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The Dog Listener: Learning the Language of your Best Friend
You’ve heard of the Horse Whisperer – now meet the woman who uses similar methods to train dogs.
Jan Fennell’s remarkable gifts have earned her the nickname “the dog listener”. Her unique understanding of the canine world and its instinctive language has enabled her to bring even the most desperate and delinquent of dogs to heel.
This easy-to-follow guide to understanding Jan’s simple techniques draws on her countless case histories of problem dogs – from biters and barkers to bicycle chasers – to show how we can bridge the language barrier that separates man from his best friend.
In The Dog Listener Jan shares her secrets, telling us how she grew determined to find a more compassionate alternative to standard “obedience” training techniques and ultimately how to communicate with canines.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
May 11, 2011
Things I like about this book: Use of positive and dog friendly methods instead of intimidation or physically hurting the dog. The things described in the book are basic polite dog behaviour things.
Things I don't like about this book: Fennel concentrates way too much on dominance. Dominance theory has been disproven with later studies of wolves and feral groups of dogs. There is no strict or unchanging social hierarchy between them. The things Fennel describes in amichien bonding do work, but for other reasons than what Fennel writes:
Having your dog wait for permission to go through doors is good and polite behaviour, but it doesn't promote dominance.
In wild puppies eat before adult individuals, so eating a cracker before giving food to the dog teaches the dog patience and politeness in waiting for his food, but it does not promote dominance.
Things I don't like about this book: Fennel concentrates way too much on dominance. Dominance theory has been disproven with later studies of wolves and feral groups of dogs. There is no strict or unchanging social hierarchy between them. The things Fennel describes in amichien bonding do work, but for other reasons than what Fennel writes:
Having your dog wait for permission to go through doors is good and polite behaviour, but it doesn't promote dominance.
In wild puppies eat before adult individuals, so eating a cracker before giving food to the dog teaches the dog patience and politeness in waiting for his food, but it does not promote dominance.
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October 18, 2015Last year I adopted a little sheepdog from a shelter, and he's one of the most caring and clever creatures I've ever met. He's given me hope and unconditional love when I've needed it the most. However, he came with considerable baggage from his puppyhood: the early months spent neglected and possibly abused, followed by being shunted between different shelters, didn't make for a very optimistic or trusting outlook on life. Things that I had taken for granted with dogs that I'd had previously - going for walks, getting into a car, seeing people go by - were major sources of anxiety for him. In the time since I got him, he's been improving slowly but surely. At his latest checkup, the vet suggested that this book might be useful in helping me to figure out more ways in which I can help him.
The essential philosophy of the book is this: many modern dogs believe that they are alphas of the pack, and that they're responsible for guiding and protecting the rest of their family. However, because they live in a society dominated by humans, not dogs, they are ill-equipped for the challenges presented by this responsibility. The result is anxiety, which can manifest in different ways, depending on the individual dog: defensiveness, jumpiness, even self-mutilation and refusing to eat. The solution that Jan Fennell presents is for the owner to assume the alpha role by broadcasting signals that the dog will understand. None of it involves any kind of violence of course - it's all about body language, tone of voice, routine, and being aware of which behaviors you're rewarding. Once the owner has taken on the responsibility of being alpha, the burden is lifted from the dog's shoulders, leaving him or her free to relax and enjoy life.
In explaining how to implement this lifestyle (and she emphasizes that it needs to be a lifestyle, not a temporary fix), Fennell emphasizes the two C's of being calm and consistent. I'd add a third - being conscious. The book has really encouraged me to pay closer attention to my dog's behavior, and to remember to consider how things look from his point of view.
Some of the things recommended in this book were actually things I'd already figured out, which was interesting to see. I can't attest to the effectiveness of the entire method yet (it takes time), but in the time that I've been practicing it I have noticed improvement.
As for the way the book is written, I do think it could've been considerably shorter, which I think would make it accessible to a larger number of owners who could benefit from it.
The essential philosophy of the book is this: many modern dogs believe that they are alphas of the pack, and that they're responsible for guiding and protecting the rest of their family. However, because they live in a society dominated by humans, not dogs, they are ill-equipped for the challenges presented by this responsibility. The result is anxiety, which can manifest in different ways, depending on the individual dog: defensiveness, jumpiness, even self-mutilation and refusing to eat. The solution that Jan Fennell presents is for the owner to assume the alpha role by broadcasting signals that the dog will understand. None of it involves any kind of violence of course - it's all about body language, tone of voice, routine, and being aware of which behaviors you're rewarding. Once the owner has taken on the responsibility of being alpha, the burden is lifted from the dog's shoulders, leaving him or her free to relax and enjoy life.
In explaining how to implement this lifestyle (and she emphasizes that it needs to be a lifestyle, not a temporary fix), Fennell emphasizes the two C's of being calm and consistent. I'd add a third - being conscious. The book has really encouraged me to pay closer attention to my dog's behavior, and to remember to consider how things look from his point of view.
Some of the things recommended in this book were actually things I'd already figured out, which was interesting to see. I can't attest to the effectiveness of the entire method yet (it takes time), but in the time that I've been practicing it I have noticed improvement.
As for the way the book is written, I do think it could've been considerably shorter, which I think would make it accessible to a larger number of owners who could benefit from it.
March 11, 2009
I loaned this book to a friend with dog troubles. She gave it back to me explaining that she couldn't finish it. The book was just too large. She was just too busy to process it all.
This is ironic as Fennel's methods easily blend into ordinary daily person <-> dog interactions and are very simple.
The problem is that the book is 4 times larger than it needs to be. Her methods could have been explained in about 50 - 100 pages with plenty of room left over for some illustrative anecdotal accounts.
A good editor could have saved this book.
The same goes for her video, which I found terribly disjointed. If I had not read the book I would not have understood what she was trying to communicate.
Fennel's methods are truly innovative, cruelty free, cheap, and practical. I hope she decides to hire an editor for her books and her videos to make her ideas easily accessible.
It could make a difference in the lives of many dogs
This is ironic as Fennel's methods easily blend into ordinary daily person <-> dog interactions and are very simple.
The problem is that the book is 4 times larger than it needs to be. Her methods could have been explained in about 50 - 100 pages with plenty of room left over for some illustrative anecdotal accounts.
A good editor could have saved this book.
The same goes for her video, which I found terribly disjointed. If I had not read the book I would not have understood what she was trying to communicate.
Fennel's methods are truly innovative, cruelty free, cheap, and practical. I hope she decides to hire an editor for her books and her videos to make her ideas easily accessible.
It could make a difference in the lives of many dogs
November 3, 2010
I'm an avid dog lover and had decided to start dog sports with my Border Collie and German Shepherd, so I devoured every "dog" book I could get my hands on. This book, to me, was a horribly written rip-off of many of the better known authors in this genre. If you want a good book on interacting with your dog, or better understanding your relationship with your canine companion, check out Dr Patricia McConnoll's For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend or her first book, The Other End of the Leash.
Having read many books in this category, there are many other, and in my eyes, better books out there.
Having read many books in this category, there are many other, and in my eyes, better books out there.
January 21, 2023
Reads well, and I found it interesting. Have to give credit to the author for being ahead of her time, as this is an old book and the theories of which are outdated and have been disproven. But it was written back when most people were using forceful training methods for their dogs, and while Jan’s theory is still based on dominance theory and pack concept (both of which have been disproven) she does use positive reinforcement training methods, which was very progressive considering the book is 23 years old.
Jan compares dogs to wolves far too much in this book, and looking at a wolf pack and how they behave isn’t applicable to a domestic species. Dogs aren’t pack animals anymore, they’re semi-solitary, as is indicated by looking at any pack of feral dogs which have no structure and a very fragile and dysfunctional hierarchy.
It is very interesting as, as she is using positive reinforcement methods of training, her work is more or less right and she’s getting results, but she just doesn’t know why what she’s doing is working. She believes it is because she’s stepping into the role of “leader” and how everything reflects how they would behave in the wild, which is untrue. However, the reason what she’s doing is working is as simple as, by ignoring the dog when it’s behaving in an undesirable way, and not shouting at it, the dog is getting no attention and no reaction and so the behaviour diminishes. It isn’t because you’re being the alpha and the dog is showing you respect or is relinquishing their own dominance over the “pack”.
Jan also, a couple of times in the book, described how she did some fairly irresponsible and honestly quite dangerous things. For example, at one point when telling a story about two dogs who absolutely hated each other, Reggie and Basil. They shut Reggie in a shed (still attached to his chain). “As soon as we got Basil on to his old foe’s patch, however, we let Reggie back out. He remained attached to his chain. At the same time I knelt down, quietly and calmly holding Basil at a distance of twenty feet from the end of the chain. Exactly how Reggie’s chain remained in place I don’t know to this day. Reggie roared into life and flew at Basil. Basil was as ready as ever for the confrontation, however: it was all I could do to hold on to my dog.”
I’ve worked with cases of redirection and so I know just how dangerous this was. Basil could easily have turned around and gone for Jan in this moment of high arousal and aggression and she’d knelt down, putting herself on face level with him and also putting herself in a position where it would be hard for her to move quickly, being on her knees instead of her feet. Had Basil redirected his aggression it could have been a very different story for Jan. I believe it was irresponsible for the author to include things like this in the book as this is a book that people with minimal training experience may buy in the hopes of using the training methods on their own problem dogs. Had somebody else read this, and attempted the same thing, they could have gotten very hurt.
I did enjoy reading the book from a historical perspective, which is why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1, but I cannot rate this book highly as it is outdated, the theories are disproven, and people should definitely not buy this if they’re looking for anything more than a bit of light reading. If you’re looking for a book which contains genuine behavioural advice for your own dogs then I’d recommend looking at Dr Ian Dunbar’s books. He is a qualified, certified behaviourist. Whereas Jan is self-taught and unqualified.
Jan compares dogs to wolves far too much in this book, and looking at a wolf pack and how they behave isn’t applicable to a domestic species. Dogs aren’t pack animals anymore, they’re semi-solitary, as is indicated by looking at any pack of feral dogs which have no structure and a very fragile and dysfunctional hierarchy.
It is very interesting as, as she is using positive reinforcement methods of training, her work is more or less right and she’s getting results, but she just doesn’t know why what she’s doing is working. She believes it is because she’s stepping into the role of “leader” and how everything reflects how they would behave in the wild, which is untrue. However, the reason what she’s doing is working is as simple as, by ignoring the dog when it’s behaving in an undesirable way, and not shouting at it, the dog is getting no attention and no reaction and so the behaviour diminishes. It isn’t because you’re being the alpha and the dog is showing you respect or is relinquishing their own dominance over the “pack”.
Jan also, a couple of times in the book, described how she did some fairly irresponsible and honestly quite dangerous things. For example, at one point when telling a story about two dogs who absolutely hated each other, Reggie and Basil. They shut Reggie in a shed (still attached to his chain). “As soon as we got Basil on to his old foe’s patch, however, we let Reggie back out. He remained attached to his chain. At the same time I knelt down, quietly and calmly holding Basil at a distance of twenty feet from the end of the chain. Exactly how Reggie’s chain remained in place I don’t know to this day. Reggie roared into life and flew at Basil. Basil was as ready as ever for the confrontation, however: it was all I could do to hold on to my dog.”
I’ve worked with cases of redirection and so I know just how dangerous this was. Basil could easily have turned around and gone for Jan in this moment of high arousal and aggression and she’d knelt down, putting herself on face level with him and also putting herself in a position where it would be hard for her to move quickly, being on her knees instead of her feet. Had Basil redirected his aggression it could have been a very different story for Jan. I believe it was irresponsible for the author to include things like this in the book as this is a book that people with minimal training experience may buy in the hopes of using the training methods on their own problem dogs. Had somebody else read this, and attempted the same thing, they could have gotten very hurt.
I did enjoy reading the book from a historical perspective, which is why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1, but I cannot rate this book highly as it is outdated, the theories are disproven, and people should definitely not buy this if they’re looking for anything more than a bit of light reading. If you’re looking for a book which contains genuine behavioural advice for your own dogs then I’d recommend looking at Dr Ian Dunbar’s books. He is a qualified, certified behaviourist. Whereas Jan is self-taught and unqualified.
April 25, 2021
Vērtīga lasāmviela. Žēl, ka neizlasīju to, pirms mūsu ģimenē ienāca suns. Tagad, kad Martai ir jau gads, būtu vēl vieglāk. Man ir pirmā pieredze ar suni, tāpēc kāri mācos. Tas, kas apstiprinājās, ka ir līdzīgi ar visiem mazuļiem - cilvēku vai suņu -, jo agrāk bērnībā iemācīsi viņiem lietas, robežas, noteikumus utt., darīsi to ar pacietību un mīlestību, jo vieglāk pēc tam visiem dzīvot.
August 31, 2022
What a delightful and useful read. I’ve read this book in a couple of sittings and loved every page. It’s very well-written. I had both rescues and dogs from puppies and I could relate to everything that was said there. I can now see a pattern my dogs always had when they behaved badly. The main point is to show who is the leader in the house - the owner, as all the problems (pulling, barking, jumping up) come from the dog thinking they are a leader and trying to protect the family and friends assert their dominance. The author goes through the main steps of establishing leadership in a kind and non violent way and then gives us plenty of stories as examples to fix common issues. I feel very confident I’ll be able to train my future dogs better and will enjoy the training too. The only thing of course is the methods are likely to be harder than what the author describes.
April 9, 2025
Ļoti ieteicama grāmata, kas piedāvā vienkāršu, bet efektīvu draudzības modeli ar suni. Lasāma ne tikai suņu saimniekiem, topošajiem saimniekiem, bet ikvienam, kam bijusi un ir darīšana ar suni. Ar mīlestību pret dzīvnieku vien nepietiek, lai kopābūšana būtu sirdsmierīga un komfortabla, tāpēc grāmatā sniegtie vienkāršie padomi man teicami līdzēja, lai iedraudzētos ar sirds suni, turklāt tas viss ļoti īsā laikā. Jā, bija ieteikumi, kuri nesanāca, bet esmu pārliecināts, ka ar laiku un konsekventi ievērojot, mainītos arī tas.
Lasītais sniedz pārsteidzoši daudz informācijas arī par to, kā ikdienā neapzināti, bet nepareizi komunicējam ar saviem suņiem. Neuztvert kā ābeci, bet iespēju.
Lasītais sniedz pārsteidzoši daudz informācijas arī par to, kā ikdienā neapzināti, bet nepareizi komunicējam ar saviem suņiem. Neuztvert kā ābeci, bet iespēju.
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July 14, 2012I recommend this book to dog owners all the time. If you want to simply and effectively understand how your dog thinks and how to fit that knowledge into your expectations of dog as pet, then read this book. It will show you how to help your dog 'be good' and unburden your dog from having to be what your signals would otherwise likely make him/her - top dog... a role a dog in a human environment simply can't handle, and one we humans simply don't want!
October 23, 2017
Some good advice on raising a calm and responsive dog, surrounded by unnecessary anecdotes that I mostly skipped.
February 14, 2023
I wish I'd read this when my dog was a puppy. Though it's never too late to teach a dog as this book proves. I'd definitely recommend it.
May 23, 2023
väldigt bra innehåll med fokus på att förstå hunden och dess natur för att sedan kunna kommunicera med den på dess egna språk
boken var dock rätt utdragen och ibland verkade resultaten kanske lite överdrivna, för bra för att vara sanna? hon får det att verka enklare än vad det nog egentligen är
boken var dock rätt utdragen och ibland verkade resultaten kanske lite överdrivna, för bra för att vara sanna? hon får det att verka enklare än vad det nog egentligen är
July 4, 2017
Part memoir with numerous case studies from her practice as a dog trainer and part training guide, this book provides the basis for Fennell's Amichien training. I loved it.
August 25, 2017
Practical and extremely helpful.
January 26, 2022
This book can be basically condensed into a paragraph. But the main point is to act like the boss & ignore the dog so he doesn’t think s/he is the pack leader. Also I’m glad she uses positive reinforcement only and does not condone hitting or slapping in any way!
October 18, 2012
Categorically unsurpassed, this revolutionary method is simple but effective. A must read for all dog owners!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough to all dog lovers and owners, who want to gain an understanding of how their canine friend communicates and acts in the way that he/she does. With a foreword by legendary and highly renowned horse trainer Monty Roberts, one knows instantly that Jan Fennell’s advice and study of canine behavior is going to be spot on. Learning the language of your best friend is such an important step to take, for then you are able to understand one another and the dog (pet) to human relationship is strengthened. Gentle, straightforward and uncomplicated it is quite remarkable and successful, which professes results as to amaze and shock you (as it did with me and my dogs). Jan’s unique and deep understanding with dogs has enabled her to help solve countless problems, such as biters to bicycle-chasers, making the animal respect humans and learn to heel. In this first book she teaches how we all can communicate with our dogs sharing with us those precious secrets that unlock the barriers between us humans and animals, so as to strengthen our partnership with man’s best friend. The author has not only spent her life growing up with dogs and sharing her home with these wonderful animals, but has also judged at one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world ‘Crufts’. These lovely animals give us such unconditional love and if you appreciate dogs then you will naturally want to become closer to them; understanding the reasons why they act as they do and how they are trying to communicate with us. Similarly with any animal and/ or domestic pet to really get to identify with them better one must learn to think like them, by putting yourself in the animal’s position and thinking about how you would react to such a situation. A dog may show aggression due to fear, or a bitch may show submission to the leader or dominant alpha within the pack or hierarchy. It is always good to remember like when Monty studies horses and equine behavior that he can understand their conduct in relation to herd instinct, just as likewise with domesticated dogs one must always respect their natural instincts in relation to their pack behavior. Even in the home a dog will comprise within its pack the humans as well, and their behavior reflects how they regard you in the hierarchy or level of the pack. (i.e. If you are perhaps not considered the dominant alpha then the dog will not show you full respect and may try to exert his/her authority, usually with classified ‘bad behavior’).
This beautiful book adorned with stunning color photographs takes you on a journey of discovery, seen through the eyes of your canine furry friend whom you wish to learn more about. Your relationship with your dog(s) can only become stronger with reading this remarkable and engrossing book that will fascinate and delight you from beginning to end as you learn so much from Jan Fennell and her experience and knowledge. From puppy hood to adulthood regardless of the dog’s age or gender this book I can grantee is applicable to any animal *although it is not a solution to aggression. I was thoroughly entranced by this intriguing, absorbing and completely captivating book that truly impressed me, and if nothing else made me appreciate my loyal and trusted companions even more. Using case studies as reflections alongside talking about her own dogs, and dogs in general Jan Fennell paints a clear picture of dog behavior, instincts and attitude towards other canines and humans. This is a read that I cannot fault and nor can I not enthuse about enough, for it is truly magical and a very bold step which I recommend that we all take.
*It is important to mention that this method cannot remove any aggressive tendencies of any dog, and is not designed to do so. Certain dog breeds have been raised specifically for the purpose of fighting; hence this book will not be able to alter their potentially savage nature. Always exercise caution when working with dogs, as like any animal they can be unpredictable in some cases.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough to all dog lovers and owners, who want to gain an understanding of how their canine friend communicates and acts in the way that he/she does. With a foreword by legendary and highly renowned horse trainer Monty Roberts, one knows instantly that Jan Fennell’s advice and study of canine behavior is going to be spot on. Learning the language of your best friend is such an important step to take, for then you are able to understand one another and the dog (pet) to human relationship is strengthened. Gentle, straightforward and uncomplicated it is quite remarkable and successful, which professes results as to amaze and shock you (as it did with me and my dogs). Jan’s unique and deep understanding with dogs has enabled her to help solve countless problems, such as biters to bicycle-chasers, making the animal respect humans and learn to heel. In this first book she teaches how we all can communicate with our dogs sharing with us those precious secrets that unlock the barriers between us humans and animals, so as to strengthen our partnership with man’s best friend. The author has not only spent her life growing up with dogs and sharing her home with these wonderful animals, but has also judged at one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world ‘Crufts’. These lovely animals give us such unconditional love and if you appreciate dogs then you will naturally want to become closer to them; understanding the reasons why they act as they do and how they are trying to communicate with us. Similarly with any animal and/ or domestic pet to really get to identify with them better one must learn to think like them, by putting yourself in the animal’s position and thinking about how you would react to such a situation. A dog may show aggression due to fear, or a bitch may show submission to the leader or dominant alpha within the pack or hierarchy. It is always good to remember like when Monty studies horses and equine behavior that he can understand their conduct in relation to herd instinct, just as likewise with domesticated dogs one must always respect their natural instincts in relation to their pack behavior. Even in the home a dog will comprise within its pack the humans as well, and their behavior reflects how they regard you in the hierarchy or level of the pack. (i.e. If you are perhaps not considered the dominant alpha then the dog will not show you full respect and may try to exert his/her authority, usually with classified ‘bad behavior’).
This beautiful book adorned with stunning color photographs takes you on a journey of discovery, seen through the eyes of your canine furry friend whom you wish to learn more about. Your relationship with your dog(s) can only become stronger with reading this remarkable and engrossing book that will fascinate and delight you from beginning to end as you learn so much from Jan Fennell and her experience and knowledge. From puppy hood to adulthood regardless of the dog’s age or gender this book I can grantee is applicable to any animal *although it is not a solution to aggression. I was thoroughly entranced by this intriguing, absorbing and completely captivating book that truly impressed me, and if nothing else made me appreciate my loyal and trusted companions even more. Using case studies as reflections alongside talking about her own dogs, and dogs in general Jan Fennell paints a clear picture of dog behavior, instincts and attitude towards other canines and humans. This is a read that I cannot fault and nor can I not enthuse about enough, for it is truly magical and a very bold step which I recommend that we all take.
*It is important to mention that this method cannot remove any aggressive tendencies of any dog, and is not designed to do so. Certain dog breeds have been raised specifically for the purpose of fighting; hence this book will not be able to alter their potentially savage nature. Always exercise caution when working with dogs, as like any animal they can be unpredictable in some cases.
December 16, 2007
When we decided that we would take on the responsibility of a dog, my mother in law sent us this book from England. It sat on the shelf until we eventually rescued a four month old Chocolate Labrador who was already weighing in at 47 lbs. Charlie started out fine, but it became quite obvious that he was going to need some pretty serious training. I picked up Jan's book and started practicing her preach right away. The theory behind her book is the wolf pack mentality and how a dog must know it's role within it's pack (your house). Often times dogs get confused when there is no dominance established in their pack and will unwillingly try to take on the role, although they are probably not suited for it. Things like separation anxiety, aggression and obsession can all be secondary behavior from a dog who does not know its place in their pack.
Within a day of practicing what we learned in the book we noticed a difference. I write this review because I have people continuously telling me what a great dog we have. If you are interested in breaking some bad habits, this book will help. Be warned: some of the author's suggestions seem cruel - for example, ignoring your dog when you first come home, but IT WORKS. Give it a shot... you may end up having a better behaved dog on your hands. I know we certainly do.
Within a day of practicing what we learned in the book we noticed a difference. I write this review because I have people continuously telling me what a great dog we have. If you are interested in breaking some bad habits, this book will help. Be warned: some of the author's suggestions seem cruel - for example, ignoring your dog when you first come home, but IT WORKS. Give it a shot... you may end up having a better behaved dog on your hands. I know we certainly do.
May 4, 2020
As I don't own a dog, but have relatives who own them (big ones) - I wanted to learn something about how to get along with them. I learned a bit, and that's all I really was looking for. Sorry... not a dog owner, so limited interest here.
April 1, 2008
This is a really interesting book for those that have dogs that don't fit in with your idea of the perfect pet!
We have a 'spirited' (at best) or 'hyperactive' (at worst) border collie that has given us plenty of fun but also plenty of concern. He fits in well at home but anything out of the norm (like visiting other people) makes him pretty manic.
I read this book in the hope to see if I understood what makes him tick and it's given me a really good insight into dog behaviour. Its simply written in plain english. I didn't find it condescending or prescriptive, the methods are well explained but with the reasoning behind them. It made me simply want to do the right thing by my dog rather than force him to be what I expected him to be.
Has it worked? Well, it's early days yet - 3 days into the advice the book gives and I have seen a marked improvement - both in my dogs behaviour and in my sanity! As the Author explains this a change for life kind of book and we'll see how things go but I would strongly recommend it for anyone who want to understand why their dog behaves the way he does.
We have a 'spirited' (at best) or 'hyperactive' (at worst) border collie that has given us plenty of fun but also plenty of concern. He fits in well at home but anything out of the norm (like visiting other people) makes him pretty manic.
I read this book in the hope to see if I understood what makes him tick and it's given me a really good insight into dog behaviour. Its simply written in plain english. I didn't find it condescending or prescriptive, the methods are well explained but with the reasoning behind them. It made me simply want to do the right thing by my dog rather than force him to be what I expected him to be.
Has it worked? Well, it's early days yet - 3 days into the advice the book gives and I have seen a marked improvement - both in my dogs behaviour and in my sanity! As the Author explains this a change for life kind of book and we'll see how things go but I would strongly recommend it for anyone who want to understand why their dog behaves the way he does.
September 18, 2021
I first read this book back in 2001, when the original came out. (Such was my infatuation with dogs, that I would read a dog training books when I didn't have any of my own.) I loved it, and recommended it to everyone I knew who'd gotten dogs. (There is a chance that I earned a "pushy" label during that time.)
Ten years later (two months ago), I adopted two dogs from our local shelter and immediately requested this book from the library. It is as insightful as ever. Jan's ideas work. One of the two dogs is extremely dominant, or was, until I started using the constellation of simple gestures and habits that Jan recommends. Slowly, this dominant dog is starting to relax and enjoy life, knowing that she is no longer responsible for the safety of the pack. We're not there yet, but the other shoe is starting to drop. It's wonderful to see this strong, alpha dog leave aggressive behavior behind in favor of checking in with us, first.
The last section of this book is a more practical and a helpful addition to the original copy. I look forward to seeking out more of Jan's books and resources, wherever I may find them.
Ten years later (two months ago), I adopted two dogs from our local shelter and immediately requested this book from the library. It is as insightful as ever. Jan's ideas work. One of the two dogs is extremely dominant, or was, until I started using the constellation of simple gestures and habits that Jan recommends. Slowly, this dominant dog is starting to relax and enjoy life, knowing that she is no longer responsible for the safety of the pack. We're not there yet, but the other shoe is starting to drop. It's wonderful to see this strong, alpha dog leave aggressive behavior behind in favor of checking in with us, first.
The last section of this book is a more practical and a helpful addition to the original copy. I look forward to seeking out more of Jan's books and resources, wherever I may find them.
August 26, 2012
Excellent outline of how to communicate with dogs, including working on several problem behaviours. However, I would have loved a bit more detail in each case study, some felt a bit like Step 1) I meet a dog with a behaviour problem Step 2) I use my magic skills of ignoring the dog to make the dog view me as its leader Step 3) I teach the owners to also ignore the dog Step 4) The dog is cured!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is adopting a new dog because it contains fantastic ideas in terms of establishing leadership, but, as a narrative, it really falls down on the details.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is adopting a new dog because it contains fantastic ideas in terms of establishing leadership, but, as a narrative, it really falls down on the details.
August 15, 2008
In my opinion this is the best book on dog "training" currently available. Jan Fennell talks about what is really important to dogs and how to be a non-confrontational leader in those situations. When my business partner and I tried her techniques with our clients, we saw amazing results in very little time. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to all dogs owners and everyone who works with dogs.
January 11, 2013
Apesar de questionar a justificação simplista da liderança como razão para todos os problemas de comportamento dos cães, considero este um excelente método para garantir que estes tenham sempre um comportamento ajustado.
Comecei recentemente a aplicar estes princípios com a minha cadela, que tinha vindo a piorar o seu comportamento gradualmente, e os resultados já são bem visíveis. Só por isso, um grande bem haja, Jan Fennell!
Comecei recentemente a aplicar estes princípios com a minha cadela, que tinha vindo a piorar o seu comportamento gradualmente, e os resultados já são bem visíveis. Só por isso, um grande bem haja, Jan Fennell!
October 8, 2007
This book can be skimmed in one reading. It has helpful hints like how to deal with problem dogs, such as a dominant agressive or fear aggressive dog. Some of the hints didn't work for me and Zin, like curing the leash tugger by refusing to move forward until the dog lets the leash go slack. Zin is persistent! No one has that long to wait!
August 22, 2012
This is a good book for someone to train their dog with love. t focuses on building a bond of trust and using that as a bridge of communication with another species. If you have time and limitless patience coupled with an easy dog, this book will help you. otherwise, it is worth the read to pick and choose the parts that work in your life. The author definitely understands and loves her dogs.
February 25, 2017
Interesting book, but I would recommend Patricia McConnell or Nicole Wilde for a more complete training method.
I like the fact that she uses only humane training methods, but I question her emphasis on pack leadership being the root of all behaviour problems.
Read this book if you are interested in dog training, but read Wilde and McConnell as well.
I like the fact that she uses only humane training methods, but I question her emphasis on pack leadership being the root of all behaviour problems.
Read this book if you are interested in dog training, but read Wilde and McConnell as well.
January 30, 2008
I know it's pathetic, but at one point I cried reading this book. I was reading a part in the book explaining the behavior of a dog and it just hit a soft spot. Very good training book for any dog owner.
March 5, 2014
Everyone will find something helpful in the book. Great resource for positive training methods. No matter what problem you are having with your dog this book will help you find a method of training to help you and your dog.
July 27, 2014
You'll find a million training books out there for sit, stay, heel, but ultimately what we need is for our dogs to be calm and receptive to our requests. If you are training or having problems with your dog, this is a simple guide to having a better relationship with your pet.
August 31, 2014
Very good. Makes sense. Tactics seem to be helping a 7 year old, separation anxiety ridden dog.....somewhat. May just take more time.
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