent critical assessment of the book has to be done with that in mind. Folks, read the Publishers Weekly blurb that appears on the page. Second, there was complaint about Forbes "extolling his own virtues" and the equally perplexing "less testosterone please !!" Clearly Forbes is a confident guy, you'd have to be in his line of work, but if you read the book you will see that he also admits to making mistakes and is hauntingly contrite. I came away liking and admiring him very much. My advice is to park your preconceived notions and political correctness at the door and open your heart to this fascinating journal. Dog Talk is not easy to classify but that puts it in the company of many great books.

very interesting book for people who think seriously about dogs and the work they do. He is very insightful and obviously has the expertise to back his views. The book is about working animals, not pets and he makes a distinction between the two. I learned several things I plan to use with my dog and watching dogs interact with their owners. I would recommend this book to people interested in agility or other dog work.

Anyone who loves great pet stories will be endlessly entertained with this book. Everything from heartfelt attachment to pets to family dramas to skilled insight into dog behavior is contained within its pages. I learned alot about dog training and picked up some great tips to use with my own dog. A good read...I'm ordering extras to give my dog-loving friends for Christmas!