Book review: ‘Civil Canines’

Civil Canines: Creating Harmony: A Guide for Dogs and Their People by Nick Memphis. Independently published, 2026. Softcover, 158 pages.

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One thing is clear from the start: Nick Memphis loves dogs. However, it is equally clear that the author of Civil Canines also understands dogs.

In this practical and user-friendly guide that focuses on helping your canine become a member of the household and the community at large, dog trainer Nick has written a book that all dog lovers should read to have the best possible partnership with their canine buddies and ensure that their dogs are safe and comfortable when interacting with other people and dogs.

Although Nick is a seasoned dog trainer, he is quick to point out that this is not a training manual. Civil Canines is a book that addresses and explores areas of behavior, such as meeting and greeting others, safety measures when out in public and riding in a car, and building relationships founded on respect and love. Because dogs look to their people for cues and clues, Nick delves into the human side of the canine-human partnership and how our moods, behavior, and actions influence our dogs.

In Civil Canines, Nick stresses that dogs need our understanding. And, with that understanding, they can be model citizens at home and in the world beyond their backyard.

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Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.