GET TO KNOW YOUR DOG. Renowned expert dog trainer and bestselling
author of Lucky Dog Lessons Brandon McMillan unpacks the unique and
often misunderstood 15,000-year evolutionary history governing a dog's
every move.
Most dog owners know the truth--their dogs are totally incompatible with
the modern world. Instincts like herding, chasing, and protecting have
no natural outlet and frequently result in chewing, barking, nipping,
jumping, lunging, and worse. However, as McMillan argues in these pages,
the solution isn't as simple as mastering "sit" and "stay."
No matter what kind of dog you have, no matter how old or young or well
trained or well-bred, your beloved companion is strongly influenced by
his DNA. The result of these genetic distinctions shows up in every inch
and action--from the size and shape of a dog's head (and the brain
inside it) to the length and curve of his tail, from the texture of her
fur to the webbing (or lack of webbing) between her toes. It's in their
lung capacity, their tolerance for heat and cold, their appetites for
food and exercise, and whether and how they bark. It goes beyond their
structure and deep into their psychological profiles. Perhaps you're
lucky enough to have a dog with more than a few breeds mixed in, which
makes this information all the more crucial to know and understand.
In The Story of Your Dog, McMillan breaks down why your dog acts the
way it does, so you can train better and easier, with fewer missteps and
miscommunications, and bond in ways you never thought possible. It is an
invitation to get to know the sometimes frustrating but always
incredible dog at the other end of the leash.