Katz on Dogs: A Commonsense Guide to Training and Living with Dogs

by Jon Katz

In a nation where our love of dogs keeps growing and dog ownership has reached an all-time high, confusion about dogs and their behavioral problems is skyrocketing. Many dogs are out of control, untrained, chewing up furniture, taking medication for anxiety, and biting millions of people a year.

Now, in this groundbreaking new guide, Jon Katz, a leading authority on the human-canine bond, offers a powerful and practical philosophy for living with a dog, from the moment we decide to get one to the sad day when one dies. Conventional training methods often fail dog owners, but Katz argues that we know our dogs better than anyone else possibly could, and therefore we are well suited to train them. It is imperative, he says, that we think rationally and responsibly about how we choose, train, and live with the dogs we love, and the more we learn about ourselves, the better we can recognize their wonderful animal natures. Misinterpreting dogs is a profound obstacle to understanding them.

Katz believes that both people and dogs are unique–a chow differs from a Lab just as a city dweller differs from a farmer–and he describes how such individuality isn’t addressed by even the best and most popular training methods. Not every training theory is for everyone, notes Katz, but almost anyone can train a dog and live with him comfortably. Katz on Dogs is filled with no-nonsense advice and answers to such key questions

• What kind of dog should I have? Is there is a specific breed or kind of dog for my personality, family, or living situation?
• What is the best way to train a dog?
• Can I trust my vet?
• How often (and for how long) can a dog be left alone?
• Is it preferable to have only one dog, or are more better?
• What are the secrets to successful housebreaking?
• What are my dogs thinking, if anything?
• How can I walk my dog instead of having her walk me?
• Is it ever okay to give away a dog you love?
• When is it time to put my dog down?

Katz draws from his own experience, his interactions with thousands of dog owners, vets, breeders, dog rescue workers, trainers, and behaviorists, and he has tested his approach with volunteer dog owners around the country. Their helpful and often inspiring stories illustrate how all of us can live well with our dogs. You can do it, Katz contends. You can live a loving and harmonious life with your dog.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2005

About the author

Jon Katz is an author, photographer, and children's book writer. He lives on Bedlam Farm with his wife, the artist Maria Wulf, his four dogs, Rose, Izzy, Lenore and Frieda, two donkeys, Lulu and Fanny, and two barn cats. His next book, "Rose In A Storm" will be published by Random House on October 5.
He is working on a collection of short stories and a book on animal grieving.

Reviews

[Cheryl Gatling]

I picked up this book entirely because of the title. Katz on Dogs? Ha! That’s a great joke. You could say that Jon Katz was born to write this book and make that joke.

But the book, of course, is no joke. Jon Katz is a devoted dog lover. He has owned many, and currently owns three. He knows how owning a dog can enrich one’s life. He also knows that a good life with a dog doesn’t happen by accident, or by magic. And many people are failing at living well with their dogs, and he wants to help them, with his rationality and experience.

He says that many Americans today are lonely. They look to their pets to complete them emotionally. They project all kinds of human motivations onto their dogs, or believe that their dogs understand their feelings better than their husbands do. They buy dogs on impulse from pet shop puppy mills, or adopt them from rescue organizations, expecting the cuddles and slow-motion romps in the grass that they see on TV commercials, and instead, getting behavior problems they aren’t prepared to handle.

He says that many, no, most American dogs are trained poorly or not at all. It’s partly because many people believe their rescue dogs have been “too traumatized to train,” and because information on dog training is complicated, contradictory, and because people with jobs just don’t have time. The result is an epidemic of dogs who jump on people, destroy furniture, run away and won’t come when called, and are given anti-anxiety meds.

Katz says dogs are not people. Their thoughts are not like ours. We don’t know what they are, because they can’t talk, but they are mostly simple, and mostly motivated by food, sex, fun, and security. Dogs are mostly confused by our human society, and need to be taught what the rules are. He says dogs actually like rules. It helps them feel secure.

He says the first step in training is getting the dog to recognize his name and pay attention to you. You do that with treats and attention and praise, saying the dog’s name every time you have an interaction with him, and making it happy and fun for him. Then comes teaching him to come, and sit, and lie down. After that training a dog to stop every time he comes to a street. Train in short bursts, for a dog’s short attention span. Keep it fun. If your dog loses interest, let him go and try again a few minutes later. Katz is liberal with the treats, taking a bag of cheap dog cookies whenever he and the dogs go out together.

One of Katz’s principles is “never give a dog something for free.” Before you give him his dinner, make him sit. Before you take him out, make him lie down. One of Katz’s main focuses is getting a dog to calm down. A dog who is confused or scared will be bounding all over and not listening. You want a dog who is quiet and alert.

He speaks at length about the use of crates. He says some people believe it is cruel to confine a dog. Katz says they actually like crates, because they are den animals in the wild, and a crate with a blanket thrown over the top can be a place of refuge and comfort for a dog, especially if he gets treats in there. He says a dog in a crate is safe, will not get into trouble, and once it settles down, will usually go to sleep and learn to be calm.

Katz writes about many other things, such as vet care, and multidog households, aggressive dogs, and the inevitable loss of dogs. Katz comes across as a regular guy, writing like he probably talks. The book is very easy to read, and full of lots of examples from his own life, and stories from people he knows, including people who have overcome problems with their dogs. The stories are great. Anyone who has a dog would probably enjoy this book, but even better would be to read it before you get a dog, so you can plan and prepare.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good little book. It's not exactly a training manual as such -- it's more about Katz's observations of dogs and training, what's worked for him, and what hasn't. I feel like it's a good book to read after you've slogged through a bunch of training manuals, because Katz's basic thesis is "do what works, and it's not going to work the same way for every dog." He sort of gives the reader permission to synthesize all the information they've read into whatever works for them, and that's a good thing.

[stephanie suh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like about this book is its simplicity in defining a human-canine relationship devoid of complex training regime and overtly enforced ethical overtones on animal rights and so forth. Also, I can't agree more to the following perspectives of the author as a kindred spirit: (1) Rather than relying heavily on professional training advice from books and the media, being a trainer of my own by observing and understanding my dog works the best; (2) being a "rational" dog-lover, who does not make moral/ethical decisions on the behaviors/fate of my dog, is a way of respecting my dog's "animalness"; (3) it is possible that people and animals can be bonded by "psychospirituality"; and (4) dogs reflect the people we are and the people we want to be. This book is a must read for anyone who not only wants to but also is willing to include a dog in his/her life in tandem.
Edit
Delete

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is third book I have read by Katz. I heard an NPR interview with him about this book. I received a copy for Christmas and as a new dog owner found his ideas about training useful, common sense and interesting. Some of his ideas have worked well with Jackson, our Shih Tzu mix.

The downside of the book is that the author repeats himself in every chapter. It sounds like he took his radio programs and transcribed them. The dog owner stories are fun to read. I recommend this book--just skip over the redundant stuff.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very through but also very opinionated description of having dogs as pets. Katz uses personal experiences and others' experiences to illustrate his points. I happen to agree with many of his points, but it doesn't take away from the fact that he is not impartial. He explores the relationships between people and their dogs to some extent. I found this interesting, as I commonly only know about my own relationships.

[Linda Munroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book although I have a limited experience with dogs that is to say DOG. I only have one dog and it is my first one. She is dog aggressive though and sometimes she defines children as other dogs. Or is she sees a strange looking something coming at us she will growl and menace the object, person, skateboard, bike, whatever. I have had to pay a lot more attention than I expected and I have had to maintain a watchful eye - ever on the look out for the teachable moment!

Katz describes the training as a work of cooperation between person and dog. This is what I have been coming to in my own experience with Reese (chocolate lab/pit bull cross). The different hard core training programs I have tried haven't been completely satisfactory. The things that have worked have been: getting her a crate of her own, tasty treats all her good behavior, and two walks a day with playtime after. Teaching her to relax and chill did not really show any result until she got a little older.

I don't know why people are against the kennel/crate idea. Reese took to it and goes there whenever she wants to be alone and clearly regards it as her 'safe space'.

My own take away is that we should keep training her. It is fun and she still has a lot to learn - although she has improved by 100 percent. Anyway she loves learning new things and she is pretty cute to teach!!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more personal and anecdotal than the other end of the leash, but Katz is also very honest about how life can make dog training imperfect and inconsistent. After reading this I'm more inspired to keep trying, more patient with my lapses and more daydreamy about a farm future.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy all katz books.personal life stories

[Inder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I ever read on dog training, and, in retrospect, it was a great place to start. It is not the best written manual I've ever seen, nor is it illustrated. So I waffled between giving it four and a five stars. But because this book has some really original and proven ideas for training, I went with five stars.

My takeaway points - (1) handfeed your dog, while saying their name; (2) if your dog jumps on people, throw cookies over their shoulder, to divert their attention; (3) don't let a whiny, barky dog out of their crate. In general, reward a quiet, calm dog. My dog is SO much calmer with each passing year, all because I sort of sporadically apply this theory. It works, even if you're lazy like me!

I love how common sense this book is - Katz is not married to one particular school of training, but takes the best from all of them. Thank goodness, a positive training approach that doesn't require a clicker! So if you're looking for a really friendly, sensible approach to training, and like me, you lost your clicker within the first ten minutes of your first positive reinforcement training years ago, this is the book for you.

[Caralyn]

Thank you, Mr. Katz, for putting words around what it means to love a dog responsibly and compassionately. Your book, and the descriptions of your rapport with your dogs helped me better understand why I am so very fond of my own sweet creature. There were sections of the book that were awful to read, but I feel like it was important for me to remember that the time I have with my dog, Malcolm, is sweet, and finite.

There were many dear stories and moving quotes in this book; here is one that hit me equally in the head, the heart, and the gut:

"Choosing, training, and living with dogs is not, ultimately, only a pragmatic process but a spiritual one. How much are we willing to step out of ourselves? How hard are we willing to work to show these simple but wonderful creatures how to share our lives? How much will our patience be tested and to what degree can we rise above that impatience, find the better parts of ourselves, and have the dogs we want, with the lives they deserve?" (p. 216)

Thank you, Mr. Katz.

P.S. I borrowed this copy from the SPPL, and a previous had left his or her bookmark behing---a photo of a sweet-faced puppy!

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps I liked this book so much because by the end I just plain liked the author -- he seemed like a good guy to hang out with, someone good for a long walk on his farm with his dogs. I also agree with his approach to dogs, which is loving, compassionate, sometimes almost obsessive, and yet rational: dogs are dogs, not people or children, and it doesn't do you or the dogs any favors to treat them otherwise. To treat a dog well and give him and yourself good lives, you have to understand your dog and help him live a fulfilling dog life, not your fantasy of what a life with a dog should be like.

This was not at all a "dog training book," but more of a philosophy of training and living with dogs -- theories of training that have worked for him, his reason for not using other methods, thoughts on picking your dog, living with your dog, the end of your dog.s life.

If you've never owned a dog and are thinking of getting one, I would highly recommend picking this up first.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I am drawn to Jon Katz's writing on dogs (and his life at bedlamfarm.com) because he is open-minded about himself, readily admits mistakes, and he takes a step back to also become an observer of his life. He shares information that open himself to criticism, he is honest and reflective. Katz continues this introspection in Katz on Dogs. He chronicles how his training and life with dogs has changed over time and gives his opinion based on experience and lessons learned about how he operates now, and maybe how you should to--but in a take it or leave it way. He's not going to give you a lecture if he disagrees with you. I can only guess his thoughts on training and living with dogs have continued to evolve since he wrote this book.
Someone once told me that writing will be interesting for someone else to read when it shows a mind truly struggling with ideas. Maybe this is what I enjoy so much about Jon Katz.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Jon Katz and his writings about life on Bedlam Farm in upstate New York.

If you are starting to read dog training books or are becoming exasperated at the conflicting advice in the many dog training books you've read you ahould give this book a try.

Katz admits he isn't an expert and doesn't know everything but he sure has a lot of common sense. I don't agree with everything he says (I do think that dogs have some sense of time passing) but I agree with most of it.

Each book or show you see about dog training is not specifically about you and your dog. Katz gives examples of training techniques gone wrong and how they can be modified to fit the situation.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has questions about training their dog(s).

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of the book does not have step by step instructions on how to train your dog. There are numerous other books on the market for that. What the author does do is discuss how best to treat your dog. He mentions various training methods in the book and discusses the pros and cons of them.

He has numerous anecdotal stories from readers that has sought his advice and what he did for them. It really helps get an idea on how to deal with your dog's problems.

What I like best about the book is he states there is no perfectly trained dog. Training is a lifelong process and dogs will mess up every once in a while. He tells the reader how to deal with these mess ups with grace and calmness.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Katz's conservative, prudent approach to dogs and their behavior. I love that he puts people before dogs and I love his explanation. He lets dogs be dogs. I love his concentration on training, investing time, and good boundaries. That is the basis for all good relationships. I hope I have learned a few things from this book and look forward to reading more of his books (and a few of his recommended training books). Do I agree with everything he says? No. But in most cases, if you're looking for a good book to learn about basic training for your prospective or current dog, I'd highly recommend this one.

[Cwalsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Katz once again entertains us with stories about his less than perfect dogs and his less than perfect handling of them. This time he includes a number of stories from readers who have contacted him about their dogs with problem behaviors. Dog owners will appreciate Katz's flexible approach to training techniques in the face of today's over-emotional conflicts among professional dog trainers about which training method is the best. And I especially appreciate his calm explanations about how simple a dog's needs are.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I'm a small animal vet and it would be so great if I could place this into each of my clients' hands to read before they pick up a new puppy or dog. It would save some of them the heartbreak of choosing a dog which is all wrong for their life, and give all of them some really great tools for helping their pet fit into their family.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am almost done with this book and wish my 6 yr old Golden/Berner was a puppy again so I could train him better from the start. But I've already started implementing some of Katz's techniques and they are working great (soft voice, watch me, dog gets nothing for free, daily training exercises). Katz's prose is very readable, literary almost, and his case studies useful. Highly recommended

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Katz writes in a manner that the common dog owner can relate to. This book isn't so much about problem solving but synthesizing various bits of information (whether scientific, training techniques or anecdotal stories) that one needs to learn in order to become a responsible dog owner. He isn't condescending in his advice, but pragmatic. I love that!

[Ann Xiang]

This book is a nice read about life with dogs in general, but does not offer too many specific training advice. Jon Katz speaks as a fellow dog owner and author instead of a dog specialist, I like his relaxed attitude towards pets and life, but was somewhat disappointed to read that he has given up on many former pets.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disregard all those other "dog gurus." Jon Katz has the answers, in other words, that there ARE no answers. But he'll help you feel better about listening to your instincts instead of the arbitrary dictates of the world's dog whisperers, listeners and talkers.

[Anneliese · Rating 4 out of 5]

as far as training books go, i thought that this was a pretty good one. it does go off on tangents a lot and in some places is pretty vague... sort of a do-what-works-for-you-this-is-what works-for-me approach, but after all that is the approach that always works best for me.

[Karen Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and gave me some good tips on what to do with our 5 month old puppy, Patton. Our house is now littered with bones and chew toys but he's stopped chewing on me! Just really good, practical information.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent book; written with great discernment! This is for anyone who is interested in understanding and relating to canines, and in comprehending how our interaction with them transforms our lives.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It surprised me. I really identified with the author and his view on dogs and training. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is frustrated with their dog and is looking for a good perspective. :)

[Heather Finch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books about dog training. It's certainly not an instruction book, but more of an attitude about our relationship with dogs. As someone who has had both border collies and Labradors, this book ears a special spot on my shelf.

[Lauren McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

my strega-training manual.

[Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as much of a "how-to" as the Monks of New Skete books, but a wonderful complement to them, this is more of an overall philosophical approach to owning a dog from a great writer.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dog lovers will enjoy any of Katz's books.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that it is not a bad thing to have your dogs associate you with treats.