Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs

I spent the past few days reading Annie Phenix’s incredible book (hot off the press), and now I miss my new friends. It feels like I’ve been sitting on the porch having the most amazing conversation with a cross-section of the wisest, kindest, most forward-thinking souls in the dog industry. While Annie’s clear, engaging writing and her 20 years of experience on “helping your dog overcome fear and anxiety” drives this book, she invited 16 colleagues, each with particular expertise, to join in through interviews. (Kim Brophey! Andrew Hale! Helen St. Pierre! Amy Pike! Shay Kelly! Marty Becker!) The depth and breadth added through these additional voices turns this book into a master class in living well with a dog in today’s modern society. In fact, I worry that because the book’s title is Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs, a lot of dog owners will think it isn’t for them. But ALL of my clients (and their dogs!) would be living happier lives together if the humans just read this book. There are Big Important Thoughts, and there are awesome, easy-to-implement tips and tricks. And for folks not as obsessed with every tidbit as I am: the chapters are short, easy to dip into and out of depending on your issue of the day, and loaded with great photos. Highly, highly recommend.

Really enjoyed reading this, has tons of good information just for general pet owners. I recommend this to everyone even if their dog is not presenting undesirable behaviors. Starts to peel back the curtain of a dogs mind and the best way to manage and handle situations.

good book, well written and structured

Written well, easy to understand

I wish I had this book years ago. Makes a lot of sence, and is very easy to follow. We use to walk our reactive shepherd mix behind stores and supermarkets. Our dog was reactive to some men and dogs. Following this book has helped immensely. We walk during the day now and are getting closer and closer to the scarey things. We had always thought we had an aggressive dog, in reality he really is a reactive dog, with aggression when we don't read the dogs signals. Who knew he actually communicates with us. We feel sorry that we kept him away from the world, for a few years he only saw our back yard. He now smiles all the time. Thanks for creating such a valuable book for dog guardians to improve our lives, theirs and for getting safety and sanity back into your home and lives.

Not enough description of what needed

Beautifully written! I'm a guardian of a fearful/anxious pup. I didn't understand why my pup would growl when picked up or run and hide when we tried to engage with her. It has been almost 3 years since my pup joined the family and I'm still learning. Annie Phenix lovingly invested in writing a book filled with knowledge and wisdom that is based on scientific evidence that is easy to digest. There are wonderful references pawrents can research for an in depth understanding of a particular approach in forming a healthy connection with their canine friend. It's so refreshing to read and it provides a hopeful future for those looking to restore/improve their relationship with their dog. Highly recommend!

My veterinarian recommended I get this book for my reactive GSD. Granted I’m not a new dog owner so if you are one you may get more out of it. This book doesn’t really help you train your dog, it just tells you what to look for but at the end of the day it’s like reading one long magazine article. You’re better off not even buying it and hiring a trainer or try another book.

I am not finished reading this book but so far it makes you understand the behavior of dogs. Will know better once finished reading

I've had dogs all my days but my newest puppy is very reactive and I just wanted to know if there's something I should be doing .....this book is superb. I have an entire new way of thinking about dogs and their training ..the experts are amazing in this book lots of superb hint and tips....have been using 3 of the tips for only 2 days and have noticed a difference ...well worth the read ..

The book helps understand dog reactivity as a phenomenon, instead of simply focusing on training. The author explains why so many of today's dogs show behavior we label "reactive". She differentiates all the different behaviors subsumed under this term and spends a substantial part of the book on prevention. Interspersed with interviews with world renowned experts on dogs such as Marty Becker, Kim Brophey and Andrew Hale among others, she makes it clear that there is no single "most effective" way to "treat" dog reactivity. Rather she presents a broad spectrum of approaches including nutrition, cognition and emotional health. If you have a dog that shows challenging behavior, read this book !! If you are a trainer working with such dogs - like me - read it too !!

Adorei o livro, um relato honesto e uma partilha de conhecimento incrível, da autora e de vários especialistas fornecendo várias abordagens para a mesma questão, mas sempre com o objetivo de melhorar o bem estar dos patudos.

Only part way through the book but so far it’s incredible! Must read for not only guardians of fearful/reactive/aggressive dogs but all dog guardians!