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BRINGING LIGHT TO SHADOW - A DOG TRAINER'S DIARY
by Pamela Dennison (See other books by author)
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Publisher: Dogwise Publishing
Edition: 2004 Paperback
, 235 pages
ISBN: 9781929242177
Item: DTB808
Summary: What did Pam get her self in to? A handsome, fearful, human-aggressive Border Collie. A professional dog trainer with too much on her plate. Follow their 18 month journey from doubt to success in this diary of their lives together.
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Expanded Description:
Can this dog be saved?
A fearful, human-aggressive dog.
A trainer who wouldn't give up.
Positive, no-force training methods.
Will this be enough to save Shadow from death row?
The gods that protect fools, optimists, and little children must have known what they were doing when they brought together THIS dog and THIS owner. Shadow was a handsome, fearful, aggressive, one-year-old, second-hand Border Collie. He lashed out at people without warning and avoided human touch. Pam Dennison was a professional dog trainer with 12 years experience and a half dozen successful dog adoptions behind her when she met Shadow. When Pam found Shadow at a Border Collie rescue site on the Internet she was just looking to round out her canine family. Like a match.com date she decided to meet Shadow “just to see” and, because she couldn't think of any reason not to take him home, he became hers. He also became her problem!
Follow their 18-month journey from the early, dark days of fear and frustration to the daylight of confidence and trust. Learn how difficult it is, even for a professional dog trainer, to handle a dog with a past—and a temper too.
Did she regret her decision to adopt Shadow? Yes. Sometimes.
Did she make mistakes along the way? Of course.
Did she resort to punishment? Never once.
Reviews from other canine professionals
Outstanding stuff! Very impressive! I have yet to run into someone with your determination and commitment. It's great to see an animal this far in the hole is now climbing Everest.
Ted Turner, Animal Behaviorist, former director of training at Sea World
Pam reveals what to do and (occasionally) what not to do when working with an aggressive dog.
Ali Brown, Author of Scaredy Dog
I was terrified of Shadow when I first met him. No one had faith that he could be rehabilitated except Pam.
Jane Killion, "Dog Bait" during Shadow's retraining process
Author Pamela S. Dennison is the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Positive Dog Training and her new book, How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong is in the works. A member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), NADOI (National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors), and DWAA (Dog Writers Association of America), Pam competes in several dog sports, teaches a wide range of basic and advanced dog training classes at her training facility in Blairstown, NJ and makes her home with a trio of dogs, including Shadow.
Click here to view an excerpt.
What reviewers are saying...
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Dennison's Bringing Light To Shadow: A Dog Trainer's Diary provides the diary of a dog trainer who turned an aggressive rescue dog into a good pet. Shadow lashed out at people without warning and was dangerous; Dennison was a pro dog trainer who faced a real challenge with her new Internet acquisition. Her mistakes and successes come to life in a diary which tells of a successful achievement. James A. Cox
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| Customer Reviews |
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| Excellent Book-A must read, November 1, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Stacey Modica |
This book is an absolute must read for anyone who has an aggressive or even mildly reactive dog. It is very well written from the owner's perspective as well as comments and thoughts from the trainer's perspective. Knowing Pam and Shadow personally, as I was reading I was so drawn into the story that I forgot that I know him. I was so moved by the events written in this book, that it brought tears to my eyes and parts made me so sad. Then I stopped and realized, hey I know how this ends! But I was still riveted until the absolute end of the book. Pam has to add another book telling us more of Shadow's story after the CGC.
Stacey |
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| Beautifully written, November 2, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Erica |
| My first impression was how the book was written. I could not put it down. It was an easy read and it was beautifully written. The author's humor keeps the book moving and the story keeps you interested to find out how the next day will be for this humbled trainer and fearful dog. You are drawn into their lives and with every sentence you hope they succeed. The author included valuable training tips that are useful for anyone with either an aggressive dog or not. Not only is this a wonderful story, but there are valuable lessons that any dog owner can take away from this book. I know I did! |
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| Amazing!, November 7, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Elise G. |
| I cried when I got the book in the mail... I have waited SO long for something that would relate to what I am going through with my dog and also give me help. And Pam's book hits ALL the issues of working with a shy/reactive dog head on! For anyone that has an aggressive dog, this book should be with you at ALL times. It is a complete work - it will help you with facts and helpful info, inspire you when you feel hopeless about ever making progress, and entertain you when the work seems so tedious. It is intelligent, compassionate, and pragmatic. So, even with the numerous times it made me cry, it's always been the good type of tears... and it still teaches me and helps me stay focused on my work with a reactive pup! I am SO thankful that Pam was willing to write about her experience with Shadow - it is a gift to all dog people who train or just live with (and love) dogs! |
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| The Holey Smokes Award, November 15, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Eve Cutter |
Pam Dennison's book should be in every dog trainer's library. These days, with the problem of agressive dogs growing by leaps and bounds, this story is an inspiration. With care and concern, Pam takes a dog who might otherwise be put to sleep, and turns him into a model K-9 citizen.
Unlike some training books which only mention methods that worked, Pam tells about the things that she did wrong, as well as what proved useful. The book is written in the form of a diary so that one can truly understand how much daily work this undertaking involved. Pam's sense of houmor and writing style make this an educational and awe inspiring read. |
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| Compassionate Words for Both Dog and Handler, December 19, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Katrina Pearthree |
I was trying to think of the kind of person who buys this book - a person who wants a great relationship with their new dog and then comes to experience all the confusion, sadness, ambivalance, fear and sometimes anger, that they can't understand their new companion who sees the world in a fearful way.
I cried all the way through Shadow's book - because I finally learned what I could do with my own fearful dog and my fear too. I was able to learn how to 'read,' my dog's level of stress by simply being aware of tension in his mouth. I learned about 'protected contact,' and how to use this technique to advance to 'accepting a friendly stranger.' And I love the 'go visit command!' The special notations on your own internal dialogue helped me reframe what I was feeling about our sometimes 'slow progress,' or even the 'step backward.'
Until I read 'Shadow,' I never saw the gift and the wonder of how smart my special boy really is. Our walks together have become moments of enjoyment for us, using the lessons I have taken from your work with Shadow. It is a great big world out there - and after five fearful years, my dog Zorro is finally stepping into it - with me. |
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| Shadow Update, June 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Pam Dennison |
I just thought I would update everyone on Shadow's progress since 11/21/01 (the day he got his CGC). He now has his CD (3 runs, 3 legs, 3 placements - two 2nd places and one 3rd place), NA, NAJ (all 1st places), ARCHX, RL3 and TSW and we are working on his ARCHEX. Shads is continuing to do well and still surprises me with his good behavior. He is starting to go blind (black film on his eyes), so I decided not to go on with his competition obedience career or agility (although I do still train for it). He is 9 years old now and still going strong and I am doing quite a bit of trick and freestyle training with him, although I refuse to dress up so will never compete. I did it once and I will never again appear in public in a poodle skirt!
Positives and perserverance do pay! |
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| INSPIRING!, January 1, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Bobby Joe Crayton |
An extraordinary celebration of human potential, family ties, and personal excellence that not only reveals the philosophy behind her own personal success but the reasons why it can work for anyone. Pam conducts a clinic on communication, earning trust, dealing with adversity, and bringing out the best in her dogs, especially Shadow!
Her message is clear, strong, and useful ... capturing the essence of building a dog's 'will to serve' and decreasing a dog's 'will to power' and relating it to some real-life concepts. An excellent book on teaching and leadership principles. Her breezy approach is direct and simple: What's most important is working as a team toward a common goal -- not necessarily to 'win the prize', but to play the best possible game in life.
Pam (like me) is a strong advocate for the use of non-confrontational ways of establishing and maintaining leadership and CONSISTENT teaching from the moment Shadow becomes a part of a family, and observing and assessing just what the problem is, how bad it is, what are possible causes, and then teach and monitor an appropriate intervention technique to handle the problem!
Now, in BRINGING LIGHT TO SHADOW, Pam talks about leadership -- how you earn it, how you practice it, and how you use it to move from an aggressive rescue dog to CGC. From the importance of trust, communication, and pride, to the commitment a leader must make to his/her dog, this insiring book is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs -- or who simply wants to win in any competitive environment today. |
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| Kudos to Pam!!!, January 16, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Nancy Freedman-Smith |
Kudos to Pam for a writing a book about her experiences with rehabbing her aggressive dog Shadow. It is concise and easy to follow.
My favorite part was the hindsight section peppered throughout, where we learn along with her, from her mistakes. The mistake we all tend to make is moving too fast, and Pam's book clearly shows the reader how to take your cues from your dog - learning when to move on and when to back off. I loved that about the book!
The reader gets a very good education on learning theory and behavior, while we see first hand that positive reinforcement training works!
For the dog owner and trainer alike, this book is a gem.
Shadow is one lucky dog!
Nancy Freedman-Smith
Gooddogz Training
New England Border Collie Rescue |
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| Great Read!, January 31, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Niki Lamproplos |
Pam Dennison's new book about the rehabilitation of an aggressive dog, 'Bringing Light to Shadow: A Dog Trainer's Diary,' kept me reading long past my bedtime.
Each dog who enters our lives has something to teach us, if we are open to learning. Shadow taught Pam a great deal about the mechanics and art of training. Most important, he taught her to really see what was before her eyes with a minimum of the ego we all bring to the table when we negotiate for change with another being.
To paraphrase a gifted trainer who mentored Pam, if we want better dogs we must become better human beings. I deeply admire and value Pam's ability to acknowledge her doubts, frustration, and mistakes. She is unflinchingly honest about her own journey to become a better human being.
Pam's growing commitment to Shadow and her determination to modify his behavior using exclusively positive reinforcement is certainly laudable. I especially appreciate the diary format, which gives you a real-time picture of both the depth and breadth of the work involved in Shadow's rehabilitation.
As a dog behavior consultant, I know that many families I work with do not have the time or the emotional resources to pursue this kind of rehabilitation program. Reading Pam's diary, I myself am boggled that she managed to maintain a business, a marriage, and strong relationships with her other dogs while working intensively with Shadow. However, for those who do want to attempt this work, Pam's book provides a window into the commitment that is involved, including the inevitable but disheartening regression that is part of the learning process, and the triumph that can be achieved. |
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| , March 10, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Michele Yon |
| Bringing Light to Shadow: A Dog Trainer’s Diary is the story of Shadow, and his transformation from a seriously human-aggressive dog into a Canine Good Citizen. Pam brought Shadow home without fully understanding the extent of the problems he harbored, or the lengths to which she would need to go to fix this broken boy. Through tedious observations, conveyed to the reader in diary format, we learn both what worked for Shadow and aided in his rehab, and what failed. Yes, this dog trainer actually tells us about her failures and Shadow’s regressions! By sharing such information with her readers, she provides valuable lessons not often available in the pages of a training manual. Additionally, this book contains a few very useful features. When the author introduces new concepts, they are highlighted in a concept box, so that the reader may fully understand the passage. Similar technique is used for hindsights (remember, this book is a diary that Pam kept as life with Shadow was unfolding before her). It is tempting to the animal lover in some of us to fantasize of turning an aggressive dog into a happy family pet. If this describes you, this book will wake you up from your daydream, yet at the same time will help you understand that it is possible for an aggressive dog to become a good citizen. Before you think of saving the animal at the shelter that nobody wants, read this book. If you find yourself living with an aggressive dog, read this book. If you want to be inspired by the very very difficult work of others, or by one black and white dog’s resiliency and willingness to trust again, read this book! |
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| Reassurance for the Novice Trainer, March 19, 2005 |
| Reviewer: K.F. |
| This book is a real life account, with all the ups and downs, of a Professional's experience training her own dog. Being a novice trainer with a difficult dog, I sometimes doubt my own abilities to make progress. It was quite reassuring to learn that the training process can be challenging, even for a Pro. The insight I have gained regarding patience and perseverence has been invaluable, and has helped me make great strides with my own training! |
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| , March 21, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Sally D. |
| I couldn't believe how great this book was and what a difference it's made with my aggressive dog and how much progress we've made since I started to take much smaller steps. |
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| Not for Everyone, May 20, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Heather |
I found this book to be fascinating, yet it could not hold my attention. The work that Pamela Dennison did to rehabilitate Shadow is unbelievable. If Shadow would have ended up with anyone else, he would have been put down or turned into a backyard dog. Her work with him was truely amazing.
However, it was very difficult reading the book and it took me months to get through it. It is written like a journal and many of the entries were almost duplicates of previous entries. I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again. This may have been because Pamela had to take training Shadow very slowly, but it still wasn't a good read.
Overall, if you are a dog trainer and want to learn about how to train out aggression issues in a fearful dog, buy the book. If you are an average dog lover who dabbles in training their dog, skip it. |
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| Wonderful Insight!, September 7, 2006 |
| Reviewer: N. Stroop |
We lived a couple of years in Yugoslavia and rescued a few dogs there. One in particular, a beautiful Rottie, we named 'Brooklyn', was severely abused and had been a fighting dog.
We found him at 9 mos, a mere 78 lbs, covered in scabs and tears and seeing his ribcage- he was a heartbreaker. He had been fought in dog rings across the region. He LOVED people, but would go balistic at the sight of another dog. We were working with vets, trainers and anyone else who could help to remedy his attack nature. He eventually began to go after people too. A risk we could not take.
Since being forced to Euthanise him, I have become almost obsessed with finding out how we could have helped him more, what went wrong, how to prevent it in the future for another animal. I just can't forgive myself for failing him. He was a great friend and companion and I still mourn his loss these 3 years later.
Pams' accounts spoke to me, made me cry, made me laugh and as a 'layman' in animal training, helped me see more clearly a side of dog psychology I had never understood before. It is repetitive- as dog training is-but I found the accounts so true to our own experiences and so very insightful, that it was reassuring, we had done just about everything we could with Brooklyn. A little more knowledge and experience perhaps, who knows?
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone in the midst of or simply interested in rehabilitating such a dog. Well worth the read and VERY helpful to a layman/novice! Pam is obviously as passionate about her work as she is talented. |
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| This book saved me and my dog, October 6, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Barb |
| I couldn't disagree more with the reader who said it was a difficult read. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a weekend. It was referred to me when my 2 year old rescue bit my face. I am a novice dog owner and was completely overwhelmed by the experience. Pam helped me, through this book, put things in perspective, and realize there were options, and hope. I've done a lot of reading and working with my guy since, and he has come SO far, and it scares me to think what the results would have been if Bringing Light to Shadow hadn't brought me some clarity. Most of us won't have the luxury of time and space to work with our dogs like Pam had with Shadow, being a trainer, but it at least pointed me in the right direction and gave me hope. Spanky is a different dog now, and this book started me on the right path. Thanks Pam, big woof from Spanky to Shadow! |
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| Not just another Training book!, October 15, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Alison Brendel |
| This book is wonderful in it's insight, but the format of the book itself, that of a journal is wonderful. I used this book to give me some insight into a very shy and traumatized dog and I was so scared of making him worse. He would panic and bolt, was unable to have people approach him and was tense and scared at any sort of human interaction. He was never aggressive, but thoroughly unsure and wary of a human's motives in trying to touch him. The fact that this wasn't a manual and that Ms. Dennison was able to see her mistakes, gave me the freedom to try new ideas with my dog. It helped me try things and evaluate his reaction to them and adjust accordingly. I could see when I was starting to push to far on something and learned to back off. He's since earned his CGC and while he's not perfect, he and I have a very good relationship and he continues to improve every day. This book has helped me more than any other to see small increments of improvement and thus help my dog more. Learning to see the small things has really made me be able to feel like I can make a difference where before I felt helpless because I couldn't see the baby steps. I didn't feel like we were getting anywhere. A book worth reading for anyone but especially those of us with a dog that has a less than perfect past. Thank you Ms. Dennsion and thank you Shadow for letting the rest of us experience the lessons that you taught each other. |
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| , January 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Lindsay |
| This book is excellent - I love that the author details everything she did with Shadow, including the mistakes she made. Wonderful resource for anyone with a reactive dog. |
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| Pulls you in!, December 4, 2014 |
| Reviewer: Nicoline Mann |
| This book surprised me as it is much more than just a book about working with an 'aggressive' dog. The amount of effort Pam put into working with Shadow is beyond impressive. More than that, was her honesty about the mistakes and setbacks she made. It gives hope to those of us who feel at times that we, and our dogs are beyond help. I have never known a dog as lost as Shadow was when Mrs. Dennison got him and she does have resources most of us don't (regular access to a training field, myriads of helping friends & her own training center), however there is still very helpful information in this book that almost anyone could put to excellent use. It is also enthralling and captivating and reads like a novel. |
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| Very eye opening, January 6, 2015 |
| Reviewer: Christy Munden |
| Living with a dog with agression is tough. This book gave me alot of insight in what to watch for and gives me faith that with proper management it is survivable. |
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| Amazing Book, October 24, 2016 |
| Reviewer: Johanna Bouchard |
| This amazing book is not only inspirational, it's very practical in showing how the trainer -step by step, day by day, week by week- was able to successfully rehabilitate her human-aggressive dog using only positive-based training methods. Though I've read Dennison's other book on aggression, How To Right A Dog Gone Wrong, Bringing Light To Shadow really helped fill in the blanks for me and helped me to better 'see' what the process looks like from beginning to end. This book was very helpful for me in working with my own fear-aggressive dog. Highly recommended! |
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Gus lives in Hopewell VA and is a German Shepherd.
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