The Dog Listener

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

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Thoroughly inspirational - Rated
I found this book thoroughly inspirational. Jan Fennel has hit on something which simply works. It is purely logical and rational and just from putting things into the dogs perspective allows us to understand how they think and therefore why they sometimes behave the way that they do. I bought the book at the same time as getting a puppy and my 3 month old puppy now walks at heel with no need for a lead (though I still use one) and is a beautifully behaved member of our family.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

nothing new - Rated
Jan Fennell has been clever and repackaged old knowledge, she seems to have set her self up as some sort of guru.If a dog pulls on the lead it does not make it an "ALPHA" it just wants to get to the park quickly, if the dog walks by your side does it make it your equal? When you get to the park and you let the dog off the lead and runs around arond in front of you does this make the dog an alpha, no.
So many things wrong with this book i would urge dog owners to do more research.

Fantastic - Rated
I have watched the dog listner on the t.v and found her theories very interesting so purchased her Book. The book is so easy to read with jan sharing her memories of how she started out and her ups and downs not hiding her mistakes. I was in tears during part of the book and fully empathise with her during her experiences. An excellent easy reading book that you can't put down

There are better books - Rated
I did write a critique a couple of years ago but it has disappeared from this list. People who found this book good have not read any really good books on dog behaviour/training. I had a very difficult terrier and I had access to an American library as well as all the British books. I have probably read more books on dog behaviour than a college course. Read John Fisher's books, 'Think Dog', 'Why Does My Dog?', 'Dogwise'. Jean Donaldson's 'The Culture Clash'. Look at the Volthard dog training method, but don't waste your money on Jan Fennell's book! Borrow it from the library if you must.

A nice read - Rated
This is one of the many books I have on dog training and although a pleasant read and with lots of common sense in it, both myself and my friends who have read the book agree that although we enjoyed it and agreed with it, it certainly wasn't our 'dog training bible'. But maybe as we all have (luckily) the good fortune to have dogs with no problems and who we were able to train easily we aren't the best judges. For fully understanding the dog, how to get into its mind and how to get the most out of it this certainly isn't the best in our opinion.