Stories to Tell Your Dog

An illustrated book suitable for dogs, and humans of all ages.

Mark Swain describes these eighteen stories as "brief excursions into the canine world." The stories are aimed at people engaging with their dogs. And yes, that does mean reading stories to your dog!

These 18 stories have been tried-out on dogs. Dogs of all breeds seem to appreciate them a great deal. It would be disingenuous to say there was any great mystery in this. The stories are peppered with what could be described as canine trigger-words. Words that most dogs respond to instinctively. Words like walk, biscuit and sausages are the more obvious examples, but painstaking research has determined many others. It must also be said that on a level of animal psychology dogs are social animals. They generally adore humans and therefore respond extremely well to being talked to. Most dog owners do not do it enough – possibly through fear of being thought mad by other humans. Rather like people who talk to plants, perhaps. Do not take our word for it. We urge you to try it for yourself and see how well your dog responds. It is also worth saying that children and adults seem to enjoy reading these stories as much as the dogs. They are suitable for all three.

We have also noticed how certain children who are reluctant readers, are more than happy to read to a dog.