[.ca] The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the ... (ISBN 0553375261)

Good, but not great:
This is useful book, but Dr. Dodman's writing style is overly mannered at times and, unfortunately, not nearly as lucid as that of Dr. Oliver Sachs ("The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat"). And it's clear, painfully at times, that this book's packagers are trying to make of Dodman a veterinary version of the famous neurologist. Although I'll keep this book on my shelf and I'm sure I'll refer to it from time to time, I would recommend two other books first: "The Other End of the Leash," by Patricia McConnell, an ethologist and certified animal behaviorist, and "Understanding 'Dog Mind'" by Bonnie Bergin, the woman who pioneered the "service dog concept. McConnell is a better writer than Dodman (nearly equal to the wonderful if idiosyncratic Elizabeth Marshall Thomas), and Bergin is simply a genius on the subject of canine behavior and training. When I read her book, and I've read dozens on the subject, I kept saying, "This is it; she's really nailed it."

Excellent, helpful, well-researched:
This author has obviously dealt with many dog behavior issues! He has seen it all and offers behavioral solutions as well as indications of medication that may offer help to the helpless. Anyone who thinks medication is "thrown at the dog" is wrong. Dr. Dodman obviously cares, and we know that human beings with psychological issues are very often helped by medications. Why should our beloved dogs be any different. I loved this book. I learned so much. I learned to not play with flashlight beams with puppies and not encourage those types of behaviors. I learned how to react, and not react, to a dog's fear of loud noises or thunder. I thank the author and publisher for making this book available and opening the door to the public about dog behavior. I look forward to reading his next book A-Z.

Instant gratification!:
My dog was thrust into a new environment with a completely new family life, and he had a few problems adjusting. Add to that the old, now "outdated" teachings of when I originally took him to obedience school, I had inadvertently set him up to fail by creating a competitive environment. The first chapter of the book "Leader of the Pack" illustrated perfectly our situaion. Applying the lessons in the book have changed everything 100% immediately after implementing the techniques described. No more aggressive behavior, and much happier people and pets. Look past the writing style and grab hold of the content to get the most out of this book. You'll have to dig a bit in the writings because of the story-like writing style, but the end of each chapter has a very nice summary that is very useful for at-a-glance referencing. Dr. Dodman also charges a premium for consultations like the ones he references in the book, so the few bucks I spent on this book were well worth it, indeed!

Don't Buy It:
I thought this book was going to be filled with caring, amusing stories of varieties of animals in the author's care. Instead I found that he prescribed the animals prescription drugs without thinking twice, for "conditions" such as being scared of thunder or even for loving too much. There are many other much more holistic approaches you can take, like talking to non-violent trainers, or even reading animal-positive books, not this one. I loved "What Your Animals Tell Me" by Dr. Monica Diedrich. I find her a very personable author and not as aggressive and drug-happy as Dr. Nicholas Dodman. I found him to hand out prescription drugs without blinking an eye, and without suggesting (humane) methods to combat the animals' "problem". This book was more about advertising various drugs, than it was about the animals, which goes completley against the title. The title is misleading, as it pulls at one's heart-strings, whereas inside he writes very clinically and cold. I would suggest to check it out in the library before making any decisions.

An amazing Book:
The book was extremely interesting and insightful. It was quite humorous in some spots where it was appropriate. Dodman's writing is clear and flowing. His case by case chapter organization is very effective. He provides in depth information without overwhelming the reader. He adds in backround information and interesting facts as each of the stories progresses. I was intriqued and interested throughout the book, as well as many moments when I found myself laughing out loud. It is a wonderful book that is hard to put down. Reading the book will leave you with a better understanding of dogs and their behavior. It is essential to any and all that interact with dogs.