Ask The Dog - Children’s Book Review

Steve Dale, renowned columnist, WGN broadcaster, and animal behavior consultant, has excelled himself by writing an amazing both instructional and entertaining kid’s book, the title of which is Ask the Dog. Beautifully illustrated by Shelby Koehler, this book explains interactions between children and dogs from a safety point of view. It depicts dogs’ body language as a form of their communication with us. Sometimes dogs want to be petted, other times not. Sometimes in preferred areas, like the brisket or flank but not on top of the head. In answer to the frequent question to dog owners “may I pet your dog,” Mr. Dale points out to kids plainly that an owner’s approval of such a request does not consider things from the dog’s perspective. Dogs have a say in things, too, or should have. For example, if a dog is pulling away from the child and looking away, tail wagging or not, the dog is trying to say no, I do not want to be petted at this time. Failure to observe obvious signs of displeasure or stress on the dog’s part can lead to nasty surprises like a volley of barking or even a bite.

Mr. Dale’s mission of trying to educate children – and their parents – about life from a dog’s point view is similar to our own mission at the Center – the Be BiteSmart initiative. We are both trying to teach children canine literacy – teaching them to speak dog. Understanding dogs’ body language signals is key to preventing accidents and, as they say, prevention is better than cure (or in this case, treatment). Everyone with a child should pick up a copy of this book. It is as entertaining as it is educational and should help save children from unnecessary nips and bites as well as protecting dogs against interventions they find unpleasant.

Click here to purchase Ask the Dog