Shaper

by Jessie Haas

A Golden Kite Honor Book: A boy grieving the loss of his dog meets a man who can transform the lives of animals—and people

Chad Holloway feels estranged from his entire family. His tantrum-throwing older sister, Julia, and baby brother, Sky, drive him crazy. His parents don’t understand him at all. And ever since his grandfather shot Chad’s dog Shep, they haven’t been speaking to each other, even though Jeep says it was a mercy killing. Queenie, the new puppy Jeep bought to make amends, will never replace Shep. Not even close.

Chad has no idea how he’s going to get through this summer. Then he meets his new neighbor. David Burton is a shaper—a dog trainer who changes animals’ behavior using positive reinforcement. He hires Chad as his assistant and suddenly, things start to happen. Chad uses Queenie as a guinea pig to try out David’s techniques. Except Chad starts to feel like he’s the one being shaped. And he really likes David’s daughter Louise, a dancer who’s a year older than Chad. They’re helping him to heal and believe in life’s wonderful possibilities. Will he be able to forgive his grandfather and find a place in his eccentric family?

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2002

About the author

Jessie Haas has written over 35 books for children and adults, many about horses--a lifelong passion. She currently owns a Morgan mare, Robin, who is being clicker-trained to be a trail and pasture-dressage horse. She lives in a small, off-grid house in the woods with husband Michael J. Daley, two cats and a dog. When not writing or riding or reading she likes to knit, cook, and write, or ride, or read.

Reviews

[Jess Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember buying this book but don't remember reading it much.

[Shanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay it wasn't the best book inthe world but it was good. My problem was that his problems in the book wasnt like good problems. I thooght yeah your grandfather killed your dog but they bought a new one. Give her a try before you instantly say you dont like her. I also thought that he was mentally challenged they way he thought sometimes. It's not nice to block out your family.

[Dalton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was the dumbest book i ever read in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how the training information was tied into a novel. And yeah for positive training!

[Lesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a nice introduction into clicker training.

[Elizabeth Frum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for introducing teens to positive reinforcement training!