I tend to avoid dog books, because it's easy to end up with something from either the Marley and Me/Chicken Soup for the Soul or Dog Whisperer camps, neither of which do anything for me. Off this list, I'd definitely go for Dogtown, since I'm all about rescue dogs and Best Friends is an incredible sanctuary. Speaking for Spot looks good too, because we all need to know how to advocate for our animals, and I appreciate the science backgrounds of A Wolf in the Parlor and Inside of a Dog.

I recently read "Don't Dump the Dog" by Randy Grim. He runs a no kill shelter in St. Louis and writes about all the incredible (and mostly inane) reasons people cite for bringing a dog BACK to the shelter after adopting. He gives great solutions ... and he is SO FUNNY! Laugh out loud funny!

This is Bo, the dog who pawed BAD TO THE BONE: Memoir Of A Rebel Doggie Blogger. It's the first memoir written by a dog ever published in non-fiction, not bad for a writer in a fur suit. Plus, it's 100% funny, 100% true. The book is dedicated to rescue and shelter workers and a portion of the proceeds goes to help homeless dogs. So...I'm gonna have to give a bark out to myself. Woof!

Merle's Door:Lessons from a Freethinking Dog. It is a few years old now, but is still not only my favorite animal book of all time, but favorite book in general. It is a true testament to the bond a man and his dog can share. Yet at the same time, describes the mind of a dog with independence. To me, this illustrates a true sense of friendship over a relationship built on reliance. Ted Kerasote is a very talented writer and blends humor and insightful information seemlessly. There is no book I would recommend more to any type of reader.

I'll agree on Merle's Door. A beautifully told story of a dog's life with his man. Also has the awesome surroundings of Jackson Hole, WY to top it off!

Greetings dog lover,

There are so many entertaining dog books available - I just finished reading "Racing in the rain" which I found to be an awfully entertaining dog-related work of fiction. If you are looking to "tap" into dogs minds and better understand their thinking process and their perception of human reality, by all means treat yourself to "The culture clash" by Jean Donaldson. It is a reference book I consult over and over again when trying to understand and solve a dog-related behavior problem. It's highly educational and written with a lot of humor - it's simply brilliant. If you are interested in the mechanisms of dog training and the learning process, Karen Prior's "Don't shoot the dog" is a book you should consider picking up. Many examples of her techniques and learning principles at work are available on the web.
It comes down to choosing the type of dog-related reading you want to treat yourself to.

I also got ready to recommend Merle's Door, and here it's already been mentioned! I received it as a gift from my husband a couple years ago and adored it - it's the perfect blend of science and anecdotes... =)

Along with the normal breed and training books, my two favorite reads are "Lassie Come Home" by Maj. Eric Knight and "Lad: A Dog" by Albert Peyson Terhune.
These are excellent books for any age and both were made into a movie, with sequels.
Having owned Collies for decades, these are our family's favorites.

I still love "Pack of Two," by the late Caroline Knapp (an incredible writer), anything by Jon Katz, "Ella in Europe," by Michael Konik, and "I Have Heard You Calling in the Night," by Thomas Healy. None fall into the treacly Marley & Me category -- the dogs and the people are real, not perfect.

I usually want to learn something about my own dog when I read a dog book. Ted Kerasote's "Merle's Door" was impressive to me because he carefully researched all the behavior and medical points that he described. So it was not only a heart-warming story, but I painlessly learned a lot about dogs in general. Word of warning, though, I sobbed at the end! "Inisde of a Dog" is a particularly enlightening nonfiction book for the same reason. For a real heart-warming story and tear jerker, I still love "Amazing Gracie" (from 2003), the story behind the rescued dog who was the mascot for Three Dog Bakery.

I just read "Bad to the Bone"
I truly enjoyed reading this book!
I was able to see a lot of my dog, who by the way name is Bella in Bo.
There is a also a lot of me in Bo's daddy..

I plan on giving copy's to my family and friends who have dogs.
It was great reading and very funny.

Alan

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein was a fantastic book. It made me laugh out loud at certain parts and cry at others. I highly recommend it for all dog lovers out there!

LOVE Bad to the Bone!!!! Very funny! Great entertaining read. And the proceeds go to help homeless animals! Highly recommend it! Great gift idea! Gonna buy a couple to donate to hospitals to help bring a smile to patients young and old.

Reading Merle's Door now. Also a good one. Good story on a dog's life with his Dad who rescued him from homelessness in the wild. Informative too on why dogs behave the way they do, their physical and mental attributes, as well as their history.

The Dog Whisperers books are a must for all dog owners, and anyone who works with dogs!!!!

I'm currently reading "Inside of a Dog" and really enjoying it. It takes a more cognitive approach to dogs - cognitive psychology is the author's area of study. She has studied many kinds of animals and humans, but as a dog person was always curious about dogs. She combines studies and anecdotal evidence gathered from watching her own dog, Pumpernickel. What's clear is that we really don't know as much about dogs as we think we do, but researches have begun to study them more. This book has given me a greater understanding and appreciation for my own dog (and he was already greatly appreciated to begin with!)

I highly recommend the books Nop's Trials and Nop's Hope by Don McCaig. These are fiction novels although they portray what it is really like to have a working border collie. The author is a Virginian who was also commissioned by the Mitchell family to write Rhett Butler's People, a sequel to Gone With the Wind.

If you haven't read a new book, Bad to the Bone, you will definitely be missing the best book in a long time. I have read it twice now and still can't stop laughing. Bo has to be the top dog author around ( yes he is a dog ) and you'll find yourself drawn into his story. Simply put, you'll become part of it. Outstanding reading and once you start, you won't put it down.

Well, I thought I was on to the next "big find", but I see a couple of other folks beat me to it..."Bad to the Bone" by Bo Hoefinger had me laughing so hard, tears were rolling down my face. I hope you get a chance to read it.

Bad to the bone , from BO Hoefineger is really a bliss ! this dog sure knows how to write stories!

BAD TO THE BONE Is a great book..It was lots of fun to read...I got it and couldn't put it down wanted to see what happened next...all as I can say is That I LOVED IT!!!!!

If you are a dog owner, you should have a copy of SPEAKING FOR SPOT. The author was a guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross and it was a wonderful interview. If you missed it, I think you can still listen to it on NPR's web site. Anyway, get the book. I learned so much and it's got appendices in the back about dog health problems that I know I'll use in the future.

Wow! I'm surprised to see all of the Bad to the Bone folks. I found it quite by accident while perusing the dog section at Barnes and Noble. I couldn't resist the cover and the 'hook' of the story. Bought the book on a whim and it didn't disappoint. Oh, you won't cry at the end either.

Other books that I just loved were The Art of Racing in the Rain and Merle's Door. Both are classics.

I love your blog Julie!

I love Bad to the Bone by Bo Hoefinger! It's a great read by a talented author. It will give you the giggles and bring a tear to your eyes!!!

As a veterinarian I heartily endorse Speaking for Spot. If you have only one book at home to help you take care of your dog's health, this is the one. It teaches you how to be a great medical advocate for your dog. Speaking for Spot is written by a veterinarian in a warm, engaging, easy to understand style. This book is a must- my clients who have read it are much better able to participate in the process of determining the outcome of their dog's health care.

Speaking for Spot came to my rescue when I was trying when my dog recently developed cancer. This book "held my hand" through what would have otherwise been a miserable process. Can't recommend it enough.

Bad to the Bone .... a MUCH needed and rather DIFFERENT view of a ''dogs life'' from a couple who have given SO much loving and healing and importantly ... a VOICE to those with none.

On the top of my Christmas list this year is the book, “Bad to the Bone” memoir of a rebel doggie blogger. I need a good laugh in these trying times and what can be funnier then a book written by a dog? How can any dog lover not love a book that distributes proceeds to help homeless animals? Way to go BO! Not only is the dog author Bo talented, (How many dogs do you know that can type let alone write an entire book?) and entertaining but he is also caring and down right adorable. My vote is for “Bad to the Bone”.

There are many great dog books and just as many reasons why they are great. I frequent my library regularly for heartwarming dog stories for bedtime reading - Where the Red Fern Grows, Tell Me Where it Hurts, Inside of a Dog.

However, the ONE book I want in my own personal library is Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life. It is hands-down the best of my collection and has served me well through the diagnosis and loss of my older dog to cancer and I refer to it regularly for my younger dog. I have purchased 10 copies to give to family and friends this holiday season - and I know it will be appreciated and used frequently.

"Bad To The Bone" gets my vote. It ROCKS.

Marley and me was a great book. Should be required reading for all dog adopters. Bad to the Bone was even better and just had me laughing all the time and thinking of the way my crew acts.

Julie,
Bo's book, "Bad To the Bone" is good because he is still alive and wants you to interview him! It is funny too. You should really talk to him - great read! My pack loved it.

"Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger" by Bo Hoefinger was laugh out loud funny. Really enjoyed his viewpoint and will be giving it to others this holiday season.

Well, we Loved Bad to the Bone, a memoir written by Bo, who is funny and his book leaves you with a good feeling, which is what we want when we close the cover.

We bought 10 copies of Bad to the Bone to give to friends!

Bo is a doggie from a shelter and his new sister, is also a shelter pup. His mom and dad are donating to help homeless animals. That makes us feel very good.

F

I think Nop's Trials and Marley and Me were both wonderful!

I waited nearly a year and a half for the book “Bad to the Bone” memoir of a rebel doggie blogger. I read Bo's blog and some excerpts and just could not wait for the book to finally be published. I pre-ordered it and was thrilled when it arrived. It has met all my expectations! It is a witty, light-hearted book full of fun and humor! A must read for those who love dogs and are looking for a laugh!

I have a book case full of dog tales and instruction, and I do love The Art of Racing in the Rain and Merle's Door and Marley and Me. You didn't mention The Good Dog by Anne Quinlan which was amazing. BUT I guess I must say that Bad to the Bone's "Bo" unzipped my head so I could get into his skin. Seeing life through Bo was a priceless experience. I laughed until I howled. The book is already passed to a friend.

I really liked "One Nation Under Dog," even if it did get a lousy review in 'Bark Magazine.' But my favorite dog book of the year goes to a children's book: "Nubs: the true story of a mutt, a Marine and a miracle" by Major Brian Dennis and two co-writers. It's a great story and beautifully designed. If you liked that video of vets and their dogs, you'll really like Nubs.
And a shout-out for a cat book: "Homer's Odyssesy" by Gwen Cooper. Not sentimental, but quite lovely.

If you like to laugh then Bad to the Bone is the book for you. Absolutly hysterical! I think every dog owner will see a piece of themselves and their furry better half in this book. Going to pick up some more copies to give out as Christmas gifts this year.

I loved BAD TO THE BONE: Memoir Of A Rebel Doggie Blogger. I follow the blog and so I had to read the book. It was funny, positive and full of appropriate sarcasm. I loved it.

"Animals And The Afterlife" is WONDERFUL!! I could not put it down! You do need an open mind and a box of tissue. This is one of the best books I have ever read!

Don't forget Dog On It by Spencer Quinn.

A hard boiled detective story from the point of view of the detective's dog. Chet even has a blog http://www.chetthedog.com/.
Found it by accident at Borders and loved it.

I LOVED the book!! I adore the blog and recommend it to everyone for a wonderful stocking stuffer this holiday season.

My vote goes to BAD TO THE BONE! If you ever wanted to get inside of a dog's head, this is it! Written by Bo himself, you can't go wrong! If you are a dog lover at all you will be hooked at the first read.

For the age old classics, if you don't have Where the Red Fern Grows you should, just make sure you have tissue!

Some of these folks can't be the Unleashed fans they say they are — or did you actually change your name to Julie?

Ha. Exactly! -- jr

Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Doggy Blogger is one of the funniest books I've read all year! I snickered, laughed until my sides hurt and sometimes I was so touched I nearly cried. Bo is a wonderful storyteller and his stories of life with his humans are an inspiration.

He has an author page http://badtothebonememoir.com/
and blog http://boknowsonline.com/

Although there are a tremendous amount of dog books out there, "Bad to the Bone" stands out from the rest and it is a must read. It is separated from the pack (pun intended) of dog books for several reasons. First, it is hilarious. When you read it you will not believe some of the stories are true such as mistaking a dog's nipples for cancer. Also, it is written from Bo's (the family dog's) point of view which makes it unique. All dog owners wonder what their dogs think of them. Now you know... Finally, the story behind the book knocks it out of the yard. Several years ago Bo's dog Mom was ill. It was a tough year for Bo's family. To cheer them, Bo wrote a book reliving some of the hilarious escapades of their life together. It was so hilarious and touching that friends and family insist that it be published. Because it was written out of love, not for mass commercial media, it is special. Knowing all of this, you will love it. It separates itself from the rest. "Bad to the Bone" a must read.

Bad to the Bone, Memoir of a Doggy Blogger is my holiday pick. I liked the book so much I have purchased 7 copies and now will be purchasing more. The book makes you laugh out loud , one hilarious chapter after the next! Bo is a great writer and his viewpoint is very funny!

Bad to the bone , from BO Hoefineger. You will laugh out loud. Its a great book!

I have read many of the new Dog books and my problem with them is some are so sad. I know that our pets don't live as long as we do and that we will have to say goodbye to many throughout the years. I know that. I don't want to read it. I just read Bad To The Bone: Memoir Of A Rebel Doggie Blogger. It was great. Funny, and very heartwarming. Not Sad. It was also very fun reading a biography, straight from the Dog's Mouth. Bo is awesome ;-) I'm thinking that Bo's parents are pretty lucky to have him in their lives.

PS... My dogs have eaten almost (not all) of my dog books. The Leader of the Pack didn't make it a week. I guess they showed me. They didn't Touch Bo's book and it's looking pretty worn and loved. I'm thinking that they read it over while I'm at work. Probably getting ideas from Bo.

You want to laugh and finally see you and the world from a dog eyes ! Bad to the bone is the one to read. The perfect Christmas gift. Thank you Bo for the great time I spend reading your book.

My vote is for Bad to the Bone. There were so many passages that I read with tears of laughter streaming down my face while laughing out loud.

Bo is by far the best writer with four paws. For this reason, I give the book 4 paws up, especially since some of the proceeds benefit homeless dogs.

I have been recommending this book to all my friends.

I just apawtograph copy of Bo's book from him, Saturday. I haven't had time to start reading it, but I have read the part of how he got adopted, and I know i'm know i'm going to love it. I also plan to get my partner in Doggie Transport Janet a copy. I know she'll love it becaue just the little bit i've read I do. Way to go Bo. Great book and thank you for the pawtograph copy.

Bad to the Bone is #1 on my Christmas list this year! I always read Bo's blog and enjoy getting the canine perspective on things.

Bo rocks!

Bad to the Bone by Bo Hoefinger is on the top of my list. It is well written, unique, funny and doesn't have a sad ending.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein- this book is AMAZING!! I've read it cover to cover twice. My mother who is not a huge dog person loves it and as the new owner of a wonderfully personable pup, the book takes on even deeper meaning. I laughed, I cried, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment with Denny and Enzo.

Bad to the Bone is hilarious! If you need some gut bustin' belly laughs,this is the one. His website is loaded with more Bo zingers too :) This dog is too funny..thanks dude

I have to recommend (rave reviews) "Jack: The Christmas Collie" - based on a true story and written in the style of the old Terhune Collie novels of the 1930s. Also Terhune's "Lad: A Dog" and the classic by Eric Knight "Lassie Come Home"