About Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs
Help your dog recover from fear, anxiety, and aggression with Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs!
This professional and practical guide gives hope to dog owners trying to eliminate aggression, barking, timidity, fear, and reactivity in their dogs. A wide range of cruelty-free and positive behavior training methods and exercises are provided with step-by-step instructions and illustrations to rehabilitate problem behaviors. Also included are real-life case studies from dog owners detailing the extreme measures they’ve taken to manage their dogs’ behavior around others, and interviews with top trainers, behaviorists, and veterinarians.
With detailed sections covering an array of topics and how-to instruction — from the five must-have skills your dog needs to learn to the top five ways professional trainers change unwanted behaviors — this resource covers a ton of ground to help your dog develop and live a better life with you.
AUTHOR STATEMENT
Fall 2023 Contact: Annie Phenix, 970-442-122
STATEMENT FROM THE AUTHOR OF POSITIVE TRAINING FOR AGGRESSIVE AND REACTIVE DOGS
“I wrote my new canine behavior book – Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs (CompanionHouse Publishing) in the fall of 2021. My book was published July 2023. In this book, I had the enormous privilege of interviewing 16 world-class canine behavior experts. I chose these experts carefully and included only those canine professionals dedicated to working with animals without any need or desire to use pain, force, fear or intimidation.
Because of events that have occurred after the book was written and submitted to the publisher, I have felt the need to remove my recommendation for all graduates of Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S. course as completely force free certifying professionals. I can no longer recommend all course graduates in good faith as Ms. Brophey has apparently been certifying trainers who choose to use pain and force in training dogs in the form of painful shock collars and other cruel tools and protocols. She has commented on social media numerous times that she endorses learning from such professionals and she shares her platform with them. I do not agree on a professional level that we have anything of value to learn from trainers who opt to harm animals in the name of training as I and many others in the profession have no desire or need to learn how to train dogs with aversive tools. There are many highly qualified force free professionals who have completed this course but now owners must choose who they hire with great care and research.
Years of concrete scientific studies back my strong, (and career-long) adamant belief that positive reinforcement training is the fairest, most efficient and kindest method of training. I have never endorsed or condoned force in training animals and I never will. I apologize to my readers that I recommended the L.E.G.S. course as one that I considered safe for owners to work with those certified trainers.
I have completed the L.E.G.S. course myself and I do highly endorse the course itself as it focuses on the welfare of dogs and, of course, welfare for dogs includes not harming them. Ms. Brophey’s interviews in my book and my overview of her L.E.G.S. program in the book do meet ethical requirements for being included in this force free publication.
I stand behind all of the other experts and recommendations in the book as being committed to the ethics of a force free practice.”
— Author Annie Phenix, September 2023
Testimonials for Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs
“This book is a much needed reference for dog owners, lovers, and trainers with reactive dogs. It not only explores the what and why of this common problem, but how we can treat it in a humane, force-free, and effective way.”
—Dr. Amy L. Pike, DVM, IAABC-CDBC, DACVB (Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist), owner of Animal Behavior Wellness Center
An imperative resource for any handler, whether novice or experienced, to ensure success and happiness between for many years to come.
— Helen St. Pierre, CPDT-KSA, CDBC, Behavior Expert and Trainer
“A kinder and fairer way to communicate with reactive dogs, bring about long-lasting change, and build a beautiful relationship.”
—Shay Kelly MSc, Behaviourist and Trainer & Canine Enrichment Expert
“This book is the ultimate resources on all things reward based, science-backed training that leaves dogs better off for it with long-lasting, life changing results. You don’t want to miss it!”
—Mikkel Becker, Lead Animal Trainer for Fear Free Pets,
CBCC-KA, CDBC, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CTC, Fear Free Cert, BA Comm, Co-author of From Fearful to Fear Free
“Annie delivered a book that has long been overdue as she deals with a topic using her emotional approach. This is the latest proven science in dealing with canine problems. Useful for owners and professionals. A superb read.”
— Brigitte Barton, Certified Canine Behaviourist, Founder and Chair of International Canine Behaviourists, Director of The U.K. Dog Charter
“This book takes the fear out of training dogs with reactivity and makes you feel you are not alone.”
—Siobhan Owens MA Canine Behaviour, Dip pet Psychology, Dip Animal healing.
“If you’re living with a dog who is having trouble adapting to what they need to do when they engage with other dogs and humans, read this excellent book and teach them what’s right by giving them real love, not tough love, and both of you will flourish together.”
—Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., author of Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do and Dogs Demystified: An A-Z Guide to All Things Canine
Annie Phenix gives us thought-provoking insight into today’s modern dog, not only as it relates to aggressive dogs, but to dogs in general. Phenix tackles some hard realities and questions some long-held beliefs, providing us with both theory and practical information. The Ask an Expert segments sprinkled throughout are insightful and enlightening. It’s definitely worth the read.
—Dale M. Ward, MA, VSPDT, FDM, Fear Free Certified, and award-winning author of Raising the Worst Dog Ever
“This definitive book is a game changer in helping dogs and those who love them. Annie Phenix has done a masterful job of giving detailed guidance about genuine dog behavior concerns, providing the reader with positive tools to help canine family members. The training relayed in this book will bring widespread impactful change for the welfare of dogs and their people.”
— Malena DeMartini-Price, CTC, CDBC, author of Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Next Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices. Founder and Director of the Separation Anxiety Certification Program for dog professionals.
“Annie Phenix has written a timely book for dog owners who are dealing with troubled dogs in a time when most dogs seem troubled. The cutting-edge information combined with the illuminating expert interviews makes this a must-read book.”
—Denise O’Moore- Chair of The Association of INTODogs / Director Mighty Dog Graphics
“Annie Phenix’s newest book is a welcome resource for today’s pet parents. She shines a light on the correlation between society’s stress and the stress of today’s modern dog while empowering dog owners with the knowledge to solve behavior problems using only humane techniques designed to keep both learners—human and canine—feeling physically and emotionally safe.”
—Lisa Lyle Waggoner, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Faculty, Victoria Stilwell Academy of Dog Training and Behavior, Author of The Original Rocket Recall: Teach Your Dog to Come
“Extensive in breadth and depth, Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs is an essential resource for anyone dealing with a dog’s behavioral and emotional welfare. Annie has included a wealth of advice and guidance for dog owners and professionals alike from a cross-selection of industry professionals. This is a must-have resource for those working to manage and rehabilitate reactive dogs. I highly recommend you get your copy now.”
—Niki Tudge – M.B.A, PCBC-A, PCT-A, Six Sigma Black Belt, HCITB TS1, TS2 & TS3 Certified People Trainer, ISSA Certified Transformation Coach. Founder The Pet Professional Guild, The DogSmith & DogNostics Education