News from - Dusty's Diary 
April 2022

Hi Pals,
This month I’m reviewing a book that rather boldly states to know ‘what dogs want’, by clinical dog behaviourist, Mat Ward. 



I was fully expecting a squizzer to jump out when the human opened it, but apparently the author thinks they know us better than that. Well we will see. 

The book is illustrated by the wonderful Rupert Fawcett, for those who haven’t seen them, check out his cartoons online, they are:
a)fabulous, and
b) very insightful. 

The book begins with an overview of how dogs experience the world, and what humans should expect when bringing a hound into their lives.
The next chapter is on training, and includes a very accurate representation of my  personal recall training of the human:

I felt I had trained her rather well, but it transpired that she actually got rather tired doing this, and that if I instead came back to her, I was rewarded with tasty snacks. There is also a section on ‘stay’, which I feel is a rather pointless exercise unless one is already lying down in a comfy position. But there again, I’m a greyhound, and we aren’t known for our obedience work.



Chapter three delves inside our minds, giving some good explanations of dog body language and behaviour, which I think are very helpful in aiding the hound-human relationship. These include allowing the human to finally understand why I try and kick my poo in her face when she bends when to clear it up (I’m a bossy girl leaving my mark!)



Chapter four outlines how the humans can keep us fit and healthy, including details of tasty treats we are not allowed, and when we need to visit the vet. This place is best avoided at all costs, so try your best to stay in good shape.

Chapter five is a very important section. This part of the book is full of tips on how to maximise our happiness. It discusses the importance of buying us a nice comfy bed, and allowing us to sniff absolutely everything while on walkies. I particularly liked the section on ‘tug games’. My favourite part is disemboweling the tug object after it rips apart.



The final chapter is on both you and your humans agreeing on various situations, such as helping you to understand that some humans don’t like you jumping up and slobbering all over them (I know!).

Another useful section is helping your human understand that you might not like being left home alone, but that destroying the sofa & peeing on the rug isn’t the best response when they do this. They will return, and often it’s from a shopping trip to buy you tasty treats! Overall, I would highly recommend this delightfully illustrated book, full of useful information for every human and hound.

An easy reading, insightful guide that would be great to dip in & out of when you sit down in the evening.

Til next month
Dusty