The Rescued Dog Problem Solver: Stories of Inspiration and Step-by-Step Training Techniques to Ensure Your Rescue Success

by Tracy J. Libby

The tides of dog ownership are changing, and thanks to Hollywood A-Listers like George Clooney and Sandra Bullock and music icons like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift, animal rescue has become as fashionable as the latest Valentino or Armani. Millions of ordinary Americans-heroes one and all-have opened their hearts and homes to rescue dogs, and fewer abandoned pets are euthanized in the U.S. than ever before. And still, a look at HSUS statistics reminds us how far we have to go: an estimated three to four million pets are euthanized annually, a very significant improvement from the 1980s when the number was closer to sixteen million.

To keep America's adoption trend moving forward and to guarantee that rescued dogs stay in their new forever homes, Tracy Libby's The Rescue Dog Problem Solver seeks to make the story of every adopted dog a predestined success. While most dogs wind up in shelters due to no fault of their own, many rescue dogs develop unwanted behaviors while living with their previous owners. To assure their success with their adopted dogs, rescuers must be prepared to handle and confidently resolve behavioral problems that arise through proven positive-training methods. This eye-opening problem-solving guide, filled with empowering stories of rescued dogs that defied the odds, is dedicated to the success of every rescuer and his happy, health companion dog.

INSIDE TITLE OF BOOK

50 ways rescuers can overcome potential challenges with their adoptive dogs

200 training and behavior tips for a well-mannered dog

25 secrets to unraveling common behavior issues, from house-soiling and escaping the yard to biting, barking, and hyperactivity

A dozen heartwarming stories of real-life rescue dogs and their adoptive parents
Countless ways dog lovers can raise awareness about animal rescue and responsible pet ownership in their communities

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2014

Reviews

[Kerrie Hoar · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to the standard information on house training, etc., this book delves into introductions of new dogs into the human and dog family. It also has some good information on topics like submissive peeing and separation anxiety.  It also includes a chapter on alternative treatments for anxiety including prescription medications, essence of flowers, essential oils and herbal remedies.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! I've adopted shelter/rescue dogs before and I'm preparing to adopt another soon. The chapters are broken up by topics (from housetraining to socializing and everything in between. Each begins with the story of a rescue dog that highlights the issue.

I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about adopting a rescue. It will prepare the reader for issues that rescues, and any dog to some degree, come with. It highlights the mindset needed: a dedication to training the new dog with positive methods and giving them the chance to make mistakes and improve over time.

There's lots of training ideas for necessary commands like Come, and fun tricks and games.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointed with this one. It could be because the author is not a trainer (at least from what I can tell from the bio). As someone in the field of veterinary medicine, I’m no stranger to training my dog. I was hoping for more concrete training advice and tips for rescued dogs specifically. Most of this book was too general to be helpful. Some parts were useful and those with less experience may find it more helpful.

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having just adopted an orphaned stray puppy, I thought this book would be really useful. However, it tends to just sort of ramble and gives very little clear or actionable advice. I’ve found some ordinary dog books that are much more helpful.

[Alistair Ramsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book the day before adopting my rescue because it was one of the most up to date on good training techniques and it helped me a lot in those first few weeks of transition. Very good training tips and a great resource for relative questions for dogs who've had rough lives. Def recommend this book for folks who believe in positive reinforcement training and generally not awful dominance centered shitty training.

[Juan Camacho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book on building trust with your new pet. And even if you have one, it teaches you how to interpret your dog's body language. Also, it educates you on how to introduce your dog to other dogs.

[Sandra Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the stories and practical advice!