“Ask The Dog”- a book report ( or such)

**** I am a dog lover! While I do not own a dog, myself, I appreciate them and love those who make them a part of their lives. When I was young, living at home, we had a dog, Dutchess, and in my early marriage, another Sandy, that was as fun as one could ask. My daughter has had dogs for almost 30 years, and my step-daughters have dogs as well, so when I am with them, or stay at their homes, I am always just minutes from having a dog near me. Petting and cuddling with a dog is a great part of life, BUT, when do you know it is okay to hug them, or pet them, or even rub them? Have you ever thought about that? How many times have you seen a youngster spot a dog, run to the dog , and attempt to pet it, only to be barked at or pushed over by the very animal they want to pet? Have they ever asked the dog if it is okay, or if they want to be played with? Of course not!

There is a new book, written by Steve Dale ( the pet guy) that is designed to help children understand that if they watch the dog, they will get answers from their signs, as to what they want or do not want. Dogs tell us how they are feeling. They wag their tails ( happy), they bark ( sometimes upset, other times afraid), they jump at one ( aggressive and or protective). Yes, just as humans have body language ( and words), pets, in particular dogs, have their own system of communication, and this book written by Dale with great illustrations by Shelby Koehler, is designed to teach youngsters to learn “Dog Talk “).

The book is designed to lead a parent towards bringing a true understanding to their child on how to work with meeting a new dog. While it is a book designed for ages up to about 10 years of age, I feel that adults will gain a better perspective as well. I found the book to be interesting and quite perceptive relative to reading the signs that a dog will give us. Pay attention, and you will never have to fear that your child ( or a child you are watching) will make a mistake that will cause harm or pain to them or to the new dog they meet.

I know that many years ago, I watched a child go to a pup while the pup was chewing a rawhide bone. The child grabbed the bone, and the dog leapt at her, biting her, and later, was put down. This would never have taken place if the child had seen the signs that this particular puppy was enjoying himself and when she reached for his bone, caused him to defend what was his. Had this book been around back then, that puppy might have lived to a ripe old age and that little girl would not have the emotional scars that came with the incident. It is always best to “Ask The Dog”!

published by BeaLu Books, Tampa Florida

Available hard cover 978-1-962981-50-7

paperback 978-1-962981-49-1

www.BeaLuBooks.com

www,stevedale.tv