If you’ve ever said, ‘I love dogs, but I hate people’, this book is for you.
This part-memoir, part-career guide is the first of its kind to put readers in a behaviorist’s seat, feeling the flush of embarrassment when explaining humping to second graders, the shock of finding adult toys on client’s countertops, and the stab of anxiety when aggression cases go sideways. This book is more than a day in the life of a dog trainer, but a look at the rapid evolution of understanding canine behavior over the last twenty years.
The interplay between the author’s often comical, and sometimes heartbreaking, personal journey into a still unregulated industry perfectly mirrors the global shift from outdated, dominance-based training to modern behavioral sciences. The payoff is a hopeful look at what we can do for animals, what these pets already do for humans, and what we humans can do for each other.
Melissa’s personal journey through the world of dog training offers great insight to those curious about picking up a leash and entering the industry. Alongside her experiences are practical and technical advice for the behavioral professional including signposted resources and coverage of relevant industry bodies. Through the 147 dogs (and one cat) Melissa demystifies this rewarding profession. But most importantly, these beloved pets teach us what saved means, what love means, what hubris is, and remind us all that animals truly make us more human.
What the experts are saying...
I don’t know about you, but I seem to keep getting busier and busier, while time seems to be speeding up. If this also describes you, and you are feeling pressed for the time and energy to do things like read a book review, I’ll save you some trouble: Buy this book.
Then read it and pass it on. Or better yet, buy one for a friend. Honest. Do it. Now. You won’t regret it.
For those of you who would like a little more information, Melissa McCue-McGrath’s new book, Misadventures of the World’s Okayest Dog Trainer, reads seamlessly, and is funny and honest and brave and full of the reality of being a dog trainer during a time in which our field has been through a roller coaster of perspectives and methods....
Read the full review on Patricia McConnell's Blog
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