Gwen Bailey

I found this book under an end table while I was packing and got "sucked in." I like that the book focuses on body language and includes copious images to illustrate. Although the author's intent is not to "anthropomorphize" cats, to that end she takes a tone that sort of conveys cats as emotionless or wholly driven by instinct. Her approach, which I've encountered before and don't particularly like, is something along the lines of, "A cat sits on your lap because your lap is the most comfy place, not because she likes you," and "Your cat is more attached to her 'territory' than you, and probably wouldn't care if someone else moved in as long as the territory stayed the same." Ouch!

At the same time, all the sections have little titles like, "I don't like this," or "She seems nice," that sort of go against the author's no-anthropomorphizing intent. It also gets a little repetitive, as if the editor just shrugged off redundancy. Still, it's a decent primer, and I like the level of detail she gives to cats' "scent-marking" behaviors in particular (rubbing against humans, objects, etc.)… (meer)

A mostly good basic book for new dog guardians. The explanation of what to do when puppy has bad socialisation experiences is far too brief and neglects to mention some important points for successful rehabilitation. Contains a reference to dominance aggression that is incorrect and adds to the myth that dogs are intent upon dominating humans. Also perpetuates the myth that dogs want to please us, whereas dogs, like all creatures, do something because there's something in it for them. Disappointing to see the use of corrections with no mention of practical ways to prevent the problem in the first place.… (meer)