The Dog Listener
By Jan Fennell

       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 (a wolf named Foo Foo, hmmm), provides answers to Foo Foo’s separation anxiety (your dog thinks it owns you), pooping in the house, refusal to come when you call, and many common problems. She even provides a step-by-step guide to training a new dog, whether puppy or adult, in the Amichien Bonding method. Simply put, Amichien Bonding helps you ignore your dog when coming and going so that Foo Foo gets used to separating and reuniting; helps you take your dog out on a leash (the hunt) without the neighbors cringing at barking and chasing dogs (I’m still trying this method with my own pets); and uses gesture eating at feeding time (no more begging, honest).

       One thing I tried while reading Fennell’s book is thanking my dogs for barking at squirrels and visitors (dogs think they’re doing you a favor by alerting you to danger). This method hasn’t succeeded completely, but I’m keeping an open mind and continuing to apply Fennell’s principles. 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. The book may have its doubters from people who shouldn’t own dogs, but owners who genuinely want to live happily ever after with their beloved pets will be willing, as I am, 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.