Celebrating Greyhounds

Spring 2011 issue

How Many Dogs?! is not your typical dog training book. As announced in the subtitle, this book will teach you to use positive reinforcement training to manage a multiple dog household. It is filled with practical ideas for turning pandemonium into peace.

The book addresses a multitude of practicalities such as mealtime manners, sleeping arrangements, leaving your dogs at home alone, and group walks. In addition, the author explains how to add a new dog to your home. Equally important in the chapter entitled “The Fur is Flying,” she reiterates that rehoming a new dog who is not successfully adjusting to your pack is an act of love for both the new dog and the canine family who trusts you to keep them safe and secure.

The conversational style of How Many Dogs?! makes this resource an easy and enjoyable read. Throughout the book the author first describes the specific techniques, then gives real-life examples of how people have implemented these techniques to suit their specific situations. She offers basic training in a positive manner, including teaching important cues such as drop it and leave it, how to recall, and loose leash walking. Further, she is quick to recommend specific circumstances under which it is imperative that you consult a professional.

Finally, she includes in the book resources organized by topic, such as aggression, body language, and reactivity.

Because this is not a Greyhound-specific book, you may wish to consider whether some of the recommended techniques such as tethering and crating are appropriate for your hound. That being said, this book is chockfull of helpful information whether you have two dogs or ten, no matter what the breed.

Author Debby McMullen began training dogs and their owners in 1998. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, a founding member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.