Welcome to my Dog Listening blog. I want to share my story with you about how and why I started with Dog Listening, and also offer you some insights, in case you have an unruly dog at home, or if you just want to get a better relationship with your dog.
I am a Dog Listener certified by Tony Knight in 2021. I was devastated to learn about his accident the 8 June 2024 in France. To his family, friends and colleagues; please accept my condolences.
I came into Dog Listening because I have a Doberman who had fear aggression. He regularly bit me and he was very difficult to handle. Tony came to my rescue, when he gave me a home consultation. Through Tony, I learned everything I know today about the language of dogs. I have to admit that I have also learned a little from my own dogs as well.
In this blog, I would like to share some of my knowledge with you and also offer you to get my very short and easy to read book. It is only 23 pages long but it describes the whole language of dogs in a nutshell.
I also give phone consultations, video consultations and home consultations, in case you live close to where I am.
If you have any dog related questions, please use the form on this page (which you unfortunately can only see if you use a computer right now) to ask your question, and I will get back to you with an answer. You are also welcome to put your dog related question in the comment section below, or write something else you want to say in the comment section.
Talk soon,
Hannah
I met Hannah when my very elderly dog got really sick. At that time, I could understand by
ReplyDeletewhat I was experiencing that vets not always understand what dogs are trying to say. I had
to learn by myself. I did not have time for anything, I could barely sleep during her last
days on Earth. However, when she rested. I started reading this book and I have got to the
conclusion that it could helped me before all this, during her life until the time she was
struggling to live. By reading this book I am sure about what she was trying to say many
times, and I knew instinctively what to do, but this book clarifies a lot what all tutors need
to be aware of. It saves time and effort.
So, what does this book talk about? It shows a profound insight into the misunderstood
world of dogs and their behavior. It emphasizes the importance of understanding a dog’s
natural mentality and the role of humans as leaders. By learning to communicate in a way
that dogs understand, owners can foster a stronger, more trusting relationship with their
pets. The book highlights the necessity of mastering all aspects of dog language to avoid
confusion and ensure clear communication. This approach strengthens the bond
between dogs and their owners, making it a valuable read for those who appreciate closer
relationships with their best friends. (Part 1)
This reading dives into the four crucial areas of dog behavior: Status, Hunt, Food, and
ReplyDeleteDanger. Hannah does an excellent job of breaking down these concepts in a clear and
approachable manner, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the principles.
The practical advice on how to gain a dog’s trust through consistent behavior and
understanding their natural instincts is really useful. The author’s ability to convey
complex ideas in a simple way is admirable.
She also gives advice on maintaining proper leadership and ensuring safety. She also
emphasizes the importance of calling dogs to us rather than approaching them,
highlighting that a significant number of dog bites occur when people walk up to dogs
uninvited. This practical guidance is crucial for both new and experienced dog owners.
Hannah also provides insightful tips on managing interactions with strangers. The clear,
straightforward writing style makes these concepts easy to grasp and implement. (part 2)
Then she provides a fascinating perspective on how dogs perceive walks as a form of
ReplyDeletehunting. Hannah skillfully explains the importance of establishing leadership from the
moment the lead is picked up, ensuring that all actions are on the owner’s terms. The
practical advice on using techniques like Stop Start Change Direction to maintain control
and reduce stress during walks is particularly valuable. The emphasis on viewing the walk
as a journey rather than a destination helps create a more relaxed and enjoyable
experience for both the dog and the owner. The author’s deep understanding of canine
behavior and clear, actionable guidance make this section an essential read for anyone
looking to enhance their dog’s walking experience. She explains that allowing a dog to
walk ahead is acceptable as long as the lead is not stretched. She shares some
techniques such as Stop Start Change Direction and keep elbows straight to avoid jerking
the lead and to use calm, consistent actions is both practical and compassionate.
After that she talks about food and introduces the powerful concept of Gesture Eating to
establish leadership. The author explains that in a pack, the leader always eats first, and
this principle can be applied at home to communicate leadership to dogs. The detailed
instructions on how to perform GE, including the importance of actually eating
something to produce saliva is particularly effective because it works even for deaf and
blind dogs. The emphasis on subtle, non-verbal communication reinforces the book’s
overall theme of using natural dog language to build a harmonious relationship. Hannah
explains the importance of eating first to signal leadership.
Before the conclusion, she provides an essential guidance on how to handle a dog’s
natural instinct to warn of potential threats. The author explains the importance of
acknowledging a dog’s barking as a warning and how to differentiate between genuine
alerts and attention-seeking behavior. The practical advice on using Time Outs (TO) to
manage excessive barking is both effective and humane. The section also covers how to
handle guests, emphasizing the need for clear instructions to ensure a calm
environment.
Finally, Dogs Listening in a Nutshell is worthy the title. There are key concepts discussed
throughout the book. While these practices may be challenging at first, they become
second nature with time and patience.
I dedicate this review to Hannah Abrahams. Thanks for the excellent material! (part 3)