Never stop learning . . .

If you are like me and learn best from the experiences, stories, and empathy of others you will love Jan Fennell's book "Tales From The Dog Listener" Jan offers great insight through personal stories that have shaped her understanding of dogs. She straight talks about what it takes to be "the owner your dog deserves". Here are a few of my favorite excerpts:

People are not born good dog owners; they need to learn to adapt, to show some thought. Sometimes they also need to admit when they've gone wrong.
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. . . it is far better to work with the dog than against it, using positive reinforcement to underline key messages.
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We live in a world of instant gratification. People seem to want everything not just now, but yesterday. There is an obsession with the quick fix, the miracle on demand. Some owners seem unwilling - or even unable - to appreciate that somethings aren't solved in a minute, a day or even a week. The word "patience" doesn't seem to exist in their dictionaries.

Copyright © 2006 Jan Fennell

Oh how I can relate to all of the above. Her compassion for people who yearn to be good dog owners is very tangible in the text. Although her approach is based on her extensive knowledge and real life experiences vs. others who tout scientific research it does have great merit that can not be flippantly dismissed. But you be the judge yourself - don't let others decide for you.