Product Description

Jan Fennell's remarkable gifts have earned her the nickname "the dog whisperer". Her unique understanding of the canine world and its instinctive language has enabled her to bring even the most desperate and delinquent of dogs to heel. This easy-to-follow guide to understanding Jan's simple techniques draws on her countless case histories of problem dogs - from biters and barkers to bicycle chasers - to show how we can bridge the language barrier that separates man from his best friend. In "The Dog Listener" Jan shares her secrets, telling us how she grew determined to find a more compassionate alternative to standard "obedience" training techniques and ultimately how to communicate with canines.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2198 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
The behavioural problems covered in The Dog Listener will sound all too familiar to anyone who shares their life with a canine companion. During the 25 years that Jan Fennell has been working with dogs, she's been increasingly aware of the ways in which communication between man's best friend and ourselves has broken down. Inspired by Monty Roberts, Fennell embraces similar ideas to those found in The Man Who Listens to Horses. Rather than trying to fit human psychology to animals, the starting point is observing how animals communicate, how they structure their groups in the wild and what they think their role is.

Initially Fennell looks at the role that dogs have played historically--primarily a working role, in which human and animal worked side by side to the same goal. Many owners flinch as the idea of a dog "working", with associations of oppression and hierarchy. But dogs naturally form a hierarchical society with the strongest, most intelligent dog leading the pack. Humans might thrive on the concept of democracy but dogs don't automatically feel the same way. When we understand and respect a dog's mindset, effective training can be done with intelligence and compassion.

Each chapter deals with a different case study and owners of problem or "challenging" dogs will be kicking themselves as they realise just how wrong they've been getting it all this time. Some myths dispelled: "Tugging games are fun and it makes my little dog happy to think he's the winner." Wrong--if you let the dog win it reinforces the idea that he is the top dog in the group. "My dog can't bear to be left in the house ... because he loves me so much." Wrong--your dog thinks that he is responsible for you, the acute anxiety that results from separation can be likened to that of a mother who's has a toddler wander off by itself into untold danger.

Much of what we do to show affection to our dogs actually has the result of creating insecurities and confusion. In this respect many ideas are similar to those in John Fisher's Think Dog, particularly on remedies for anxious and aggressive dogs. Here though, the use of real life case studies offers encouragement that following this advice can initiate a rapid transformation in your dog's behaviour. Jan Fennell writes with affection and a real conviction that sharing her work with others can make a real difference. Her wide and admiring audience of happy dog owners would indicate that the title of "dog listener" is a highly appropriate one.--Tony Martin

About the Author
Jan will be appearing in the New Year on Channel 5 having finished her latest Yorkshire TV series (her previous series was called Problem Pooches). This is her first book.

Customer Reviews

A fresh insight to dog training - the dog's way
Jan Fennell shares both her knowledge and experiences as well as her love of dogs in this informative, inspiring and educational read.

Having recently enrolled in more traditional dog training classes with my "naughty" 10 month old collie, I have been provided with an understanding into my dogs behaviour that has astounded me -I never realised a dogs world was so complex or that the main reason dogs misbehave is a result of human action rather than simply having a "naughty" dog.

I am now learning a new approach to dealing with my puppy and have had incredible results after only a few days, much more than after 2 months of dog training lessons.

I am now the Alpha female in our household and our wolf pack is calm and organised - no panicking would be puppy dog leaders!! Read the book to comprehend further.

A worthwile read, my friends think my new behaviour with my dog is a bit barmy, but my pup thinks its great, think like a dog to get on the same level of understanding - cooperation in dog training is always much better than force.

I hope I have done justice to Jans words of wisdom in this review and I would recommend it to all dog owners - of both good dogs and "naughty" ones too.

Profound insights into dogs simply explained.
Jan Fennell's methods are based on insights into the psychology of dogs which she developed from observing wolves. Her suggestions are so simple that, as a dog owner for many years, I thought they could not possibly work. I was so wrong that I was amazed. Within days my two labradors were so much more relaxed and better behaved that I experienced a fresh delight in keeping dogs.

I leanrned that the way we instinctively treat dogs, based on human perspectives, is against the best interests of the dog. What we perceive as being kind is often, to the dog, a source of anxiety. Much - indeed most - dog care and training is really anti-dog because we have never taken the trouble to understand the true nature of the animal. Every dog owner, including those in the police and armed services responsible for dogs, should read this book. The result would be fewer problem dogs, more contented and well behaved dogs and many people would discvover a pleasure and satisfaction in owning dogs they could scarcely have imagined.

Over the years I have read many books on dog training and this is the best. From the pages of Jan Fennell's book the dog emerges from his lupine past as an admirable animal who deserves to to treated in accordance with his true nature. What is so exciting about the principles described here is that they can be applied quickly and simply in the home. The reason is that they are based on profound insights into the nature of the dog.

After reading this book I will never see dogs in the same way again. Read the book and neither will you.

Why so much controversy? Hugely practical and useful
Having successfully owned many dogs over the years, mostly rescue dogs with their wide variety of "problem" behaviours, I have learned that there's always more to learn. Some reviewers seem to have dismissed this book out of hand. I wonder how well they have actually tested the methods in the book (if they actually bothered to try them out at all)?

With my own dogs I have found the training suggestions in this book (and even more so Jan Fennel's second book) to be extremely effective. We have very happy, contented dogs who are a joy to own and are easy to be with, at least in part due to implementing fully the techniques in this book.

Every dog is different, as is every owner, which is why I would suggest that you try fully implementing the methods in the books for a month or so to see the impact they have, before deciding what things you want to continue with long term, and what things you might want to phase out depending on your own situation, and what you're happy with.

All I can say is that the proof is in the eating, and these methods are extremely effective, whatever some other "experts" might think because they don't fit with their own approach. A bit of imagination can adapt the fundamental approach to whatever individual situation is being faced.

I think some reviewers who have dismissed the suggestions in this book are expecting to find "quick fix" pointers for a single thing to do to solve specific problems. In stead the book provides an holistic approach which resolves or pre-empts many problems along the way.

I just wish I had had this book available when I was dealing with some of my more difficult rescue cases in the past!

A book which takes the ideas in these books and makes them even more practical and flexible is "The Perfect Puppy". I'd recommend it to anyone thinking about getting a new dog!