Product Description

Increasingly, dog owners are turning away from traditional training methods and seeking something not only kinder, but more effective. In Dogs on the Couch, noted pet behaviorist Larry Lachman, and journalist Frank Mickadeit reveal a revolutionary alternative to the often cruel methods of the past.

Using extensive "case studies" of the many types of dogs-and owners-and borrowing cleverly from the decade's past experience with human family systems therapy, Lachman provides advice on how to make every stage of pet-owning joyful and rewarding. He helps dog-owners discover how behavior problems like phobias, nuisance barking, aggression, seperation anxiety, and fearfulness can develop-and how they can be solved and prevented. By addressing such issues as choosing the breed that is right for the family, dealing with pet rivalry, and introducing a new child into the family, this useful guide will help readers figure out how to help make their dogs the happiest and best companions they can be.

"Lachman concentrates on the relationship between the dog and every member of the household to discover safe, loving methods for training happy canine companions." (Dog Fancy)

"Larry Lachman's dog-training advice is straightforward, thoughtful, and humane. This is a man who clearly understands both sides of the human/dog relationship. . . . With Larry's guidance, owners can become their dog's best friend." (Karen A. Klemens in The Healthy Dog newsletter)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #645376 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-31
• Released on: 2002-01-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 315 pages

From Library Journal
Animal behaviorist Lachman introduces a new approach to dog training based on the theory of behavior modification. To correct undesirable behavior in dogs, Lachman applies human family-systems therapy rather than the harsh punishment techniques used by the majority of dog trainers. With a lighthearted writing style, he debunks some widely held myths about the dog-training process. He entertains the reader with case studies from his practice and describes training plans for specific behavior problems. The book includes helpful chapters on matching dog breeds to family characteristics, coping with the loss of a loved pet, and managing the fear of dogs. In keeping with modern technology, the book also offers a list of dog-related web sites. This will be of interest to dog owners and trainers and is recommended for public libraries.ADeborah Emerson, Monroe Community Coll., Rochester, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Dog Fancy Magazine
Concentrates on the relationship between the dog and every member of the household to discover safe, loving methods for training..

Healthy Dog Newsletter
Lachman's dog-training advice is straightforward, thoughtful, and humane. [He] clearly understands both sides of the human/dog relationship.

Customer Reviews

Every dog owner should read this book!
As a rescuer, I have had probably every behavior in the world to deal with over the years. Larry addresses almost every single one directly. Not only was I lucky to actually take training classes with him, prior to the publication of this book, I am now making this book recommended reading for those who adopt rescue dogs.

The old harsh and largely unsuccessful means of training of the past is now exposed for what it is--a failure. This book not only makes that obviously clear, it makes the case for gentle training and bonding in the process.

A fabulous book. It will get you on the right course right away and dispel a lot of old wive's tales and innuendo about training and what a dog really can and cannot understand and why.

Excellent
This is a wonderful book which has already helped work wonders in the life of my 12 year old spaniel Barry. Don't look for quick fixes - Barry is still in denial about his drinking problem (he slops his ears in the water bowl and drinks from the toilet) but is working through other issues, some of which stem from puppyhood (here I must take the blame - I used to dress him up in a little Elizabethan doublet, hose and ruff for crying out loud). But thanks to this well-written and compassionate book I think the little guy might just pull through.

Humanistic Emotions Reflected in Family Animals
I have read DOGS ON THE COUCH and am amazed at how dogs copy humanistic traits. Dogs show and give love without condition. Dr. Lachman, a man who has studied, experienced, and found a psychological approach to human concerns through cancer clinics and helping out people who need therapy in getting through tough times, has expertly crossed over, and crossed back, to families who need emotional support from others and in understanding animal behavior,giving love and finding out how wonderful it is to be loved through people and of course,, your family pet. I look foward to more books by Dr. Lachman regarding family animals and how we humans can learn from them and ultimately learn from ourselves