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!


Lack of Scientific Thinking is a Serious Handicap   December 12, 2004
 10 out of 22 found this review helpful

Ms. Fennel has certainly picked up some insights into the dog psyche during her career, and can possibly offer some good advice, but I couldn't read much futher than the first or second chapter, when her ignorance of science and the history of the natural world became apparent.

For one thing, she is wont to continually refer to our "Neanderthal ancestors." Aaarggh. Any half-educated animal expert knows that Neanderthals were NOT our ancestors. They were our contemporaries. They lived at the same time as our ancestors, and went extinct. I tried to complain about this at a website claiming to represent Jan Fennel, but the responses I got were even more idiotic. Just a bunch of cultist morons attempting to engage me in a 'we don't care about the facts - this book, and the greater Jan Fennell establishment, are great and we love it' infantile argument.

For another, as one reviewer puts it, "DOGS ARE NOT WOLVES." Stop pretending they are. They evolved at our sides. We have developed the ability to understand their facial expressions, body language, tone-of-voice (for want of a better term), and they ours. We're together in this, and it won't help looking at wolves for ideas. Wolves don't even bark...


The Dog Listener   September 2, 2004
 8 out of 12 found this review helpful

Jan Fennell talks a lot of sense.Her methods are kind, non bullying and really DO work, but they are not a quick fix. You do have to be prepared to take time and put in some effort, but if you do do you will will find it has all been worthwhile. I would strongly recommend this book to all dog owners.


This book is absolutely brillant   July 31, 2004
 5 out of 12 found this review helpful

having recently gained a new troublesome puppy who has made slow progress with traditional puppy training, this book was suggested and within 1 hour of implementing these methods what an amazing result! i think you have to be open minded to understand the principles of this book but if you buy any dog book make it this one there are many case studies within but i felt that was reasuuring to know im not the only one who has encountered such problems. This book does not imply dogs are stupid it simply bridges the communication gap with them!


Excellent! A must for all dog lovers.   February 16, 2004
 32 out of 36 found this review helpful

Ever wondered why your dog goes berserk every time the doorbell rings? Or why he pulls so much on the lead? And why does he have to attack the front door when the postman arrives?

If you want to know the answers to these questions and many more besides, then this book is a must.

Jan Fennell truly does understand our canine friends. She has devoted much of her life developing a simple method known as "amichien bonding" in an effort to bring man and dog even closer together through improved communication.

The book is well-written and easy-to-read. It draws on many of Jan's real life experiences, (some funny, some sad), in helping numerous others to overcome their beloved pets' strange traits from nervous aggression to tail-chasing. Each case is very different, but all have the same underlying cause: Leadership.

Jan explains life within human society from the dog's perspective and helps the reader to learn to communicate the right signals to their dog in a calm and non-aggressive manner. Her technique can only lead to a happier co-existence for man and dog, and what's more, it's simple and it works.

So you think that you're the leader of the pack? Are you sure?!