Lisa Tenzin-Dolma - The Heartbeat at Your Feet: A Practical, Compassionate New Way to Train Your Dog

The Heartbeat at Your Feet

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Heller, Agnes.

Aesthetics and modernity : essays / by Agnes Heller ; edited by John Rundell. Test test test test test test test test test test test test test.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-7391-4131-1 (cloth : alk. paper) -- ISBN 978-0-7391-4132-8 (pbk. : alk. paper) -- ISBN 978-0-7391-4133-5 (electronic)

1. Aesthetics. 2. Postmodernism. I. Rundell, John F. II. Title.

BH39.H445 2011

111'.85--dc22

2010037457

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

Printed in the United States of America

For my daughter, Amber Tenzin-Dolma

A great many people contributed to this book in some waythrough asking for my help with their dogs, entering into discussions on the canine mind, test-reading, or reminding me that a mealtime had passed by some hours ago and I was still sitting at the computer. These are just a few of those to whom I owe heartfelt thanks.

Claire Gerus, my literary agent and an all-round wonder woman. My editor at Rowman & Littlefield , Suzanne Staszak-Silva, who commissioned this book and who patiently answered my technical questions about formatting. Kathryn M. F. Knigge, Suzannes assistant editor. My students at the International School of Canine Psychology (ISCP), who are dedicated to putting the principles into daily practice and who are making such a difference to the publics perception of dogs.

My clients and their dogs, who provided me with many, many opportunities to see the beneficial results of the Sympatico methodand special thanks to those whose stories are shared in this book.

My expert test-readers and givers of valuable feedbackTheo Stewart, chair of the Association of INTO Dogs, provider of a daily fount of inspiration and humor, and an ISCP graduate; and Amelia Welham, my fabulous veterinary surgeon, who treats every animal with the utmost compassion and generously shares her extensive veterinary knowledge. Rachel Parnell, fosterer extraordinaire. Debby Lovell, who asked for (in her own words) the oldest, ugliest dog in rescue and adopted her. Jane Sigsworth, Sue Bosworth, and Pippa Woodward-Smith of the Association of INTO Dogs, who, with Theo and the other members, wholeheartedly promote positive methods. Beverley Cuddy, editor and publisher of Dogs Today magazine and champion of all dogs, especially the underdog.

My friends at the Oldies Club charity, especially Fiona Chalk, Sandra Simpson, Amy Jones, Elaine Wilkinson, Jeanne Stone, Victoria Clare, Angela Chapman, and Aura Beckhfer Fialho, just some of the people who work tirelessly on behalf of senior dogs. And all the fosterers who take care of Oldies Club dogs, who share in celebrating each rehoming and support each other through the grief we all feel when a beloved dog passes away.

My dear friends Jen Govey, Carole Negre, Yolanda Cheung, Cheryl Stringall, and Tony Lowe, who have stuck around through numerous books and provided encouragement, delicious meals, uplifting music, and a great deal of laughter. Many thanks to Annie and Bryan Rawlings, who allowed me to write about their dogs in chapter 6: Whos Training Whom?

My family. My daughter, Amber, to whom this book is dedicatedshe gives boundless unconditional love to every sad and sick dog who arrives at our home. My sister, Julie, whos always happy to spend hours talking about dogs. My sonsRyan, Oliver, Daniel, and Liamwho never say, What? Another dog? My cousin and fellow dog enthusiast, Sue. My parents, who rehomed several unwanted dogs and instilled in me an enduring love for, and fascination with, our four-legged friends.

Every dog I have lived with and worked with has taught me a great dealIm grateful beyond words to all of them. Skye, my canine soul mate, helper, and mentor, welcomes each new dog with open paws and works his own brand of magic on them. Shep, The Shepster, my elderly foster dog, is a supreme example of triumph over adversity and sheer dogged determination. And I treasure the memories of the dogs who brought so much joy during their too-short lives, and who will always hold a special place in my heartTrixie, Zoe, Bobby, Kerry, Carnie, Orla, Lucy, and Tilly.

At Dogs Today magazine we receive a copy of pretty much every book about dogs ever published. Many of them are obviously formulaic and lacking in knowledge, purpose, or passion. But every now and again a really great book comes along that delights and enlightens in equal measures. It is so obvious that Lisa has a great love and understanding of dogs, and through this book others too can better enjoy a more rewarding and positive relationship with their best friend.

Id like everyone contemplating getting a dog to read this book.

When I asked Lisa about her motivation for writing this book, she said, I love dogs and find them fascinating, and I feel strongly that the very special bond that exists between dogs and people should be honored and celebrated.

I am sometimes asked why my life has revolved around dogs, but its usually someone who doesnt have a dog who asks me the question!

Ive spent decades writing and campaigning to try to make things better for dogs for a very simple reason.

A dog named Sally let me into an amazing secret world. She showed me how completely amazing dogs can be. And when I saw that special something in Sally, I started seeing the potential in every dogs face. And it made me incredibly sad how many end up dead because people have messed them up and let them down.

Dogs cant talk; someone needs to speak up for themto point out how incredibly special they are and how they deserve better.

We need books like these that tell us what dogs need to live alongside us harmoniously.

My dear friend and hero Dr. Ian Dunbar once said that there are only four things on the planet that instinctively love man no matter what he does: dogs, horses, dolphins, and women.

Its something we all probably take for grantedbut shouldnt.

Unconditional love is so very rare, yet there are millions of dogs in Britain straining at the leash to deliver it.

If you have ever experienced the love of a good dog, you will know the power of it. It definitely changed me.

Almost twenty years ago my magazine, Dogs Today, had won its first award at the publishing equivalent of the Oscars, and one of the judges, the glamorous editor of a glossy womens magazine, asked me what my next career move would be. When would I be making the progression into real magazines?