"The Cautious Canine" by Patricia McConnell...anyone read?!?

[Brooke&Ryan]

Has anyone read this book?

I was just checking on Dogwise site for another book & came across this book. I've heard of the title before, but hadn't read the description until now.

How to help dogs conquer their fears with desensitization and counter conditioning. Step by step instructions to help you dog get over his fear of unfamiliar people.

***If you want to use the program for something besides a dog who's afraid of strangers, just substitute the relevant species and problem and go from there. It can be used to get over fear of the vet, a ceiling fan, whatever - as long as the behavior problem is motivated by fear. Even people can use the program!

I have accepted that Julius is a somewhat shy dog. He is 100000% better than he used to be through work...but I'm just wondering if anyone has read this book & what they thought of it. Is it more to do with aggression towards strangers or shyness?

I'm debating whether or not to order it.


Brooke

[spidey]

I have it. It's very straightforward (although one of the steps is a bit confusing since I don't think she said what she meant to say - you can sort it out). Given the cost, it's a really worthwhile book to get and read (it's more a booklet than a book). It's about fear, aggression and shyness are often secondary to fear. It's a step-by-step classical conditioning program to desensitize the dog and help it learn new associations with whatever it's scared of. Another really useful one for fearful dogs is "Scaredy Dog" by Ali Brown. And if you clicker train, "Click to Calm" is extremely good.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally Posted by spidey

I have it. It's very straightforward (although one of the steps is a bit confusing since I don't think she said what she meant to say - you can sort it out). Given the cost, it's a really worthwhile book to get and read (it's more a booklet than a book). It's about fear, aggression and shyness are often secondary to fear. It's a step-by-step classical conditioning program to desensitize the dog and help it learn new associations with whatever it's scared of. Another really useful one for fearful dogs is "Scaredy Dog" by Ali Brown. And if you clicker train, "Click to Calm" is extremely good.

Thank you Spidey! I will check out those titles as well. I'm always looking for new books to read!


Brooke

[Judi W]

He does so well because you recognized him for who he is at a young age and spent a lot of thoughtful time and work with him. You've done a good job.

[MontanaRott]

I second Judi's comment as well Brooke and I am going to look for the books you and Amanda mentioned, might have some good hints to use on Steve for some of his fear issues.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally Posted by Judi W

He does so well because you recognized him for who he is at a young age and spent a lot of thoughtful time and work with him. You've done a good job.

Judi, you just don't know how much that means to me, coming from you.

When we first got Julius, I had a picture in my head of the dog that I wanted him to be. We've accepted him for who he is & love him for that.

Actually, at the trial this weekend, Julius was just loving everyone. Ryan & I talked about it last night & really said that we are starting to see a difference in his behavior. He will not initiate the greeting with people that he doesn't know...which is fine with me, but will let them say hello without ducking or anything. That is huge for us. We're just proud of the big guy & are ready for work on that CD now.

Just have to master the stand for exam & am hoping to build his confidence up a bit more for that. That's one of the reasons I was checking out the books.


Brooke

[spidey]

Ian Dunbar's "Fearfulness" is another booklet worth having, by the way.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally Posted by spidey

Ian Dunbar's "Fearfulness" is another booklet worth having, by the way.

I was looking at that one as well. Tomorrow is payday so I was going to pay a visit to Amazon.com & get some books....

[frontierrots]

I have the Cautious Canine, Scaredy Dog and Help for Your Shy Dog

By far I like Scaredy Dog best, then Help for Your Shy Dog second best

[Brooke&Ryan]

I looked at "Scaredy Dog" but it seemed to deal more with fear-aggression & that is not what Julius has at all. From the description of the book, it didn't seem to pertain to Julius.

When dogs growl at other dogs, lunge at people, and bark at everything it's often mislabeled as "aggression." But most aggression is fear-based and should be treated as such. The appropriate term for this constellation of behaviors is "reactivity."
This book helps the trainer and dedicated dog owner to understand the reactive dog and help him change for the better. The process is not an easy one, but once the changes begin to take shape, owners become so encouraged that the rest of the process suddenly becomes easy!

All training methods and classroom techniques are based on fun and on the development of a ‘working relationship’ with your dog. 125 pages, with over 50 photographs and illustrations to help you recognize and solve problems.

I'm leaning towards "The Cautious Canine" & "Help for your Shy Dog"

[LynnS]

Brooke


I agree with everyone else that you have done a wonderful job with Julius! I totally understand what you mean when you said you had a picture of how you wanted Julius to be. The beauty is that you saw him for who he was and have been able to maximize his potential, which prob has turned him into more than you could have hoped for

[Judi W]

It should be noted that this youngster was never defensive, simply lacking in confidence and timid. He is a careful boy, but does not have any hostility. This has made it much easier for them to bring him forward. Those dogs who manage their fears with defensive aggression are quite another bucket of apples.

[frontierrots]

I agree Judi. Rarer still are the offensive fear agressive dogs (the scared to death, hackles up from head to tail, "I'll get you so you can't get me" dogs) We had one of those charmers at the kennel for 5 days. She left this am. An adorable 10 month old Rottie girl. Scared to death and fully ready to get you before you could get her. Head shy too. Just a joy to care for- not!

When her owner picked her up I had him come get her out of the kennel (I like my hands). Once with daddy for mental support she gently took beef jerky from me and was fine with me. But God help us when his mom dropped her off and while she was in the kennel. I gave him a very friendly but firm talk about socializing and continued training. (he claims she's fine in class and at the vets and I believe him, because she IS fine with him for support)

This pup's brother, owned by this man's brother and sister in law (very dog savvy people), is a sweet well adjusted joy. What a difference raising mehods make

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally Posted by LynnS

Brooke


I agree with everyone else that you have done a wonderful job with Julius! I totally understand what you mean when you said you had a picture of how you wanted Julius to be. The beauty is that you saw him for who he was and have been able to maximize his potential, which prob has turned him into more than you could have hoped for

It certainly has Lynn. We really had to spend soooo much time with Julius, working with him & getting him out and about to experience things. It really strengthened the bond between him & us.

He is more than we could have ever hoped for.