Just how successful the bond between man and dog is depends on the dog's ability to ‘read’ us and our moods, so the more we understand about our own behaviour, the better we can influence our dog's responses. The anxieties of an owner can be reflected in their dog's behaviour, and the same is true of a calm, even-tempered owner. Sometimes we encounter difficulties in life, work and relationships; CBT can help reduce the emotional impact of these struggles on ourselves, and, in turn, our relationship with our dog. A dog may be man's best friend, but first, we need to be our own best friend. This book will show you how.
Your dog and you ... understanding the canine psyche examines the relationship between people and dogs from a psychological perspective, incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to facilitate this: uniquely, the first time that CBT has been used to help owners relate to their dogs. A dog's behaviour can be a reflection of the emotions an owner may be experiencing; it follows that insight into our behaviour using CBT to reduce emotional unrest will, in turn, be reflected in our dog's behaviour. Dogs have had to become experts at reading people in order to live with us. By understanding our dog and how he responds to us, we can comprehend more about our world and how our dog sees us. Dogs are naturally expert psychologists, and have, over centuries, been bred and domesticated to live harmoniously with us. That they have – in the main – achieved this so well reflects this amazing animal’s ingenuity.
The psyche of your dog
Your psychology: how much are you and your dog alike ?
The psychology between you and your dog
Learn the basics of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Discover how your emotional state can impact on your dog
Identify how you are feeling and what signals you are giving off
Use CBT to help minimise and take control of unsettling feelings
Discover how your dog learns from your emotional role model
