Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training Crazy Dogs from Over the Top to Under Control

by Laura VanArendonk Baugh

SOME DOGS NEED A LITTLE HELP.

Some dogs are afraid, or excited, or reactive. Dogs that “don’t listen” and “go crazy” don’t live the lives we – or they – want.

Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out can change that. Simple steps and an accessible, conversational tone from award-winning, internationally-known trainer Laura VanArendonk Baugh CPDT-KA KPACTP make calming the agitated dog not only possible, but pleasant.

Inside you’ll learn how to

- Achieve change in short, simple training sessions of a minute or less
- Maximize the effects of natural brain chemistry
- Know when to call in medical help
- “Clean up” unreliable behaviors in both overexcited sport dogs and pets at home
- Recognize how fear, aggression, and excitement are variants of the same root problem

The conversational tone is both informative and fun — very accessible, and it feels like the reader has a consulting trainer standing at her shoulder! Bring your dog from emotional to thoughtful, and enjoy a calmer, more enriched life with your best friend.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Reference, Audiobook

174 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2013

About the author

Laura was born at a very early age and never looked back. She overcame her childhood deficiencies of having been born without teeth and unable to walk, and by the time she matured into a recognizable adult she had become a behavior analyst, an internationally-recognized and award-winning animal trainer, a costumer/cosplayer, a chocolate addict, and of course a writer.

Laura writes fantasy in a variety of subgenres as well as non-fiction in the art and science of behavior and training.

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Reviews

[Bo Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't put this too bluntly: This book saved my dog's life. My wife was ready to bail and drop her off at the city pound. We had been to classes and to private trainers. My wife was overwhelmed and done. I begged for one more chance. A friend recommended this book, and it was a godsend. Thank you Laura VanArendonk Baugh. Misty is not only still in our home, but she is a much beloved, welcome family member. You taught me to understand her and give her what she needs.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a reaffirming and funny reminder for staying the course and why "its the little things" the "baby steps" that help us, help our fearful dogs to overcome. We have litter mates- one is a "ramp up" dog to her fear triggers (gets excited and lunges), the other is a "ramp down" (cowers, pants, licks, avoids). It presented the hardest of all training challenges, but mat work, clicker training, and "getting scientific" with stats is helping us to not rush ahead with it for them. This is a funny book, great tips, and a quick read for those of us who have a lot on our plate. I highly recommend it- the only way it would be better is if there was a tool in the back to help split goal behaviors into workable training sessions. That took practice on our part but it would have been nice to have a tool early on.

[Valarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My dog’s trainer recommend this book.

Things I learned!

1. Break training into itsy bitsy steps. I’m probably always going too fast
2. A training session can be 30 seconds and that’s great
3. Don’t introduce verbal cues too soon
4. If I end up with a reactive dog I’m hiring a professional. One who uses force free training.

[Rebeka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable dog behaviour book that deals with canine anxiety and keeps it as simple as possible. The lessons it contains are mainly such:

1. Mat training and hand targets are the two main tools.
2. Proper clicker use.
3. Splitting target behaviours into very small and manageable steps.
4. Desensitization.
5. Training duration.

The author also goes into the why of all these things, in a relatively accessible language. There were a few things I hadn't properly grasped until she put it in specific terms. Just like most dog books on specific behaviour, it is short and to the point.

I recommend this for any dog enthusiast, or people dealing with an anxious dog - one that seems to either shut down or become unmanageably hyper and unable to take any direction.

[Magen - Inquiring Professional Dog Trainer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid book for someone who hasn't read anything about fearful or anxious dogs. The book isn't really laid out in a good order. Read the whole thing before you work the program. It also doesn't go into enough detail. I don't think this is the only book you should read on the subject, especially if you have a fear aggressive dog. But for a mild problem and someone willing to dig deep into this to find the steps, this book could be sufficient. This is to a certain extent Karen Overall's Relaxation Protocol with a clicker, though not as well laid out. Her protocol might not be better than VanArendok Baugh, but it's much more clear and concise, and thus a better option for the inexperienced dog trainer of a fearful dog. Also, adding the clicker is a problem for dogs who become excited by the clicker (i.e. my dog). I didn't really feel like there was much else new here. The one thing she offered I hadn't come across elsewhere is to eventually have you wait until the dog puts his or her head on the mat to click. It could be a useful way to trick your dog into learning to relax on the mat, though I'm not sure how much I think having the head down will improve or quicken the results, but it probably doesn't hurt to incorporate it, if your dog offers it.

For a more indepth coverage of what is going on with a fearful dog, read books by Patricia McConnell or Marty Becker. For working with a fearful dog, also consider Grisha Stewart (Behavior Activation Therapy 2.0 - B.A.T) and Patricia McConnell (Cautious Canine).

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book, written in often humorous layman terms, that would be beneficial for anyone who is working with, or who has ever worked with, a overly reactive dog (which I currently have).

I love the authors idea of splitting, of breaking a new scenario down into many many tiny baby steps, to give the dog time to make progress and earn his rewards while not "going off the deep end" by progressing too fast.

I am using ideas from this book with my current over-reactive retriever mix, and am using them with my rat terrier also, for a comparison, not that he is necessarily "fired up, frantic, and freaked out"...no, he is just a rescued rat terrier with all the behaviors that go with the breed! Interestingly, he picked up targeting almost instantaneously, and learned what the clicker meant pretty much just as fast. So he's smart, he is still...a terrier.

I like the fact that the author used this method with her own over-reactive dog Laev. Nice that this is something she has personal experience with. And since I see the author is a Goodreads author, I'm going to throw a quick question in here, on the off chance she reads this review. Laura, what marker did you use with Laev for mat work since you say the clicker was too stimulating? I am having that issue also for the total relaxation part, and find that the click and "relax" are not computing for my reactive dog. Thanks in advance if you happen to read this!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an easy-to-read resource for anybody that has a dog with any kind of impulse control issues. Any scientific terms used are thoroughly explained in a way that anybody can understand them. The exercises are broken into tiny pieces that virtually guarantee the dog's success. The ideas are useful and the end result is attainable by trainers and owners alike.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent information if you have a reactive or low threshold (like Molly) dog. Moly is already do great with mat work and it's only been a few minutes here and there a couple times a day. My only complaint is that she could have used a better editor. A handful of sentences were very awkward, bordering on not making sense.

[Eggbeater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was helpful. I won't know for sure how helpful until I get a little further along in my training with my dog, but I am hopeful. The instructions were easy to follow and my dog is responding. I like this method because it only uses positive reinforcement and gradual desensitization.

[Diana]

Kinda dnfed, kinda flipped thru

[♏Vanessa♏ · Rating 4 out of 5]

like it a lot. the book is very short and i think an audiobook isnt the best way to assimilate all the info as inhad to take notes. i would recommend a ebook or physical book.

[drea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover and title are a little goofy, but this is good little accessible guide to using positive reinforcement to help calm your dog when they're reactive. I used the mat exercises to help her not get so activated when people come in the house and she's improved a lot.

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I woke up early and read this book cover to cover, I really enjoyed it!

A simple book to assist working with a dog that regularly freaks out in certain situations. I've used the techniques or similar previously but loved having all the information in one place and a step by step guide on how to put it into action.

The book backed up and confirmed a lot of the stuff I already knew but really stressed the point of slicing, making the steps as small and easy as possible for success.

A fantastic book and I'll be looking up for books, articles and blogs by Laura in the future.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for pet owners with dogs that are sometimes less than perfect. Even those with dog training experience sometimes need reminders of the basics! I bought it as an e-book and a paperback, and have already lended the paperback out, I have a feeling I may have to buy another!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice overview

[Stephani · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lamenting the dog's past changes nothing. No matter what the background or how we came here, we work with the dog we have." - Laura VanArendonk Baugh, CPDT-KA KPACTP

[Holly *I have no idea what I’m doing* Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Fully explained actions and honesty with the patience needed to accomplish this technique.

[Birdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a dog who responds to situations (the doorbell, seeing another dog, etc.) with reactive (emotional) behavior, either by ramping up or shutting down, this book will be a great help. It teaches you to train the dog to learn to relax. This increases their rational response to stimuli and gives them coping skills. The book stresses the importance of splitting behaviors into tiny increments to guarantee the dog's success as it learns. I also learned so much about reading my dog's stress levels, so that I can be much better about not putting her in situations that overwhelm her with anxiety. She is becoming a calm and wonderful dog who does better in more situations than when we started. I think she will continue to improve.

[Lauren Siegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had one amazing, practical exercise that will be great for my dog. That is of itself made this book worth it. I have done a lot of research on this topic and have read an article from this author that covered similar ground, so some of it was repetitive for me. However, I want to rate this book for others who don't have that experience. This book provides great fundamentals and frame in which to approach training your frenzied dog. I like that she made it applicable to all sorts of freaked out behaviors, as every dog is different.

I'd like this book to be longer and to have more content. I want to know more and work through this on more angles with my dog.

[Jess Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

It works! A nicely explained practice of an advanced technique for anyone to master. Highly recommend using this as a tool if your dog is out of control. It takes patience and inadvertently doubles as meditation for the human as you concentrate on your hound’s progress. Worth re-reading a few times to absorb the important details that can be missed in the first few reads, as the simple language doesn’t always emphasise the importance of some steps in this rewarding program - it’s a great feeling; changing a dogs emotional state and seeing a stressed animal finally relax.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I just finished reading this book and I wanted to know if others had and what their opinions were. This is a book that is designed to work with the reactive/fearful/shy/aggressive dog type. I read it because I was worried that my dog was heading down that path. After reading that book, I realized that he wasn't---which was very relieving.

I found this book to be of mixed use. I really dislike the idea of the mat as a crutch, and feel like the same thing could be accomplished by teaching an auto sit/down and presenting stimuli with the dog choosing similar behaviors. Mostly, it is a visual cue but it is a very cumbersome one. Going on walks and such, you already have so much to carry (treats, clicker, leash, sometimes an umbrella, and in our case a water bottle to clean up messes outside of peoples yards. Japan)

The general concepts were very interesting and right on with what I have learned about cognitive processes in teaching. Giving the dog something to think about is a good way to handle a situation, teaching them to assess on their own is also a good thing to do. I just feel like other ways are more viable. I may be too much a fan of kikopup who does a similar training process without the crutch of a mat.

But for some people, I think this works well. It gives the person something to hold on to, and becomes just as much a security blanket for the owner as the dog. This can be a good thing since dogs pick up our emotional state. the more stressed we are, the more stressed they become. So I can see how this technique would be useful for some people and dogs, and not others. I would still recommend this book because of that. The book isn't bad, nor is it badly written--very clear, straightforward and easy to follow. It just isn't in sink with my style. And as I have said in another thread, the method of training should mesh with the trainer. If it doesn't, there is a huge disconnect between the trainer and the learner.

[Twila Newey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This approach looked like it might be effective, but was way too complicated for me. I would refer anyone looking for help with over-excitable dogs to https://theonlinedogtrainer.com/. We have tried a number of methods with our Whoodle and seen little to no progress over the past three months. With Dan's methods, in only five days he's starting to learn to calm down. It's nothing short of miraculous.

[Megan Fennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful, humorous, and utterly reassuring! This book made the prospect of working with a always-ready-to-party rescue puppy significantly less daunting, breaking the training process down into manageable (for both me and puppy!) steps, with easy to understand but scientifically grounded explanations. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone feeling overwhelmed or frustrated in the dog-training process.

[Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I'd learn more than I did based on recommendations for this book, but most of it covered information I'd already come across. I did pick up a few pointers, and it made me want to re-try clicker training, so it wasn't all bad. If you haven't come any of this info about clicker training and breaking training down into tiny bits before, it'd be worth reading.

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book!

Unlike many other KU books I've read on dog training, this has real, helpful advice you can use right now to help your dog. If your dog is anxious, you may still need professional help, but this can get you started.

If your dog isn't anxious, but is displaying unwanted behaviors like jumping on people, this book can still help.

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

while we are still working our way though the training plan outlined in the book, given our interactions with behaviorists in the past, this outlines a very similar plan, as well as offering an extended amount of reasoning. I do recommend giving this plan a proper try if you have a dog that is reactive.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable information and training tips/philosophy. My deduction of a star is based on the editing and layout of the book.

There were multiple pages that either ended mid-sentence but the next page started on a new paragraph, or ended with a finished paragraph and next page started mid-sentence. It was very hard to follow when reading because of it. But overall, the info is good.

[Emma Orland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty straight forward read, but good reminders on the basics. It was slightly disappointing that there wasn’t a lot of exposition - there was no justification for points I disagreed with, nor elaboration on topics I found interesting. A nice reminder anyway to always give the dog time to think and make decisions.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an easy and interesting book to read! I love her approach to dog training and that she teaches the humans what is actually happening in a dog's brain that causes this training to work. I can't wait to get started on this protocol to see how it works with my dog!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this, and reread it and then reread it again.

I can not recommend it enough for anyone who needs a little help and guidance training their "crazy" dogs. It was a total life (and sanity) saver.