Every Dog's Survival Guide to Living with a Neurotic Owner

by Steve Duno

This book was humourly written for any dog or dog owner who has questions. Dear Gabby the sagest of all canines, just may have the answer you are searching for. Similar to Dear Abby it is fun manner in which to find your place in the situation at hand and what you can do.

248 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Veteran pet behaviorist/​author Steve Duno has to date authored eighteen books and scores of magazine and web articles. He has covered a wide variety of subject matter on both dogs and cats, including basic training, aggression, environmental enrichment, behavior modification, breed profiling, trick training, and pet health care. His career in dog training began in 1989 when he rescued Lou, a feral six month-old Rottweiler/​shepherd. The offspring of guard dogs on a Mendocino marijuana grow, the sick and injured Lou was both smart and wild. In an effort to tame the intelligent pup, Duno inadvertantly began his twenty year career as a behaviorist and trainer. Together, Duno and Lou helped to save hundreds of dogs from euthanasia. Formerly a teacher in New York City and Los Angeles, he currently lives in Seattle with his family and an ever-changing assortment of rescued pets.

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dog handbook written by "a dog" to dogs everywhere. Steve Duno writes his how-to book for dog owners from the perspective of one dog to another. The format of the book are letters from dogs with issues, followed by letters from the advice dog-narrator on how the dog's owner can correct the situation. It is a very cute premise, and there is great advice on dog ownership in here. From behavioral corrections to proper care and feeding, Duno covers the practicalities in a fun manner. It's easy to read and a great reference guide for people looking to get a dog, or those who are having issues with their dogs.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a first time dog owner who has wanted a dog very much for several years now, this book was very informative. There are certain things, I admit, that I will not take the book's advice on (I enjoy cuddling with my dogs too much to kick them out of bed, for example, and don't have a problem with them being on the furniture at all,) but over-all it gave me a good idea of what to expect when living with and raising dogs. Very accessibly written.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting take on a training manual... kinda humerous, and definitely easy to read - b/c each "letter" is its own chapter... great for "small blocks of time".