Susan Overfield

Saturday Dogs and the Owners They Trained, by Susan Overfield is a wonderful read for any dog owner or dog lover. I have owned, lived with, trained and watched over and been watched over by these wonderful animals since a baby, very much over sixty years now. With the exception on a bit of time spent in S.E. Asia, I have never been without a companion dog or, in most cases dogs. I have spent hours in training, both obedience and field, and loved ever seconded of it. I share this information show more as sort of a testimonial in that when it comes to dogs, I did not just fall off the back of the turnip wagon.

Ms. Overfield has written a delightful book which is not only fun and an absolute hoot to read, it is also packed with good sound information and advice as to how to train, and indeed, live with your dog. The author’s approach to writing this work is rather nice and makes the book quite readable. Each chapter features one of the dogs she has trained over the years, that animal’s particular problems and what was done to correct these problems. Now this author has hit on the bed rock fact that ninety percent or more of any problems a dog may have, is actually the problem of, and was created by the owner. This I have found to be an absolute truth.

The Susan Overfield has a very nice writing style and is absolutely hilarious at times. There is no doubt after reading just a few pages that this lady knows what she is doing. Her keen sense of humor shines threw on almost ever page. I found myself chuckling to my self often and indeed laughing out loud several times. Not to say that this book does not have a serious side. The problems some of these animals and their owners have are quite serious. The author has the skill and knowledge, or I might say, sixth sense, to be able to cut to the hart of the matter quite quickly. She then has the knowledge of animal behavior and the developed, workable techniques to help the dog, and just as importantly, the owner. At the end of each chapter the author has provided a question and answer section which I found to be most helpful and educational.

If you love dogs and want to learn more of their behavior or if you have a “problem” companion that you dearly love but who has taken control of your life, I strongly recommend you give this work a read. Even on the off chance that you learn absolutely nothing, it is still a great read! Highly recommend this one. As a passing note, I would love for this woman to write a collection of just dog stories. Given the author’s skill as a writer and her deep knowledge of dogs, this would be quite a reading treat!

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks show less