Paul Owens has written a remarkable book on positive training methods for dogs and their human guides. The title says it all - the principles and techniques would look perfectly wonderful on the evening new programs, the information is sound and it works - without the hitting, jerking, shocking, shaking and kicking approaches so popular in many dog training books.

Owens believes that the end doesn't justify the means, and advises us, "The methods we choose to raise and train our dogs determine not only behavioral responses, they also shape our own emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. And they help to define and shape who we are as individuals and as a species. This book is a presentation of nonviolent partnering with your canine pal. The goal is to enable you to learn and grow together and to experience unlimited joy. It all starts by addressing the concept of nonviolence:kindness, respect, compassion, responsibility and love.

The book is organized into three sections:

Part I deals with the practical concerns of raising and training a dog.

Part II takes us through lessons divided into levels which progress from beginning to more advanced training;

Part III we learn how to use nonviolent measures to resolve problem behaviors. In addition to the exceptional writing in the text, there are several valuable appendices, and a very thorough index.

Let me close with some comments about this book from some very heavy hitters in the fields of training, behavior and health:

"This wonderful book will help break the cycle of animal suffering caused by wrong-mindedness and harmful training methods. Owen's nonviolent process will help prevent dogs from developing various behaviors and psychological problems, which can be difficult to treat later in life. It also helps us develop our emphathy and understanding, making us more humane-and more human- and thus more deserving of the company of dogs whose virtues we so often fail to live up to."
-Michael W. Fox Senior Scholar, Bioethics The Humane Society of the United States, Washington, DC

"Paul Owens has done dogs and dog lovers a real favor. He has given dog lovers permission to be kind, and as a consequence helped them to become more humane. He has given the dog the chance to escape the brutal techniques that are so often imposed upon them "for their own good." This book provides us with a much needed modern reminder of the value of individual compassion, and shows us that love and learning can be fun and that they don't have to hurt."
-Karen L. Overall, M.A., V.M.D., Ph.D., Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists ABS Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.

"How refreshing. Paul Owens offers us a well thought-out, enjoyable, holistic text, which always has the physical and mental well-being of dogs at its heart. And, as an added bonus, The Dog Whisperer has many useful tips to promote the physical and mental well-being of dogs' human companions."
-Dr. Ian Dunbar Author, Dog Behavior and founder, Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

"Lately dog owners have become aware of the superiority of training systems based on kindness rather than harsh corrections. The Dog Whisperer shows them a very effective method that works everywhere, not just in the owner's backyard. It also offers guidance for the owners themselves. This enables the owner to achieve the balance in their own life that allows the deepest bonding with their dogs. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever had problems training their dog and to anyone who wants to learn the best way to train their dog."
-Nancy Scanlon, D.V.M. Holistic Veterinarian