I liked the personal stories the best, it is always delightful to read about pets that change from terrified to terrific!

Wood's writing is clear and understandable. Her techniques are loving and compassionate. The drawings in this book are also fabulous. Everyone should buy this book -- not just people with shy dogs.


Help for Your Shy Dog   November 28, 1999
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

I wish that this had been available years ago when I owned a corgi with some of the problems covered in this book. Deborah Wood provides common sense solutions and practical techniques for dealing with shyness and its manifestations in dogs. I didn't pursue obedience beyond the basics, because I felt that my corgi would not enjoy it -- now I realize that continuing in a good training class would have been an excellent way to help her overcome her lack of confidence around strangers. I don't recall seeing another dog training book specifically geared toward these issues, and thought that the profiles of actual dogs and their owners who worked beyond the problems shyness can cause were especially helpful. I'd recommend this book to shelter workers, trainers, and anyone else who wants to add to their general knowledge of dogs. It will have a permanent place on my bookshelf!


This book will save lives   November 16, 1999
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

"Help for Your Shy Dog," is a loving, kind, gentle, patient book that will make life a lot better for shy dogs everywhere.

This book covers everything: dealing with phobias, dealing with submissive urination, dealing with fear of strangers and new places. It's being used by a number of rescue groups in my area, and it's really helped a lot of dogs.

The book also tells the stories of nine shy dogs who became great pets. Wood talks about the positive methods that were used to help these shy dogs come out of their shells.

The book points out that 15 percent of all dogs are shy, and this is the ONLY book to give detailed, helpful advice to the owners of these dogs.

This is a great book. Also, check out her other books, "The Tao of Bow Wow" and "The Tao of Meow."


Disappointing: Not up to par with current behaviorist traine   November 5, 1999
 15 out of 37 found this review helpful

Unfortunately, Ms Wood doesn't offer much in-depth help, and she is not current on association/behavior trends in training. I specifically object to her recommending a collar pop for a fear-biter. I'm recycling my book to take it out of circulation, along with the Monks' and other old-fashioned books.