Understanding families will help trainers solve dog problems
Experienced dog behavior consultants and trainers know that their work is as much about people as it is about dogs. The intense and sometimes complicated nature of relationships between families and their dogs can interfere with even the best-planned canine management and behavior modification program. Dog owners can unknowingly undermine the most promising plan but The Family in Dog Behavior Consulting will help animal behavior professionals be more effective by teaching them how to assess the impact on family dynamics that include relationships with companion dogs.

Get better results in your dog behavior consulting and training business
• Learn the basics of family systems theory and how it applies to family interactions with dogs.
• Understand key concepts such as life-cycle changes, triangulation, “rules,” joining, and reframing.
• Help families learn to engage successfully in problem-solving.
• Utilize the study questions in the appendix to enhance your learning.

What dog training professionals say about The Family in Dog Behavior Consulting
True compassion for all concerned comes from an impartial therapeutic attitude so all parties involved feel “safe” to express and learn. The judgmental tendencies that many have makes their work less effective—therefore fewer animals are helped.
Brenda Aloff, CDBC, Author of Canine Body Language and Aggression in Dogs

Understanding the dynamics of families is critical to our success in changing the behavior of the pet. And sometimes we even need to change the behavior of the human client.
Dani Weinberg, PhD, Author of Teaching People, Teaching Dogs

If only I had Lynn’s book when I started working with people and dogs…(Now) I finally understand why I was not successful in changing (human) behavior…I needed to think much more about how to assess and influence change within a family rather than lecturing them on the needs of the dog!
Mary Burch PhD, Author of How Dogs Learn.

Finally, a book that gives dog trainers and behavior consultants the tools they need to address the family dynamics that impact follow through with behavior and training recommendations!...Lynn Hoover shares ways to facilitate change and avoid becoming entangled in family dysfunction.
Veronica Sanchez, M.Ed., CABC

Lynn D. Hoover,MSW, CDBC is president and founder of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is an experienced and innovative certified dog behavior consultant, a Clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and serves on the Journal Review Board for Animal Behavior Consulting: Theory and Practice. She has a private consulting practice in Pittsburgh, PA where she lives with her husband, two children, two dogs and a horse.

What reviewers are saying...

animaltalk.com
“The first book of its kind, this is really a book for professionals working in the field of dog behavior consulting but it's a fine read for any intelligent dog owner who would like to understand how the family dynamics impact the family dog. Hoover sets out to show how to create the best possible outcome for dog and family during counseling sessions, providing insight into the human psyche. The dog is part of the family grouping and the point is to create a positive atmosphere for all concerned. Hoover, the founder and president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants is also a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, making her well-qualified to write this book.” Rated 5 paws out of 5 Darlene Arden