A must have for dog owners (It's Me or the Dog - Victoria Stilwell)

Member Name: Majmun

Product:	It's Me or the Dog - Victoria Stilwell
Date:	30/05/09 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great advice throughout

Disadvantages: Sometimes just covers simple problems

I got this book for Christmas in 2006. I grew up around dogs but me and my boyfriend were just about to get our first dog together - a stray we had rescued from Greece - so my mum figured we might need the book. Sadly he died in November aged only 4 but we have recently rescued two British Bulldogs so I have had this book out a lot again recently!

The 'It's Me or the Dog' book follows on from Victoria Stilwell's popular TV series of the same name. When it first came out it retailed at £15.99 but has come down slightly since - it is available on amazon for £11.89 but you can pick up a second hand copy for much cheaper on ebay or Amazon Marketplace.

The book begins with an introduction in which Victoria outlines how she got into working with dogs. It's nice to find out a little bit more about where her love for dogs comes from and in the introduction it is clear just how passionate about dogs she really is.

Prior to the main sections of the book Victoria then sets out her top ten things to remember when training your dog and, if you bear these in mind, the training of your dog will be much easier. The rules really help you get on the same level of your dog, making communication between you and your pet much clearer.

The main section of the book is set out in chapters, sprinkled with a generous helping of pictures of some really cute doggies! The first main chapter deals with the basics such as how to be 'top dog' and how to live as a pack as well some advice on how to choose what sort of dog to have and some info on a dog's specific senses and how to work with these. The remaining chapters deal with all sorts of behavioural issues from chewing, separation anxiety and agression to stealing food and learning how to interact with chlidren. There's also advice on how to train your dog aswell as advice on feeding and grooming.

The book is laid out well and if you want to find something specific then there is an index at the back of the book. It is well-written - clear, concise and helpful without being patronising.

But does it work? In short, yes! The book is packed with fantastic tips and invaluable advice about how to train your dog and deal with all sorts of behavioural issues that your dog may have. I have put many of the tips into practice and with a little bit of time, effort and patience I have seen a marked improvement in my dogs. It can provide you with a fresh perspective to dog training - I think it is sometimes easy to feel overwhelmed by your dog when they are misbehaving or have a problem which you feel you can never solve. This book encourages you to take a step back and look at your own behaviour as well as your dogs and deal with it calmly and rationally.

However, although packed with endless tips and solutions, there is no avoiding the fact that this book is pretty simple. In fact I have even found myself reading some parts thinking 'I knew that already, that's just common sense'. My boy rescue bulldog has a few issues and, although the book has helped me work through some of those, some of his problems arent addressed in the book as they are a little more complex. Therefore, if you are in this position, I do recommend getting this book but also investing in other books, professional advice or training classes.

All in all, a brilliant book to have around, particularly if you are a first time dog owner, have a puppy or have a dog with fairly simple problems. Saying that though, I do think it's an essential buy for every dog owner although some may need to use it alongside other material in order to give their dog the training it needs.

I also feel that you will be able to appreciate that Victoria is not in this for the money and whilst reading this book you can see this is someone that cares deeply about dogs and has dedicated their lives to helping owners have better relationships with their pets. Her love for dogs is truly inspiring, summed up by her acknowldegment to them, which rounds the book off:

'Last and by no means least, thanks to all the dogs that have come ino my life. You have taught me everything I know and have inspired me by your unwavering loyalty and trust. You make the world a better place and I am dedicated to making it a better place for you' (Victoria Stilwell)

This moved me to tears when I first read it and I sincerely hopes that this book will inspire others to feel the same about dogs.

Summary: Very helpful book