Awareness Centered Training - ACT

by Maureen Ross

Trainers, behaviorists, and big businesses have embraced the liberal use of positive techniques, philosophies and equipment for decades. Accompanying this is the buzz about leadership, alpha statuses, along with advice on what we should or shouldn’t feed our dogs, when to feed them, and how much to feed them. What if it is as simple as ABC and 123—breathing, eating, playing and smiling? Awareness Centered Training (ACT) gives us permission to

• joyfully and easily train (JET) our dogs without fear of right or wrong

• mindfully shape natural behaviors with SAM (socialization and manners)

• quickly integrate training for a few minutes each day, playing Doggy Diner

• reduce sensory overload with “ahha!” moments of peace and stillness

• connect using body language, breathing, and the magic of your smile

• empower yourself and your dog with skills you can use anywhere

• creatively balance energy while enhancing well-being

• let go of what doesn’t matter and go with the flow (wolf )

• change life for the better with dogs as translators for learning and healing

While you train with awareness, unhealthy patterns in your life can begin to vanish. This is not because of a book, social media, or life doing something to you. It is because you and your dog are doing something different together. Enjoy the journey.

418 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2012

About the author

Maureen is the founder of Dog Talk Training and Wellness Sanctuary LLC, training and behavior coaching and a founding member of New England Pet Partners Inc, pet assisted therapy training and resources - and Daily Doga. She is also the author of Train Your Dog, Change Your Life and publications on human / dog relationships and well being. She is living and learning, in awe, with dogs in New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Sarah]

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. I will provide an honest review when I'm finished reading it. Stay tuned!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ACT is a wonderful training tool for new dog owners as well as experienced dog owners! An easy read with clear concise outlines how to implement training exercises into daily life with your dog(s). Maureen relates her own experiences, the ease the not so easy and truly difficult, with seriousness offset with humor that drives the point of developing and maintaining awareness in all interactions with your canine family. This book is about your relationship with your dog(s), and helping them to relate to the world in which they can have a full, safe life. All dogs deserve that the people who love them and live with them read this book! This is a book that as a person with multiple dogs I will read and re-read sections as a refresher, this is a read that doesn't have an end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good relationship with their dog(s).