The Dog Listener: Learn How to Communicate with Your Dog for Willing Cooperation - Softcover

Fennell, Jan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060089466 ISBN 13: 9780060089467

Publisher: William Morrow & Company, 2004

Synopsis

In The Dog Listener Jan Fennell shares her revolutionary insight into the canine world and its instinctive language that has enabled her to bring even the most delinquent of dogs to heel. This easy-to-follow guide draws on Jan's countless case histories of problem dogs--from biters and barkers to bicycle chasers--to show how you can bridge the language barrier that separates you from your dog.

This edition includes a new 30-Day Training Guide to further incorporate Jan's powerful method into every element of pet ownership, including:

• Understanding what it means to care for a dog
• Choosing the right dog for you
• Introducing your dog to its new home
• Overcoming separation anxiety
• Walking on a leash
• Dealing with behavioral problems
• Grooming
• And much more

About this title

Review:

The behavioural problems covered in The Dog Listener will sound all too familiar to anyone who shares their life with a canine companion. During the 25 years that Jan Fennell has been working with dogs, she's been increasingly aware of the ways in which communication between man's best friend and ourselves has broken down. Inspired by Monty Roberts, Fennell embraces similar ideas to those found in The Man Who Listens to Horses. Rather than trying to fit human psychology to animals, the starting point is observing how animals communicate, how they structure their groups in the wild and what they think their role is.

Initially Fennell looks at the role that dogs have played historically--primarily a working role, in which human and animal worked side by side to the same goal. Many owners flinch as the idea of a dog "working", with associations of oppression and hierarchy. But dogs naturally form a hierarchical society with the strongest, most intelligent dog leading the pack. Humans might thrive on the concept of democracy but dogs don't automatically feel the same way. When we understand and respect a dog's mindset, effective training can be done with intelligence and compassion.

Each chapter deals with a different case study and owners of problem or "challenging" dogs will be kicking themselves as they realise just how wrong they've been getting it all this time. Some myths dispelled: "Tugging games are fun and it makes my little dog happy to think he's the winner." Wrong--if you let the dog win it reinforces the idea that he is the top dog in the group. "My dog can't bear to be left in the house ... because he loves me so much." Wrong--your dog thinks that he is responsible for you, the acute anxiety that results from separation can be likened to that of a mother who's has a toddler wander off by itself into untold danger.

Much of what we do to show affection to our dogs actually has the result of creating insecurities and confusion. In this respect many ideas are similar to those in John Fisher's Think Dog, particularly on remedies for anxious and aggressive dogs. Here though, the use of real life case studies offers encouragement that following this advice can initiate a rapid transformation in your dog's behaviour. Jan Fennell writes with affection and a real conviction that sharing her work with others can make a real difference. Her wide and admiring audience of happy dog owners would indicate that the title of "dog listener" is a highly appropriate one.--Tony Martin

Review:

"Those wanting true canine companionship will find Fennell's approach attractive and easy to apply."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The Dog Listener tells how to make dogs listen."--Parade

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0060089466
• ISBN 13: 9780060089467
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400