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Dognitive Therapy
To change your dog’s behaviour, first you must change yours. A mindful approach to training your dog from Australia’s leading dog behaviourist.
Training your dog starts with you.
In this friendly and comprehensive guide, expert dog behaviourist Laura Vissaritis teaches you how to better understand your dog’s behaviour and, more importantly, how to change it.
Your bond with your dog is incredibly powerful and rewarding, but it is also an instructive relationship. Your dog’s behaviour is directly affected and influenced by your own. Based on successful principles of dog-training and psychology, Laura demonstrates how implementing small changes in behaviour can have a big impact on both you and your canine companion.
Packed full of real life case studies, exercises and practical advice, this book will inspire you to take a closer look at your own life to improve your relationship with your dog for good.
Training your dog starts with you.
In this friendly and comprehensive guide, expert dog behaviourist Laura Vissaritis teaches you how to better understand your dog’s behaviour and, more importantly, how to change it.
Your bond with your dog is incredibly powerful and rewarding, but it is also an instructive relationship. Your dog’s behaviour is directly affected and influenced by your own. Based on successful principles of dog-training and psychology, Laura demonstrates how implementing small changes in behaviour can have a big impact on both you and your canine companion.
Packed full of real life case studies, exercises and practical advice, this book will inspire you to take a closer look at your own life to improve your relationship with your dog for good.
- GenresAnimals
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2017
10 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Laura Vissaritis
3 books5 followersLaura Vissaritis is a qualified dog behaviourist with many years of experience. She formulated the 'Dognitive Therapy' approach to dog training, helping thousands of people not only develop better relationships with their dogs but also improve their own lives. In addition, Laura has worked in wildlife education at Zoos Victoria, and also in animal behaviour, as Guardian Dog support handler for the eastern barred bandicoot conservation project.
Laura lives in Victoria with her staffordshire bull terrier, Chester.
Laura lives in Victoria with her staffordshire bull terrier, Chester.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 13, 2017
My View:
I had many “aha” moments when reading this book. The advice, the case studies, the challenges…the rewards, all made so much sense. There are laugh out laugh out loud moments (did you know there is a scientific reason why sometimes your dog smells a bit like cheese nachos? You aren’t imagining things...it’s about sweat glands, see p215) There were also times when I had a silent little weep and thought about rescuing another dog after reading the statistics Laura Vissaritis shares regarding animal cruelty, the battle animal rescues have in rehoming dogs, especially older dogs and the case studies she shares about how dogs can add so much value to your life. Our Bob the Dog is a “rescued” English Staffordshire Terrier - he gives us so much love, we return that love willingly - in abundance. We have a great relationship with Bob the Dog that has been enhanced by reading this book and being reminded to look at the world from your dog’s perspective and to remember that your dog will always be dependent on his human…always, forever.
Laura’s passion for her work is evident. Laura’s love for her dogs shines like a beacon in the book. To claim this book elicited an emotional response from me would be an understatement. If you have a dog, love dogs, or have always wanted to share your home with a dog I urge you to read this book.
I had many “aha” moments when reading this book. The advice, the case studies, the challenges…the rewards, all made so much sense. There are laugh out laugh out loud moments (did you know there is a scientific reason why sometimes your dog smells a bit like cheese nachos? You aren’t imagining things...it’s about sweat glands, see p215) There were also times when I had a silent little weep and thought about rescuing another dog after reading the statistics Laura Vissaritis shares regarding animal cruelty, the battle animal rescues have in rehoming dogs, especially older dogs and the case studies she shares about how dogs can add so much value to your life. Our Bob the Dog is a “rescued” English Staffordshire Terrier - he gives us so much love, we return that love willingly - in abundance. We have a great relationship with Bob the Dog that has been enhanced by reading this book and being reminded to look at the world from your dog’s perspective and to remember that your dog will always be dependent on his human…always, forever.
Laura’s passion for her work is evident. Laura’s love for her dogs shines like a beacon in the book. To claim this book elicited an emotional response from me would be an understatement. If you have a dog, love dogs, or have always wanted to share your home with a dog I urge you to read this book.
July 25, 2017
I heard this woman on radio a while back. She definitely has a different take on things, but in a way that makes you go 'oh yeah!'.
I have a staffy who used to be a mess, but after each chapter of the book, I applied a lot of the learning to my own behaviour and Baz (my dog) seemed to be relieved! He noticed the change in me and his behaviour did a 180. I don't force him into situations like I used to because now I think much from his point of view. We are much happier.
I am really grateful for this book and I think it was about time we read something like this instead of the boring dog training books out there.
I have a staffy who used to be a mess, but after each chapter of the book, I applied a lot of the learning to my own behaviour and Baz (my dog) seemed to be relieved! He noticed the change in me and his behaviour did a 180. I don't force him into situations like I used to because now I think much from his point of view. We are much happier.
I am really grateful for this book and I think it was about time we read something like this instead of the boring dog training books out there.
January 4, 2021
Best dog book ever! If you own a dog or plan to get one, this dog is a must read. Not only does it teach you about dogs, but it also teaches you about yourself and how to be a better leader for your dog and a better person for yourself! Being consistent, patient and respectful is mandatory to raising a well-mannered member of your family. Staying calm, cooperative and controlled is necessary to teaching a dog the ways of the world. This is a mutual relationship that needs to be based on trust, respect, patience and honesty.
I run an animal rescue and wish all pet owners know about the things that Laura V has to teach in this book! The dog you raised says a lot about you as a person. Your dog should be loyal because he/ she wants to be not because he/ she is fearful of you. I love how this book also mentions about gratitude and taking care of yourself, so you can take better care of your dog!
I run an animal rescue and wish all pet owners know about the things that Laura V has to teach in this book! The dog you raised says a lot about you as a person. Your dog should be loyal because he/ she wants to be not because he/ she is fearful of you. I love how this book also mentions about gratitude and taking care of yourself, so you can take better care of your dog!
June 30, 2017
I have just finished this book and wow I'm impressed! I found it an original, genuine and insightful lifestyle/psychology/canine psychology book. The authors warmth, humour and vast knowledge really shines through. As I was reading this book the quote from the German philosopher Immanuel Kent was resounding. He said "We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals" This book that can easily be implemented in anyone's lifestyle will in return evolve "the heart of a man" into a more positive, caring and empowered state than before. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend.
August 1, 2017
I think it is a bit ahead of its time, really.
But, in a good way. It really got me thinking, especially about control. It never really struck me before to allow my dog to feel in control of some parts of their life. We've always been told that it is the human job. So clever. Never read a dog book like it.
But, in a good way. It really got me thinking, especially about control. It never really struck me before to allow my dog to feel in control of some parts of their life. We've always been told that it is the human job. So clever. Never read a dog book like it.
September 13, 2017
I loved this book. I saw it in a book shop at the airport and was intrigued. Now, I am even more intrigued about dog behaviour. Fascinating stuff.
September 30, 2018
Good concepts and philosophy for training your dog. I enjoyed it.
July 4, 2019
Insightful. Especially for those with an anxious or reactive dog. It is written with a lot of respect and appreciation for our four-legged friends.
May 13, 2024
This book was recommended to me by a trainer during a conversation about dog training mindsets and the necessity to check ourselves and not take our dog's behaviour personally. I was optimistic and looking forward to reading this book as part of my greater progress towards being a better trainer and owner.
I stopped after a few chapters.
First chapter just explaining CBT and ACT. Curious to see where it goes. Nice reference to BAT2.0 style training (which is also built off CBT). Quite a bit about ACT for dogs when I was hoping a book was focussed more on CBT/ACT for people but alright as an opening chapter.
The Leadership chapter wasn't much. Had me a little wary but mostly described advocating for your dog, being consistent with your dog, being patient with your dog. Prioritsing cooperation, calmness and control. Nothing too objectional, just some off phrasing here and there. I was a bit wary about the word "respect" being in there, but it hadn't been defined so I read on.
Started going downhill on the third chapter on CBT. Opens with an example of clumsy negative punishment training. Very old school positive reinforcement methods. No setting up for success, no errorless loops. Just very traditional extinction process through negative punishment. I check when this book is published - 2017. Not very promising, four-feet on the ground protocols through positive reinforcement and errorless loops were around then.
The chapter then took a sidestep into a weird anthropomorphism view of "what dogs want from a leader".
Then it started dipping into the downright ridiculous - the author says behaviour is dogs attempt to communicate. But then on the same page it describes dogs and children as non-compliant behaviour is from lack of respect. There is no encouragement or reminders to consider WHY a dog or child is non-compliant, just that you are a bad leader and have no respect or trust if your dog or child doesn't respond immediately. It then goes on to describe children (and by extension, dogs) as constantly manipulative and intentionally testing boundaries because of lack of leadership.
The final straw is the author giving an example of a dog not sitting when the owners says sit, is due to lack of respect. The author does not bring up that the dog may not actually know the exercise, the dog may be having emotional challenges, physical challenges, the environment may be too difficult. Instead it is explain that the dog does not sit from lack of respect.
I got this book to make myself a better dog owner and to be more mindful of my dog in my training, but so far the book seems like it wants me to be less mindful and to prioritise compliance above all else!
In the sections on trust and respect, I no longer trust or respect the author and I did not buy this book to be an exercise of second guessing every line. The book completely misrepresents a cooperation social study done on dogs in Japan, trying to make it seem like the study was measuring disrespect and respect for people and not whether dogs are able to act cooperatively.
I stopped reading after this and flicked throughout the book and there seem some good nuggets of info throughout, but it is all tarnished with the leadership and respect rhetoric. How can I trust this book on mindfulness, when it keeps trying to encourage me to think of my dogs as lacking in respect and myself lacking in leadership? It feels like i'm reading an old dominance book rebranded from the 18th century, with bits of modern science scattered throughout and misrepresented to give it validity.
Doesn't cite a single one of the studies within, despite the author having a science background that certainly taught her how to do so. If you do not know what study is being described, you would not be able to find it with how they are "reinterpreted".
I am incredibly disappointed with this book, it is not the mindset shift I was hoping for and the worst book I have read in a few years outside of 50 year old outdated books.
I stopped after a few chapters.
First chapter just explaining CBT and ACT. Curious to see where it goes. Nice reference to BAT2.0 style training (which is also built off CBT). Quite a bit about ACT for dogs when I was hoping a book was focussed more on CBT/ACT for people but alright as an opening chapter.
The Leadership chapter wasn't much. Had me a little wary but mostly described advocating for your dog, being consistent with your dog, being patient with your dog. Prioritsing cooperation, calmness and control. Nothing too objectional, just some off phrasing here and there. I was a bit wary about the word "respect" being in there, but it hadn't been defined so I read on.
Started going downhill on the third chapter on CBT. Opens with an example of clumsy negative punishment training. Very old school positive reinforcement methods. No setting up for success, no errorless loops. Just very traditional extinction process through negative punishment. I check when this book is published - 2017. Not very promising, four-feet on the ground protocols through positive reinforcement and errorless loops were around then.
The chapter then took a sidestep into a weird anthropomorphism view of "what dogs want from a leader".
Then it started dipping into the downright ridiculous - the author says behaviour is dogs attempt to communicate. But then on the same page it describes dogs and children as non-compliant behaviour is from lack of respect. There is no encouragement or reminders to consider WHY a dog or child is non-compliant, just that you are a bad leader and have no respect or trust if your dog or child doesn't respond immediately. It then goes on to describe children (and by extension, dogs) as constantly manipulative and intentionally testing boundaries because of lack of leadership.
The final straw is the author giving an example of a dog not sitting when the owners says sit, is due to lack of respect. The author does not bring up that the dog may not actually know the exercise, the dog may be having emotional challenges, physical challenges, the environment may be too difficult. Instead it is explain that the dog does not sit from lack of respect.
I got this book to make myself a better dog owner and to be more mindful of my dog in my training, but so far the book seems like it wants me to be less mindful and to prioritise compliance above all else!
In the sections on trust and respect, I no longer trust or respect the author and I did not buy this book to be an exercise of second guessing every line. The book completely misrepresents a cooperation social study done on dogs in Japan, trying to make it seem like the study was measuring disrespect and respect for people and not whether dogs are able to act cooperatively.
I stopped reading after this and flicked throughout the book and there seem some good nuggets of info throughout, but it is all tarnished with the leadership and respect rhetoric. How can I trust this book on mindfulness, when it keeps trying to encourage me to think of my dogs as lacking in respect and myself lacking in leadership? It feels like i'm reading an old dominance book rebranded from the 18th century, with bits of modern science scattered throughout and misrepresented to give it validity.
Doesn't cite a single one of the studies within, despite the author having a science background that certainly taught her how to do so. If you do not know what study is being described, you would not be able to find it with how they are "reinterpreted".
I am incredibly disappointed with this book, it is not the mindset shift I was hoping for and the worst book I have read in a few years outside of 50 year old outdated books.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews