The Latchkey Dog: How the Way You Live Shapes the Behavior of the Dog You Love

by Jodi Andersen

A professional pet trainer shows readers how to spend quality time with their canine companions despite the demands of a hectic modern life and offers practical advice on how to cope with the behavioral problems and challenges of one's canine companions. Reprint. 20,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Stef · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid read to solving the neurosis of dogs left alone for large periods of time. In sum, I agreed with her "sit", "down", "stay" and "come" commands as the basic training tools for all dog owners. And they must be practiced everyday of the dog's life even if she has mastered them. But, I had no idea how important these commands served as problem solvers in many scenarios. Dog begging at the table? A down stay will do. Dog jumping on guests? A sit and stay will do. Dog a picky eater? Make him sit before meals so he feels he has "worked" for it. The best chapter was the "Role over, Rover" as a guide to dealing with life changes with your dog. The chapter on "Is There a Doctor in the House" makes a good discussion on mixing behavior therapy with the medical model. The book could have been half as long considering that she repeated many solutions, but on the other hand I found the individual case studies a real delight.

[Jeanne Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for dog owners, trainers, and dog walkers. This isn't a book about training but more about recognizing problems that families and individuals go through due to our current lifestyles. Jodi Anderson does a great job of explaining problem areas and the techniques she uses to correct unwanted behavior. I've worked professionally for many years as a dog walker and trainer as well as having many dogs of my own, some that were shelter dogs and rescues and some that came from good breeder. It's always helpful to see that we all experience so many common problems with dogs and to understand what others (like Jodi Anderson) do to gently correct the issues.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way this book read, though the last chapter or two fell apart a bit for me. Still the writer shared her knowledge about dogs and dog training in a way that I as an almost 40 year old, first time dog owner can understand and integrate into my home. There were some cute stories, too, but I'm glad the book didn't rely on that.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all dog owners!!!

[Kathy McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great information and Andersen presented ideas about a dog's psyche that I hadn't really considered before. She presents many ideas and dog examples of a plethera of behavior issues and provides manageable suggestions for solving them.
I was left to wonder how she knows this much about "how a dog thinks". I would like lessons in how to do that!

The latchkey dog is "most likely at home lsitening to the messages on your answering machine, thinking that you just don't spend enough quality time with him anymore."
"Because of my understanding of how the canine mind works..."
"I am grateful for the insight I have gained into how necessary it is to know how to live in the company of dogs. It is in the way in which we live with our dogs that makes the greatest difference in the quality of our relationships- an ultimately in the quality of their lives."

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, entertaining & educational book. Oh, it was a little redundant, but it had many amusing anecdotes and helpful hints that, so far, work with Chief B pretty well. But he is a fast learner, which I am sure is a big part of it. There wasn't much information on pits, or even a mention of Australian Cattle Dogs, so that was a bit of a disappointment. Still, it was a fast and fun read.

[Tiah Keever · Rating 2 out of 5]

As first time dog owner I am learning a few tips on how to be the "pack leader" and I am shaking my head at how many people are totally clueless about dogs(as the book is by a trainer and she gives you many anecdotes). I am wondering if my dog will actually start following the Sit command on a regular basis(he seems to have selective hearing currently).

[Marico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped us understand what our Australian Cattle Dog needed from us in order to be a wonderful member of the family. We have now had her for 6 years and love this incredibly intelligent (and sometimes stubborn) breed.

[Manatee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book on canine psychology is full of awkward sentences and vague directions for getting your dog to behave after he has been alone all day.

Weirdly enough,it has not ONE but TWO accounts of dogs enjoying( already pumped) human breastmilk. Very, Very disturbing if you ask me.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to know why your dog acts the way he does? It's because of his breed, right?
Or maybe not.
This book was both entertaining with funny stories about owners and dogs, but also has helped me realize how leadership can help my dog to be calm when I'm gone.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the only one recommended by the dog trainers we used. The others I've read on this topic, don't seem to quite measure up to this one. If you want to better understand why your dog does what he/she does, try this book. It helped us a bunch!

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Book I've read about dog training. I recommend to anyone who will be leaving their dog home alone while they work.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me great insight on some rather odd behavior in my clients dogs.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting perspective on how our working lives directly affect our dogs. Full review here: http://thedoggerel.wordpress.com/2011...

[Tom Mueller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing especially new to those familiar with dog behavior, but there are some fun anecdotes.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sound advice, even for those of us with 8 year old dogs who think they are the "leader of the pack."

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE BEST animal book ever.

I have read lots of dog books and this is the one that did it for me (and my lab-mix child)!

[Brett Anderson]

Good insight into dogs' behavior as pack animals, the historical normalcies of human-dog interactions, and steps you can take to improve relations with any canine companions you may have.