As the saying goes, a dog’s bark can be bigger than its bite. Students at the university said they think the “Dog” coming to campus today fits that adage’s description.

Duane “Dog” Chapman, the bounty hunter-turned-television personality, will sign copies of his new book, “Where Mercy is Shown, Mercy is Given,” today at the university bookstore. Although he seems to have a rough exterior on television, a synopsis for his book describes Chapman as a hard-working man of faith who acknowledges his flaws and “has been through the fire again and again, and come out the stronger for it.”

Taylor Witt, event coordinator at the bookstore, said the staff does not expect Chapman to present a speech during the hour and half he will be signing books. Witt said staff members will hand out about 1,000 tickets to those awaiting Chapman’s arrival.

Even though Chapman will probably not give a speech at the event, the bookstore’s staff is looking forward to his appearance, Witt said.

“We haven’t had a large number of these types of events,” she said. “We’ve had a couple, but nothing as big as this.”

Amber Orebaugh, a senior general studies major, would like to see Chapman speak because, she said, he works hard and demonstrates a genuine concern for those he encounters on his show.

“He gets a lot of criminals off the streets, and he really cares about them,” she said.

Orebaugh said she thinks Chapman could impart lessons of equality to those who attend the book signing and could teach others not to judge so quickly. Because Chapman is a prominent public figure, his appearance on campus could contribute positively to the university’s public image, Orebaugh said.

On his A&E television series, “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” Chapman often hunts down criminals with arrest warrants and attempts to impart wisdom after apprehending them. Many times, he uses his personal experiences to teach criminals life lessons.

Omni Bush, a sophomore biology major, said she thinks Chapman’s desire to help criminals is important in their recovery process.

“If we don’t facilitate (criminals) back into the country, they’ll commit more crimes,” Bush said. “If you don’t give them positive guidance, they’ll be negative.”

Duane “Dog” Chapman Book Signing

When: 6 p.m. tonight

Where: TCU Barnes & Noble