Book Review: So Your Dog’s Not Lassie: Tips for Training Difficult Dogs & Independent Breeds  by Betty Fisher & Suzanne Delzio (paperback, 281 pgs.)

    It is often difficult to find a book on training independent, dominant, intelligent, determined dogs, or dogs which may also combine these traits with low energy levels. All too many books seem to assume that you have a bouncy, clingy, eager-to-please sort of dog, one which looks to people for guidance, and that, if anything, is too active on leash. Yet, many breeds were originally bred to work independently, to think for themselves, and as a result, they and their owners find themselves frustrated when trying to follow training rules that seem to not apply to their dog, at all.

    Well, here is a really terrific book on training techniques, that is extremely applicable to Anatolian owners, that is clearly written, and that, while preparing you for the obedience ring if that is your goal, does not automatically assume that you are looking for more than a well-behaved companion that you will feel comfortable sharing your life with. A very telling section from the beginning of the book says, under the heading of "Why Train Your independent Dog At All?":

"When owners become overwhelmed with frustration, independent dogs end up ignored, left to entertain themselves in the backyard. Worse, they land in the pound, often in line for the gas. Rather than ignoring or just getting rid of this challenging animal, we need to change out attitude about dealing with him. If we understand what he responds to and what makes him ignore us, suddenly he’s no longer incorrigible, but unique, intelligent, and brave. This book contains lots of examples of impossible dogs who transformed themselves into pleasant companions in less than an hour per week.

Beyond shaping the companion you desire, training gives your dog a better quality of life and makes your relationship with him stronger. Dogs do like to work, even independent dogs. They like having a task to perform and succeeding at it. Wolves, ancestors of domestic dogs, run an average of thirty miles a day to find prey. On top of that, they must carry out carefully orchestrated hunts in order to kill an animal that outweighs and outpowers them by several times. Left only to their own wits to survive, they are significantly challenged, mentally and physically. Echoes of this life still haunt our domestic dogs.

    This book goes into detail on how to motivate your dog, establish goals, use effective body language, and select appropriate training equipment. Useful tips and ideas that warrant reinforcement are highlighted in boxes in the margins. Moreover, you know that these folks practice what they teach - Betty Fisher has been a breeder/trainer for more than twenty-six years, is an obedience judge for several national breed clubs, is a tester for the American Temperament Test Society - and her breed of choice, trained to numerous U.D.s and even H.I.T.s is: the English Bulldog! Suzanne Delzio is also a trainer of non-traditional breeds, and a writer.

    This book is available for $15.00 at most bookstores, and is published by HarperPerennial.