Dogs are one of the most popular companion animals, and many of them go through life confident and happy with the world around them. A significant number do not - the scared dogs, the anxious dogs, the ones who are terrified when approached by another dog, person, or a whole range of possible things. These dogs react to the causes of their fear in a range of ways, all of which combine to make what are called 'reactive dogs', the ones who cannot cope and have to find a way to tell us. They may be labelled 'bad', 'aggressive', or 'vicious' when they are none of those things. They are scared, and it is up to us to learn and to help. Learn how fear, anxiety and stress affect the dog. Follow the chemical and physiological changes that happen in the fear response. Find out the potential causes of reactive behaviours, and how to help a puppy have the best chance of avoiding reactivity as they grow and mature into an adult. Discover how to help the reactive dog develop a better relationship with the world. Finish reading this book better understanding reactive dogs.

Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [134]-135) and index.

Struggling to solve your dog's behavioural problems? Looking to achieve the perfect relationship with your dog? The Dog Guardian is here to help. Dog behaviourist Nigel Reed teaches emotional intelligence for dog owners, leading to confident, happy and well-behaved dogs. Through his many years of experience Nigel has found that there are four fundamental components for a content and well-behaved dog. In The Dog Guardian Nigel explains the philosophy and gives you practical, step-by-step advice. This new and vital information will empower you to address any of your dog's undesirable behaviours, no matter its age, breed or history. The Dog Guardian has already helped thousands of dogs and their owners address problem behaviours including anxiety, nervousness, aggression, hyperactivity, lead pulling, jumping up and much more. It's easier than you'd think.

A revolutionary way to raise and train your dog, with “a wealth of practical tips, tricks, and fun games that will enrich the lives of many dogs and their human companions” (Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and animal behaviorist). Zak George is a new type of dog trainer. A dynamic YouTube star and Animal Planet personality with a fresh approach, Zak helps you tailor dog training to your pet’s unique traits and energy level—leading to quicker results and a much happier pup. For the first time, Zak has distilled the information from his hundreds of videos and experience with thousands of dogs into this comprehensive dog and puppy training guide that includes: • Choosing the right pup for you • Housetraining and basic training • Handling biting, leash pulling, jumping up, barking, aggression, chewing, and other behavioral issues • Health care essentials like finding a vet and selecting the right food • Cool tricks, traveling tips, and activities to enjoy with your dog • Topics with corresponding videos on Zak’s YouTube channel so you can see his advice in action Packed with everything you need to know to raise and care for your dog, this book will help you communicate and bond with one another in a way that makes training easier, more rewarding, and—most of all—fun!

Fearful or reactive dogs are defined as dogs who have a greater than usual reaction to stimuli. Their behavior is often labeled as aggressive (even when they are not) and may include lunging, barking, growling, and pulling on the leash--often toward the "SCARY" object. In Focus Not Fear you'll get a glimpse into the real lives of reactive dogs that Ali has worked with in her classes--their growth, successes, and failures. It serves as a guide both for trainers who wish to run classes for their clients with reactive dogs and for owners of reactive dogs who must formulate a training plan of their own. Bet you never thought of doing this!Placing the dog in the family car at a distance from other "cars with dogs" to train. Controlling a wide range of variables including distance from others, movement, and weather. Using "running away" as a reward for tolerating scary stimuli. Working with one dog at a time--and using that dog's presence to desensitize dogs in the class. BONUS! Glossary of Terms and Concepts that will help you understand and apply the information in this book as well as other books on canine behavior and training. What dog trainers are saying about Ali Brown's Focus Not FearAli Brown, solidly in the camp of positive trainers, presents a comprehensive description of her experiences with her canine clients and their humans during an ongoing reactive dog class. This detailed narration, which covers a six-month period, offers useful and interesting observations and information for anyone interested in learning more about reactive dogs and how to work with them. Pat Miller author Power of Positive Dog Training and Positive Perspectives, Training Ed., Whole Dog JournalFocus Not Fear delivers a detailed and thought provoking look at the journey of a group of students in a reactive dog class ... This book provides not only great tips and structure for trainers interested in creating their own reactive dog class but also good solid advice for owners of reactive dogs. And it makes me jealous that I don't live on a farm!Leslie McDevitt, Author of Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident DogAuthor Ali Brown teaches all levels of family dog training and has been running ongoing reactive classes since 2002. Her previous book and DVD, Scaredy Dog! Understanding and Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog, have become standard references for fearful and reactive dog trainers and owners everywhere. Ali has a M. Ed. with a specialty in behavioral science and is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. She also competes in Rally-O and Agility. Ali lives with her husband and two dogs on a farm-turned training school "Great Companions" in central Pennsylvania. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included.