Bonding with Your Dog

Book excerpt: The human-canine bond: a relationship steeped in love with equal parts mutual respect, trust, and regard In this groundbreaking book, professional dog trainer Victoria Schade reveals that a successful relationship between you and your dog isn't about establishing yourself as the pack leader, but about building a meaningful bond. She explains how this bond forms the core of your entire relationship; if it's lacking, it's the primary source of any frustration you may be having with your dog. First, you'll take a quiz to help you gauge your current relationship with your dog. Next, you'll learn the building blocks for creating a positive, mutually rewarding bond-from granting privileges to being unpredictable to offering ample praise and playtime. You'll discover how a bonded dog: Listens to obedience cues Wants you in her sightlines, even in intriguing environments Doesn't escape through open doorways Understands and follows your house rules Wants to be close to you and work with you Truly trusts and respects you Whether you share your heart and home with a puppy, an adolescent, or a senior dog, it's never too early or too late to build a bond to last a lifetime-and this book shows you how.