Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed

by Leslie McDevitt

Since 2007, when Control Creating a Focused and Confident Dog was first published, the science—and the art—of Control Unleashed has been guiding handlers all over the world as they help their "dogs with issues" learn how to relax, focus, and work off-leash reliably in stimulating or stressful situations. In her third book, Control Reactive to Relaxed, Leslie McDevitt discusses her exciting new additions to the Control Unleashed training program, as well as new perspectives and revisions of the foundation behaviors and core games. The new concepts and techniques will support you in teaching your dog life skills and coping skills so that he is comfortable in the world, building relationships, empowering your dog, and creating a two-way system of communication between you and your dog. Rather than being bound to a world where people are taught to think of training as nothing more than cue-and-response, the Control Unleashed program boldly takes us even further into the realm of conversational training—a style of interaction where both the handler and dog can cue each other to perform a behavior and give feedback, and where the dog takes the driver's seat and directs his counterconditioning process. Letting the dog make choices and actively participate not only gives the dog control over his own learning, but it also establishes trust and fosters a spirit of communication. And, it makes humans more humane.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Reference, Animals

168 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has struggled with Generalized Anxiety Disorder herself, Leslie writes that she was drawn to the dogs with big feelings. And that comes through in her thorough and empathetic system to help these dogs navigate the human world. She throws in some good humor too.

I’ve used pieces of CU, but reading the A-Z of this system makes me realize that I need to commit to building more of these tools to use them interchangeably.

The book’s organization makes learning the various tools or exercises easy. Each one has step-by-step instructions, most include color photos as well. And as the chapters increase, Leslie explains how you can incorporate previous tools with the latest chapter’s focused exercise.

If you’re looking for a positive communication system for your dog with big feelings, this book is a must read.

[ThDogs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for this one, it was just too much memoir/anecdotal stories and not enough practical steps. I didn't learn anything from it not covered in a better fashion in the other two books. And if I hadn't already read the other two books, I would have learned very little from this one.

It barely had any of the pattern games which is why I read it. It was a completely different layout.

I'm glad I didn't read it back when I was struggling with reactivity because it would have been completely unhelpful. Behaviour Adjustment Training 2.0 by Grisha Stewart and Aggression in Dogs by Brenda Aloff are much better alternative.

[Aggis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing companion piece to the first two control unleashed books.

I think I enjoyed this one the most - it is short and to the point and updates all of the original CU games to where they are today.

Reading this book and having the information presented in this way I definitely feel I will adjust how I am applying these techniques

Even more focus is being put on the voluntary cooperation of the learner - with the RAT technique especially.

I felt I was almost taken back to basics in this book in the best way and will be making changes

[Annamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This terrific follow-up to Leslie’s seminal “Control Unleashed“ is an important addition to the canon of books for reactive dogs and the humans who love them. She weaves a subtle yet accessible and simple fabric of science-based mindful work with gentleness and humor, and is a joy to read.

[Madeleine Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very excellent book on conversational training! I wish there were more details on how to do some of the "basic" CU techniques - Leslie just kind of assumes we know things, but overall a great resource.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book, chalk full of information that will definitely need to be re-read. I just love the idea of having a conversation with your dog instead of commanding them to do things. It’s a breath of fresh air. I look forward to reading the other Control Unleashed books.

[Jamie Kooy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!
As someone who has two reactive shelter dogs, that are on meds, and have a behaviorist- this book is such a compliment to the tools I’ve been given by their behaviorist!

You won’t regret buying this. Also great for training of dogs that don’t have severe reactivity!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Choice and dog-owned control introduce an almost revolutionary new way of thinking about and interacting with your dog.

[happens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally changed my life! I’m so excited to use these new skills to communicate better with my dogs.

[Moriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the approach of conversational training.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful book for anyone whose dog could be more focused or is mildly reactive. One star off for the choppy and sometimes jargon ridden writing style.

[Heather Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone with a reactive dog. There are so many great tools in this book!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great. It includes many games to help your dogs deal with life. It emphasizes giving your dog a choice which is so important. (But the cover is so ugly. Why??)