The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of Dogs by Dr. Nicholas Dodman is an enjoyable read that involves the reader in the lives of Dr. Dodman's patients. He brings to life the challenges he faced through descriptive prose that explains the various steps required to diagnose a problem and settle upon a treatment. The reader is provided with valuable insight into some of the most common causes of canine behavioral maladies.
Taking a Closer Look
This three part, 253 page paperback addresses three major challenges for dog owners: Aggression, Fear and the Obsessive/Repetitive Dog. Each part is divided into case studies that are presented with humor and sensitivity for the human/canine team needing treatment. At the end of each case study Dr. Dodman gives a summation of the diagnosis and strategy for treatment. These summations are short, sweet and to the point. Each one can be used by the dog owner as he recognizes the symptoms in his canine partner.
As with many books on canine behavior, The Dog Who Loved Too Much takes into account that the human partner is as much a part of the challenge as the dog. Both must face the challenge together, working as a team and communicating on a meaningful level. The therapist is a facilitator. The work is up to the dog and human.
All dog owners at one time or another, experience behavioral challenges with their canine partners. The anecdotes that appear in The Dog Who Loved Too Much will strike a chord with the reader. They will either remember a time when they faced such a challenge or they are currently experiencing one and will find the information presented as helpful. At the very least a dog owner will be made aware that there is help available through canine behavior therapy when the lines of communication between partners have collapsed.
Recommendation: YES
The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of Dogs is an excellent example of some of the fine work in animal behavior that became available in the 1990s. The information in this book is still very relevant and can be a great help when addressing canine behavioral challenges early before they get out of hand. Dr. Dodman's wry humor and straightforward language makes this an enjoyable read.
