The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D. Ballantine Books, $25.95, Hardcover, 246 pages Everywhere you look there's a dog yanking on his or her caretaker's arm. And with each interaction you see an entirely different relationship between pet and human. Some folks seem able to gracefully manage successful communication across species lines. But most just do their best, hoping that their dogs will listen and learn. But sometimes they need help. In The Other End of the Leash, ethologist Patricia McConnell explores the behavior and mindsets of canines and primates in order to help dog owners better relate to man's best friend. While McConnell starts out touting her professional accolades a bit too much, she quickly launches into simple, reader-friendly, and heartfelt descriptions of problems dog owners experience. An owner of working border collies and an applied animal behaviorist for "bad" dogs, McConnell has a stock of stories that are at once familiar and fascinating. From the St. Bernard who attacked his owner for wearing an unfamiliar hat, to the sweet German Shepherds who love everyone but each other, there is at least one lesson for all dog lovers. Did you know dogs find it very rude to receive a hug? Or that quick pats on top of the head are a good way to get your pup to stop annoying you? You may have noticed such patterns. McConnell's goal is to help you see what your beloved Fido sees, and to learn how to send proper messages. The Other End of the Leash can truly help you become a better dog owner and have the best behaved dog on the block. Don't you owe that to your constant companion? -Lisa Schechtman