Jan Fennell

Jan Fennel is a well known dog trainer in the UK. Her emphasis is on a dog's evolution from wolves and thus its need to be part of a pack and to have its human companions behave as pack leaders so that the dog understands its place in the world. She does not believe in physically subduing the dog, but rather relies on communicating 4 rules which she believes provides the structure and security a dog needs to successfully live with humans. These are:
1. "When the pack reunites after a show more separation- who is in charge now?" This deals with how a dog behaves when it is left alone in the house and then reunites with its owner.
2. "When the pack faces a perceived danger-who will protect us now?" This idea deals with how the owner should proceed with introducing their dog to other dogs and how to protect it from other dangers.
3. "When the pack goes on the hunt-who will lead us now?" This deals with how an owner should interact with a dog on a walk.
4. "When the pack eats-who will eat first?" Here the author mentions how we should handle feeding time with dogs.

The method she uses is taken from wolf behavior and modified to show the way dogs can adapt to living with humans while still meeting their needs. Having read her other books and used some of these methods on my own dog I can say they have worked out well.

The author uses the wolf pack metaphor as she analyses the various stages of dogs in terms of the Seven Ages of Man-babyhood, infancy, puberty, adolescence, adulthood, middle and old age. My criticism of this particular book is that the author tries to do too much in writing a comprehensive guide to a dog's life from puppy hood to old age including not only behavioral advice, but also medical, diet, grooming, etc. She has some good points through out but cannot adequately cover everything a dog owner needs to know. Also having read a number of other books on raising dogs, it is obvious there are many ways to successfully raise a well adjusted dog, and this is just one more method to take into consideration, and will certainly not fit everyone's idea of a good approach. show less

Interesting take on things. Her point is one that Cesar Milan has made but in a different way. Overall a good book but got to be a little one-note to me. But a good perspective so overall I would recommend the book.

Interesting take on things. Her point is one that Cesar Milan has made but in a different way. Overall a good book but got to be a little one-note to me. But a good perspective so overall I would recommend the book.

A very well written and edited book. I would recommend it to any one thinking of purchasing a puppy and to any current dog owners. Most sensible and informative.