Discover the unforgettable story of a dog trainer pushed to her limits-and the remarkable Belgian Tervuren who changed everything.
What happens when a professional dog trainer finds herself living with a reactive dog? For award-winning trainer Laura Christiansen, the answer was a journey filled with frustration, breakthroughs, and ultimately transformation. Loving Mick, My Reactive Dog is part memoir, part guide, and all heart.
A Story of Love and Struggle
From the moment Mick arrived as a puppy, it was clear he was no ordinary dog. Early puppy socialization gone wrong, combined with health issues and a sensitive personality, created a perfect storm. What followed was a battle to manage barking, lunging, and fear, while still honoring the deep bond between trainer and dog. This is the raw, unfiltered account of what it's truly like to live life with a reactive dog.
Training Through Compassion
Instead of relying on punishment, Laura learned that force-free dog training, empathy, and patience were the only paths forward. Through scent work, games, and behavior modification, Mick began to heal. Readers will discover practical insights on training anxious dogs, calming anxious dogs, and building trust without a shock collar.
Lessons for Every Dog Owner
More than a manual, this book is a heartfelt dog memoir. It shows how perseverance, love, and science can come together to change the life of even the most challenging dog. Along the way, Laura shares timeless life lessons from dogs, practical dog training tips, and her experience as a memoir of a dog trainer.
If you've ever struggled with an anxious or reactive dog, or simply want to understand canine emotions more deeply, this book is for you.