Focus, Not Fear

Book excerpt: Fearful or reactive dogs are defined as dogs who have a greater than usual reaction to stimuli. Their behavior is often labeled as aggressive (even when they are not) and may include lunging, barking, growling, and pulling on the leash--often toward the "SCARY" object. In Focus Not Fear you'll get a glimpse into the real lives of reactive dogs that Ali has worked with in her classes--their growth, successes, and failures. It serves as a guide both for trainers who wish to run classes for their clients with reactive dogs and for owners of reactive dogs who must formulate a training plan of their own. Bet you never thought of doing this!Placing the dog in the family car at a distance from other "cars with dogs" to train. Controlling a wide range of variables including distance from others, movement, and weather. Using "running away" as a reward for tolerating scary stimuli. Working with one dog at a time--and using that dog's presence to desensitize dogs in the class. BONUS! Glossary of Terms and Concepts that will help you understand and apply the information in this book as well as other books on canine behavior and training. What dog trainers are saying about Ali Brown's Focus Not FearAli Brown, solidly in the camp of positive trainers, presents a comprehensive description of her experiences with her canine clients and their humans during an ongoing reactive dog class. This detailed narration, which covers a six-month period, offers useful and interesting observations and information for anyone interested in learning more about reactive dogs and how to work with them. Pat Miller author Power of Positive Dog Training and Positive Perspectives, Training Ed., Whole Dog JournalFocus Not Fear delivers a detailed and thought provoking look at the journey of a group of students in a reactive dog class ... This book provides not only great tips and structure for trainers interested in creating their own reactive dog class but also good solid advice for owners of reactive dogs. And it makes me jealous that I don't live on a farm!Leslie McDevitt, Author of Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident DogAuthor Ali Brown teaches all levels of family dog training and has been running ongoing reactive classes since 2002. Her previous book and DVD, Scaredy Dog! Understanding and Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog, have become standard references for fearful and reactive dog trainers and owners everywhere. Ali has a M. Ed. with a specialty in behavioral science and is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. She also competes in Rally-O and Agility. Ali lives with her husband and two dogs on a farm-turned training school "Great Companions" in central Pennsylvania. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included.