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Summary: Technique works for problem dogs
Review: -Jan Fennell's book is easy to read and is well structured. The historical overview of Dog's long association with Man is informative and sets the scene for the author's philosophy of gentler, psychology-based methods of taking and maintaining control of a dog. Her point of view is that if a dog is led to believe that it is alpha dog through our anthropomorphic mistakes, it will lead to disobedience or anxiety and stress for both dog and owner. She lays out focussed rules and a well honed strategy to correct this. Her techniques proved effective for me in converting a rescued Weimeraner with a vicious streak - a candidate for euthenasia - to a stable family pet. This dog now has excellent obedience, is reasonably calm with strangers both in the home and in public, and most significantly, has ceased biting.
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Summary: A view from the pack perspective
Review: As a person who works professionally with animals, this book gives me a perspective on the canine pack behavior even when the pack only has two members: 1 human and 1 dog. For me it is the missing piece of the equation. I have read other material on pack behavior but I find Jan's book is very easy to read and implement. I have already started changing my behavior with my rescue (and timid) standard poodle and have begun to see benefits. In fact it's helping me take a fresh look at the 'pack' behavior of my multiple cat household as well.
Rating:
Summary: A view from the pack perspective
Review: As a person who works professionally with animals, this book gives me a perspective on the canine pack behavior even when the pack only has two members: 1 human and 1 dog. For me it is the missing piece of the equation. I have read other material on pack behavior but I find Jan's book is very easy to read and implement. I have already started changing my behavior with my rescue (and timid) standard poodle and have begun to see benefits. In fact it's helping me take a fresh look at the 'pack' behavior of my multiple cat household as well.
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Summary: I am Alpha, hear me bark!
Review: Delightfully written by an incredible dog trainer, this book is sure to help dog owners everywhere!
Jan Fennell's emphasis on becoming the leader of your pack is the foundation of this book. Unlike many authors who stress becoming alpha by force, Jan shows the gentle "dog-like" way to assert your dominance through calmness and consistent leadership. She never says that her way is an easy path, or that it is an overnight "miracle cure" and is careful to remind readers that her way of training is a lifestyle and requires total commitment. But the rewards of her "system" are so great and the benefits are almost immediate. She demonstrates this over and over throughout her book with real-life stories about herself and her clients. It is an easy read and sentimental, although far from wishy-washy.
I would suggest this book not only to owners of so-called problem dogs, but also to those who foster rescue dogs, or those with multi-dog households. It has helped me, and I am positive that this book will be able to aid your quest for a better relationship with your dog!
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Summary: A-ha!
Review: Eureka! Jan Fennell has found a kinder, gentler, training paradigm that makes sense to the dog. It's mentor Monty Roberts' "Horse Whisperer" with no horses and no Bobby Redford.
Fennell's Thesis: Dogs are descended from wolves. Dog behaviour is still ruled by the wolf pack mentality. Domesticated dogs don't think they are a member of the human pack with which they abide, but rather that "their" humans are part of the dog's pack. When the human members of the pack behave unfathomably to the dog's brain, the dog feels compelled to become alpha dog by default, the "politics of the pack." The author points out that, like a 1 year old child, the dog is ill-equipped to be pack leader in a human world and oft-times becomes neurotic trying - with various and sundry bad manifestations of the stress. How, then, to "relieve the dog of its delusion of power?" The answer, asserts author Fennell, is Amichien Bonding. Many anecdotes and antidotes are provided in this Twofer (2 books in 1) edition: *The Dog Listener* and *The 30 Day Training Guide,* the latter implementing the insights of the former. This reviewer had many "A-Ha! That's why they do that!" moments reading this book. LucyIndaSky, my Baby Basset, and her older sister, Judy, the rescued Greyhound-mix, judge it 5 stars. We would also like a video! /TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer
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Summary: It's like having a dog/english dictionary of basic phrases.
Review: For several years I've taught pet level obedience classes to folks who love their dogs, but don't understand them at all; most of my duos have learned the cues together anyway and performed them adequately. Sometimes that's enough, and all is well. Often, however, the real reason the human drug the dog to class in the first place was to make their dog understand them - to make the relationship real. I've done a pretty good job of creating a step-by-step plan for owners to follow to shape behaviors and willy-nilly manage to communicate with the dog so
the relationship does improve. This book, though, provides a
simple, accurate, easy to understand explanation of what's long been intuitively obvious to me but not to the non-dog-speaking student. Thank you so much for giving me this translation device.
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Summary: A Must Read
Review: I bought this book along with many other training books to try to resolve my dog's agression/dominance issues. I implimented her "Amichien" method and within a few days I noticed a huge change in my dog's behaviour. If you have an agressive dog or a dog that challenges your "Alpha" status, you need to read this book. I appreciate Jan's candidness in her own successes and failures. You may also find books written by Patricia McConnell helpful. Avoid Culture Clash by Donaldson(confusing and disappointing).
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Summary: An outstanding approach to manipulating the canine mind
Review: I cannot say enough good things about this book!
Jan truly does follow in the steps of Monty Roberts, her mentor. While there will always be controversial evidence between the nature of the wolf, and our domestic dogs, she really has nailed the behavioral patterns on the head. This book proves invaluable to those looking to understand their dogs' motives, not just fix their "problems". In all actuallity, I am a true believer that almost all behavioral "problems" some how root back to being people "problems". Jans methodology really is a heartfelt understanding of the way the canine mind works. She, like so many others, looked for a way to enhance communication between her furry friends and herself.
While I don't feel that you should fall head first into ANY concepts, as different creatures require other methods and forms of stimulation, this book provides an outstanding outline to common sense, gentle, and effective training and manipulation of the canine mind
The theory is simple, open your mind and your heart to accept "non-conventional" ways of thinking. I always knew there was a better way for animals, and seeing it in print, the concept is plain as day. Exercising these ideas with my own dogs, has enhanced our already loving relationship. I am a follower of Monty Roberts's methodology, and now along with Jan's, and it all amounts to be an amazing and powerful experience.
If you want to explore more animal psychology, Monty's book, From My Hands To Yours, is equally as fantastic. He also has a book, Horse Sense For People, which conveys these non-violent and powerful concepts of communication, to a manner where human to human relationships can be improved.
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Summary: If your dog is your child, you need to read this book!
Review: Jan Fennell does a fabulous job of explaining the dynamics of our puppies' roots-- the wolf pack. In her descriptions, she delves into the underlying causes of some of the behavior of dogs that many humans find puzzling. You'll have many "aha!" moments while reading this book. If you've ever looked at your dog and thought "what in the world..." you may find out "what" in this book. She teaches you how to communicate with your dog-- this is the good part-- in behavioral terms. So it's actually works! She tells you what you should be communicating to your dog, how to act it out, and why it's so crucial. She also gives workable solutions to some of the most troublesome problems that many people have with their dogs.
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Summary: Listen to that doggie in the window
Review: Many dog owners take home a rescue Weimaraner/Lab mix, or spend the bucks for a Maltese, poodle or pug, only to find out that Foo Foo (a) refuses to let them leave without a major battle, (b) messes in the house, (c) can't be let off the leash and (d) won't answer when you yell "Foo Foo." After you read Jan Fennell's book, the way you think about your precious pooches (including the way you name them) might undergo a change.
In step-by-step detail, Fennell delves into dog psychology based on the structure of the wolf pack, provides answers to Foo Foo's separation anxiety (your dog thinks it owns you), pooping in the house, barking, and many common problems. Fennell provides a step-by-step guide to training a new dog, whether puppy or adult, in the Amichien Bonding method, which is remarkably simple although counterintuitive for many pet owners.
It's not easy to change a lifetime of thinking and behaving a certain way toward dogs, as Fennell's stories of dog owners applying her method demonstrate. People who genuinely want to live happily ever after with their beloved pets will be willing to give Fennell's method a try. Her commitment to dogs is as great as the Horse Whisperer Monty Roberts' love of horses. Buy the book and Foo Foo will thank you.
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