Product Description

This booklet explains the difference between dogs who truly have separation anxiety and those that merely misbehave. Written by Patricia McConnell, it describes a dog behavior modification program for the prevention and treatment of both problems. A treasure chest of ideas for keeping your dog happy in your absence, this booklet can help prevent and treat both minor and severe dog problems related to dogs being " home alone." Clear and understandable, this easy to read booklet is written for anyone who wants to leave the house knowing that their dog is happy and their house is safe.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24553 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 38 pages

Review
"This little booklet saved both my life and the life of my Weimaraner, Misty. Misty's separation anxiety was so serious that she went through a glass window, badly lacerating herself in the process." --Sharon Stern and Misty the Weimaraner

About the Author
Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB is an Ethologist and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist who has consulted with cat and dog lovers for over twenty years. She combines a thorough understanding of the science of behavior with years of practical, applied experience. Her nationally syndicated radio show, Calling All Pets, played in over 110 cities for fourteen years. She is the behavior columnist for The Bark magazine ( the New Yorker of Dog Magazines ) and a Consulting Editor for the Journal of Comparative Psychology. She is Adjunct Associate Professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching "The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships." Dr. McConnell is a much sought after speaker and seminar presenter, speaking to training organizations, veterinary conferences, academic meetings and animal shelters around the world about dog and cat behavior, and on science-based and humane solutions to serious behavioral problems. She is the author of ten books on training and behavioral problems, as well as the critically acclaimed books The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs, For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend and Tales of Two Species.

Customer Reviews

Great for dealing with AND preventing separation anxiety
My new puppy didn't have a full-blown case of SA. But she barked incessantly everytime I left her alone in the house, which needless to say drove the neighbors nuts. By following the techniques in this book, I was able to replace the habit of barking with the habit of chewing on a specific treat - a kong filled with peanut butter in her case - so that now she actually looks forward to my leaving the house. It wasn't a change that happened over night. It took about a month to train her, but it was well worth it. The advice in this book is incredible, but it does require patience, especially if your dog is already displaying behavioral problems (such as chewing on things in the house or barking).

I think this book is helpful for anyone who has guilty feelings when leaving their dog alone. Whether your dog has behavoiral problems or not, this book can give you advice on how to turn your daily departure from the house into a positive experience.

Effective! Intentionally short.
Patricia McConnell knows how little time many of us have which is why she makes this series of books only 30 or so pages long. She is direct and to the point to solve your training problem without lots of fluff and cute little dog stories. When we have a dog training issue very few of us have time to read a novel on how to solve it. I for one want to cut to the chase and start solving the problem right away. The methods used in this book are clear and easy to apply and they work. My dog has stopped destructive chewing when I'm away and is clearly much happier. Thank you Ms. McConnell (oh and Daisy my APBT thanks you too) A few reviewers gave these books a low rating because they are short. Amazon clearly indicates how many pages this book has and it's priced accordingly.

This is a good start if your dog has Separation Anxiety
This is a good start if your dog has mild Separation Anxiety. This gives you the first few things that you can try and gives you a good understanding about Separation Anxiety. If you try everything in this book and it does not help your situation, try the book "The Dog That Loved Too Much" and see your vet.