Product Description

In The Dog Listener Jan Fennell shares her revolutionary insight into the canine world and its instinctive language that has enabled her to bring even the most delinquent of dogs to heel. This easy-to-follow guide draws on Jan's countless case histories of problem dogs—from biters and barkers to bicycle chasers—to show how you can bridge the language barrier that separates you from your dog.

This edition includes a new 30-Day Training Guide to further incorporate Jan's powerful method into every element of pet ownership, including:

• Understanding what it means to care for a dog
• Choosing the right dog for you
• Introducing your dog to its new home
• Overcoming separation anxiety
• Walking on a leash
• Dealing with behavioral problems
• Grooming
• And much more

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #64375 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01
• Released on: 2004-01-20
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Standard dog training has long advocated the use of force choke collars, sharp smacks, harsh language. Fennell, a dog trainer in England for 30 years, wants to change all that. Expanding upon the theories of horse trainer Monty Roberts (the basis for The Horse Whisperer), Fennell believes one can best train dogs by emulating natural behaviors, that is, by treating them as they would treat each other in the wild. Her intelligent, straightforward and humane method has engendered controversy and increasing enthusiasm. After Fennel's dog Purdey went manic, injured Fennell's young children and had to be euthanized, she was fearful of owning a dog again. Lured back into it by the pleasure of showing spaniels, she adopted a high-strung young shepherd, Sasha, and investigated alternative training methods. Fennell's simple and succinct method posits that domesticated dogs are confused, believing themselves to be the pack leaders, and humans their subordinates. Fennell retrains dogs to accept a human as their alpha leader. She spurns the use of force, even in training language, employing instead a system of Pavlovian rewards. Those wanting true canine companionship will find Fennell's commonsense approach attractive and easy to apply with puppies as well as with older dogs. She addresses common problems, from separation anxiety to barking at guests to the mistrust of strangers that rescued dogs often harbor. Her knowledge and love of dogs is expansive and her concern for their well-being balances kindness and appropriate discipline. (Aug.)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Fennell, a longtime dog owner, trainer, and champion show-dog manager, provides a comprehensive guide for creating peaceful coexistence between dogs and their owners. An advocate of nonviolent pet training, Fennell shows readers how to successfully train their canine companions using gentle, respectful techniques and also shares anecdotes and advice from her years of experiences (both good and bad). Fennell's techniques appear to deal efficiently with canine problem behaviors by teaching owners to establish leadership while eliminating separation anxiety, nervous aggression, and destructive behaviors, such as biting. She also notes ways to reassure overprotective dogs and much, much more. Fennel emphasizes that there is no quick fix for most of these behavior issues; her methods require time and a lot of patience. Although every training technique she outlines might not work with every dog, her book contains quite a lot of useful information. Most current or prospective dog owners would benefit from taking a look at it. Kathleen Hughes
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Parade
"The Dog Listener tells how to make dogs listen."

Customer Reviews

The Best !!
I've read many books on this subject and this is by far my favorite!Although I like Cesar Millan very much-I didn't quite "get it" with his book "Cesar's Way." Jan Fennell's "The Dog Listener" is fabulous!Though I haven't had a dog for years[due to living in an apartment and long work days]I just bought a home and am looking into Greman Shepherd rescue.As I've had many dogs during my life-I always seemed to have trouble with the simple commands....after reading Jan's book now I UNDERSTAND why!Amichien Bonding makes perfect since to me!!Jan's instructions are clear and easy to understand.She has also put in lots of good information about the special needs of rescue dogs.Now,thanks to Ms Fennell's wonderful book, I feel confident that when I bring my rescue baby home,I'll have the tools to make it's life as comfortable and happy as possible!!

GREAT BOOK!!!
This book fills in what others have left out. Jan really understands how dogs think and act. I have read all of Cesar Millan's books. While they are great books, I needed more. This book gives specific things you should do to show your dog that you are the Alpha. I learned from Cesar that I, as the Alpha, must be calm. My dogs will react to that. But, Jan, goes on to tell you the things that signal to your dog that you are indeed the Alpha. The "gesture eating" works wonders! Speaks louder than any words you could ever use. And, her five minute rule, is very effective. Cesar tells you to ignore the dog when you arrive home after an absence. Jan, tells you step by step how to do this. Again, she takes it one step farther than other books. Read Cesar's books first, then Jan's for all the details. You'll be on your way to a calm and obedient dog. You won't be sorry if you buy this book!!!

good book
I like a lot of the things Jan says in this book. She uses the dog psychology/wolf pack mentality to come up with ways to show your dog you are the boss. The principles are basically the same as with Cesar Millan, but she advocates totally hands-off approach. I've tried some of the things, but it is hard to implement the whole program when you work most of the day and don't have a whole week to do intensive conditioning. Overall- a good book I'd recommend to friends with dogs.