ok | Bones Would Rain From the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs

So Much More Than Training | Bones Would Rain From the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs | Suzanne Clothier

books:


	• Bones Would Rain From the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs Suzanne Clothier Grand Central Publishing, 2002 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 77 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

This book is a Masterpiece

This book is one of my all time favorites. One of my wife's friends gave it to her, and I read decided to read it, because I like the title.

I'm glad it did. This has turned out to be one of my all time favorite books.

This isn't a dog training book. It is much more than that. There are several key sections that echo in my brain, whenever I am out on the training field working with my dog, or watching others interact with their dogs, or just quietly observing my dogs going about their day.

If you love dogs, this book is a must read.

for more information click here

A little long winded for the info included. Lots of personal examples of how she trains.

So Much More Than Training

I love this book. I have had it for about 4 years and still pick it up and read a few chapters. It is a tenderly written book by someone who is wise and understands that we would like to live with our dogs in the richest way possible.

While reading a wonderful business book - "Why Dogs Wag Their Tails - Lessons for Leaders..." by Sherri McArdle and Jim Ramerman, I hauled out my dog-eared copy of Bones and was deeply impressed by Suzanne Clothiers understanding of leadership. Real leaders, like leaders of a pack, always act in the best interests of those they lead.

This book will have you looking deep into your soul, which is always a good thing.

for more information click here

Mixed Emotions

When I first began reading this book I was in agreement with the five star positive reviews that I see on Amazon. I think Ms. Clothier's writing style is poetic, witty, and engaging. However, upon further reading and reflection, there is one aspect of this book that does concern me. I still recommend the book, but with an observation. The author is critical of compulsive training methods, and yet does not offer tangible, PRACTICAL alternatives. As a trainer myself, I have read many books about dogs. I get disappointed by what I perceive as the tendency to be black and white, in what often appears to be a marketing tactic. It's the my way is the only way approach that I question. I do understand that this book is about our relationships with dogs, and not training per se. But then I think one should be careful about criticizing training methods and philosophies without providing real life alternatives.

Several times throughout the book I was moved to tears by Suzanne's deep, thoughtful, and emotional portrayal of her life with dogs. My concern however, is that while this portrayal is beautiful, I do not think its completely realistic. For example, she talks about dogs wanting to be with us if the relationship is right, and if we are perceived as the leader. While I believe that my dog likes being with me and respects me, he also likes chasing cats. Given the opportunity to do so, (even if it meant crossing a busy street and perhaps getting hit by a car) he probably would. I am able to avoid this situation easily enough, and I live on a very quiet cul-de-sac. However, it is an example of where I would use some compulsion if the situation was endangering his life. I agree that it is best to use cognitive, positive, relationship based methods to the greatest extent. But I think we have a moral obligation to admit that the dog as spiritual creature approach to training also has its limitations.

for more information click here

Inter-connectedness of all living creatures

I read the very low star reviews.
Then I read the 5 star reviews.
It seems to me that the 1 star people, sadly, just don't get it.
The book's about LIVING.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of being able to really talk to their dogs--and 'hear' what they have to say

BONES WOULD RAIN FROM THE SKY

Akin to Monty Roberts's The Man Who Listens to Horses and going light-years beyond The Hidden Life of Dogs or any training manual, Suzanne Clothier takes a radical new direction in understanding our life with dogs...and our mutual love. Drawing on a lifetime of experience with dogs, this nationally renowned dog trainer brings us astonishing new lessons about our animals--and ourselves.

Gently, with intelligence, humor, and unfailing patience, Suzanne Clothier guides us to truly comprehend another creature's mind and heart.

You will discover how our dogs see the world from their uniquely canine perspective, how we can meet their deep need for leadership without using force or coercion, and how the "laws" of canine culture often put our dogs at odds with us and our very human world. Clothier's unparalleled insights into aggression in dogs can help prevent a tragedy, including the unnecessary destruction of a pet.

In these pages, you will meet unforgettable dogs who will capture, and perhaps break, your heart. There is Badger--handsome, curious, and perhaps dangerous. Can his threatening behavior be changed? Though doomed by a congenital heart murmur, the winsome pup McKinley offers an unforgettable lesson in living. Then aging Vali brings us to the moment that all dog owners must someday face: the loss of a devoted companion. But what this old dog teaches us in her last days may change you forever.

As in no other "dog book" or training manual, in BONES WOULD RAIN FROM THE SKY an extraordinary woman shows us how to find a deep connection with another being and to receive an incomparable gift: a profound, lifelong relationship with the dog you love.

for more information click here