Natural Dog Training: Working from the Dog's Point of View

by Kevin Behan

Natural Dog Training is about how dogs see the world and what this means in regards to training. The first part of this book presents a new theory for the social behavior of canines, featuring the drive to hunt, not the pack instincts, as seminal to canine behavior. The second part reinterprets how dogs actually learn. The third section presents exercises and handling techniques to put this theory into practice with a puppy. The final section sets forth a training program with a special emphasis on coming when called.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Kevin Behan grew up on his parent’s farm in rural Connecticut immersed in a landscape of natural beauty and surrounded by dogs. Kevin’s father, John Behan, founded Canine College, trained dogs in the Canine Corps in WWII and was the first in America to train protection dogs for hospitals, police units, and even retail stores such as Macy’s. Kevin worked in his father’s kennel where he encountered every possible type of dog exhibiting every type of behavior. Consequently, Kevin grew up without judgment about dog behavior, even aggression, as everything dogs did was taken as a matter of course.

Kevin trained his first dog, a poodle named Onyx, at age ten. As Kevin matured, so did his ideas about his experiences and the behaviors he witnessed. By carefully watching the workings of nature, Kevin began to see that what made the modern dog adaptable and trainable was not the dominance hierarchy, as taught to him by his father, but the dog’s ability to work as a cooperative group member in the hunt. Influenced by European police dog trainers and a German shepherding sage named Mannel, Kevin’s theories and techniques came together in the 1980’s as Natural Dog Training. Kevin then started his own kennel, Canine Arts, in Brookfield, Connecticut and published his first book, Natural Dog Training in 1992. Using techniques totally unique, Kevin has trained hundreds of police, protection, and border control dogs, as well as thousands of America’s pets. He has become the nation’s foremost expert on the rehabilitation of aggressive and problem dogs, which is now where he concentrates most of his work. A seasoned lecturer and seminar host, Kevin’s presentations go well beyond the training of dogs and into the very core of canine behavior. He has pioneered the Natural Dog Training movement with his articles and theories on energy, the linkage between dogs and emotion, prey vs. predator model, as well as instrumental training techniques like pushing and eye contact.

Kevin now lives with his family on their 60-acre farm in beautiful Southern Vermont

Reviews

[Kinyorda Sliwiak · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a lot of interesting evolution of dog to wolf information in this book but not a lot of good training tips. It is disappointing that a book that claims to support natural training encourages using shock, prong and choke collars. Disappointing that such a highly touted technique and trainer aren't as good as advertised.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC (in audiobook format).

Kevin Behan’s Natural Dog Training offers a refreshing perspective on our canine companions. Rather than relying solely on traditional training methods, Behan delves into the very essence of what makes dogs tick. As a book reviewer, I found this exploration both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Unleashing Canine Instincts

Behan’s central thesis challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding dog behavior. He posits that the drive to hunt—not pack instincts—forms the bedrock of canine behavior. This shift in focus opens up new avenues for understanding our furry friends. After all, every dog has an inner wolf yearning to explore, track scents, and engage with the world.

Bite-Sized Insights

The book is divided into four sections, each offering valuable insights:

The Social Behavior of Canines: Behan introduces his theory, emphasizing the primal urge to hunt. As a reviewer, I appreciated the departure from the usual dominance-based approaches. Behan’s ideas resonate with my experiences working with dogs.

How Dogs Learn: Behan reinterprets the learning process. Forget rigid commands; instead, he encourages us to tap into a dog’s natural instincts. It’s like speaking their language—a language of energy and emotion.

Practical Exercises: Behan provides hands-on techniques for puppy training. These exercises align with his theory, emphasizing cooperation and trust.I found these methods invaluable.

Recall Training: The final section focuses on coming when called. Behan’s approach is both practical and compassionate. It’s about building a bond that transcends mere obedience.

The Writing Style

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the book’s writing style. Yes, it’s true—the editing and formatting leave much to be desired. But don’t let that deter you. Beneath the rough exterior lies a treasure trove of ideas. Think of it as a well-loved dog with a few scruffy patches—it’s the heart that matters.

Narration

Patrick Lawlor’s narration adds warmth to the text. His voice guides us through Behan’s theories, making complex concepts accessible. Whether you’re driving or walking your own four-legged companion, Lawlor’s delivery keeps you engaged.

Final Thoughts

Natural Dog Training isn’t just a book; it’s a paradigm shift. Behan invites us to see dogs not as obedient subjects but as co-adventurers in the hunt. So, if you want to enjoy your dog more, dive into this unique guide. And remember, understanding your dog’s true nature begins with embracing their wild side. 🐾

Note: As a book reviewer, I appreciate Kevin Behan’s innovative approach. While the writing could use a polish, the content shines through. Let’s celebrate the spirit of discovery and wagging tails! 📖🐶

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might be in the minority here, but when I pick up a non-fiction book about a topic, particularly one that is supposed to teach me something or help me accomplish something, I went to get to the teaching/information right away. Here actionable anythings didn't come along until 32% I was also turned off Behan encourages using shock, prong and choke collars. So much for "natural" ?? I have an older pug, these methods would be harmful and injurious, not that I'd use them anyway.

I don't mind a little philosophy but this was too much and may have been better broken up with the various "actionable" chapters. I ended up skipping quite a lot as I imagine any dog owner would trying to get to the "solutions." If you've picked up this book because you have a 'problem' you don't want to slog through his beliefs. There's a reason Caesar Milan's show got straight to the point every episode and then offered the explaining with application.

Unfortunately for me, this book is wholly useless if you don't have a puppy. Of the actionable chapters almost all of them are for puppy training. Behan quips later if you have an older dog you can still get help just relisten to the puppy chapters and figure it out.

In my particular case, the behavioral issues (whining) didn't seem to come up. The training that was offered (e.g. how to properly walk a dog on a lead) I have no problems with, having used techniques but others (e.g. dog classes, caesar milan books, the loved dog book, etc).

If you've never read another book on dog training a puppy this might be helpful? Realistically it's probably better to just take a training class somewhere.

Thanks netgalley for my ALC.

[Justin Podur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was undecided between the "genetic obedience" and the "behaviourist" schools of thought in dog training, and I found Kevin Behan to be a nice bridge between them. Behan argues that the dog owner can give the dog what the dog wants by understanding the nature of the dog as a social predator who has an urge to bite. If the owner can become the best vehicle for the dog to fulfil that urge, the owner will be able to train the dog to do anything. That's the premise of this book on Natural Dog Training, and within it there are interesting details and fleshed out concepts. The deeper I delve into reading about dogs, the more I encounter in myself some philosophical opposition to the very idea of domestication. In the world we live in, though, I think we need books like these, and people like Behan who are very consciously trying to improve the relationship between people and dogs. Very good book.

[Sunny Tulip44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a basic dog training book. It's written in a very specific way for very determined and exhausted dog owners who have a problem with their dog but won't give up solving it.

Take your time reading it. If it gets annoying or hard, leave it for another day.

My tip is to take any kind of notes whilst reading it.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have gone back to this one - when I first read it last year I was looking for answers to my training problems - now I have a different perspective and am revisiting to understand the principles better

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also works well with wolves.