For only a length of three volumes, this series really does pack an emotional punch. I'm trying to put together a summary of what happens in this series, but to be honest, not a lot happens in terms of plot. Dog Style is primarily character-driven and the two main leads take you on an emotional roller coaster ride of ups and downs.
Dog Style is not your typical run-of-the-mill yaoi, heck it's not even your run of the mill anything. Motives, reasonings and feelings are often difficult to comprehend and sometimes suspect. The only consistency is the growing attraction between Miki and Chiaki. The pace is frenetic, much like some of the wild escapades and running gags in the story. Erotic, sometimes absurd, comedic and dramatic, this is one of those instances where the how - not the what - keeps you reading.
If you've read any other work by this same manga-ka, then it should be quite easy to jump into Dog Style. If you're like me however, and this was your first time reading Modoru Motoni, then it might take some minor adjusting to get used to her manner of writing and drawing. Don't let the art throw you off. I skimmed the first couple of pages and couldn't get past the strangeness of her style and almost put the series aside. I don't know why I continued reading, but it must have been the overwhelming positive reviews that decided me otherwise (for which I'm extremely grateful). Now that I've done a couple of re-reads and have gone through some of her other works, I've been completely converted. She is now one of my favorite manga artists.
I only had a couple of minor complaints with the series. I thought the running stray dog metaphor was a tad forced in places and despite having read an official English translated version of the series, I still found some of the conversations confusing. Based on some of the reviews I've read about her other works, Motoni is fond of using Japanese puns and wordplay, which probably accounts for some of the odd phrasing and nonsensical conversations. It's a shame there weren't a couple of pages of side notes explaining the meaning behind some of these translations.
I'm not sure how it is for others, but my enjoyment for reading something is increased by tenfold when I really like the main characters. There was something about Chiaki and Miki that made them magnetic and enthralling. They're two complex individuals with some heavy emotional baggage who only come together at first for the most superficial of reasons (sex). It's not even enjoyable for one of the individuals the first few times. While the sex may seem passionate at first, it becomes fairly obvious that the lack of a deeper connection makes it what it is - just sex. However, their love-making subtly becomes more involved and erotic (oh my, their kisses were nose-bleed worthy!) as their relationship evolves. They aren't perfect individuals, and depending on how much you buy into the story, you'll either like them or hate them. So take my advice and don't expect anything when you start reading.
There's probably more I say about Dog Style, but it's just one of those series you have to experience by actually reading it. It's the kind of story that grips you from the start and wrings you out by the end, but you're glad you stayed along for the ride.