Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs | Suzanne Clothier

Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs | Suzanne Clothier | This book is a Masterpiece

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Bones Would Rain f...

	Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs Suzanne Clothier Grand Central Publishing, 2005 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 78 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Definitely not a training book full of stale do+s and don+ts, BONES WOULD RAIN FROM THE SKY is a beautifully written exploration of the ways in which humans can establish a better rapport with their dogs. Positing that owners+ relationships with their canine companions have the power to make them more human-and humane-the author examines the way owner/dog relationships go wrong, and how owners can make them right. Profound and practical, the book offers new insights into behavioral -problems,+ improved communication, and mutual respect and trust, while challenging readers to re-examine their own attitudes and discover the joy in a genuine partnership.

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Not a how to but an absolute Go to

I am just finishing this book and while it doesn't give cookie cutter solutions to individual behaviors it does give one of the best explantions of how to deepen your relationship with your dog, per the title. Unfortunately, like everythng else in American Society we want predigested pills and solutions for every little thing. If you are looking for a recipe this book does not give you one. But as she says you can make a meal from a recipe but to be a cook you need to learn by feel. As to the length it isn't a quick read but you have to hear or read something 7 times to remember it and having it be restated from a different angle can make the difference between getting the concept and just reading it.

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This book is a Masterpiece

This book is one of my all time favorites. One of my wife's friends gave it to her, and I read decided to read it, because I like the title.

I'm glad it did. This has turned out to be one of my all time favorite books.

This isn't a dog training book. It is much more than that. There are several key sections that echo in my brain, whenever I am out on the training field working with my dog, or watching others interact with their dogs, or just quietly observing my dogs going about their day.

If you love dogs, this book is a must read.

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So Much More Than Training

I love this book. I have had it for about 4 years and still pick it up and read a few chapters. It is a tenderly written book by someone who is wise and understands that we would like to live with our dogs in the richest way possible.

While reading a wonderful business book - "Why Dogs Wag Their Tails - Lessons for Leaders..." by Sherri McArdle and Jim Ramerman, I hauled out my dog-eared copy of Bones and was deeply impressed by Suzanne Clothiers understanding of leadership. Real leaders, like leaders of a pack, always act in the best interests of those they lead.

This book will have you looking deep into your soul, which is always a good thing.

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Mixed Emotions

When I first began reading this book I was in agreement with the five star positive reviews that I see on Amazon. I think Ms. Clothier's writing style is poetic, witty, and engaging. However, upon further reading and reflection, there is one aspect of this book that does concern me. I still recommend the book, but with an observation. The author is critical of compulsive training methods, and yet does not offer tangible, PRACTICAL alternatives. As a trainer myself, I have read many books about dogs. I get disappointed by what I perceive as the tendency to be black and white, in what often appears to be a marketing tactic. It's the my way is the only way approach that I question. I do understand that this book is about our relationships with dogs, and not training per se. But then I think one should be careful about criticizing training methods and philosophies without providing real life alternatives.

Several times throughout the book I was moved to tears by Suzanne's deep, thoughtful, and emotional portrayal of her life with dogs. My concern however, is that while this portrayal is beautiful, I do not think its completely realistic. For example, she talks about dogs wanting to be with us if the relationship is right, and if we are perceived as the leader. While I believe that my dog likes being with me and respects me, he also likes chasing cats. Given the opportunity to do so, (even if it meant crossing a busy street and perhaps getting hit by a car) he probably would. I am able to avoid this situation easily enough, and I live on a very quiet cul-de-sac. However, it is an example of where I would use some compulsion if the situation was endangering his life. I agree that it is best to use cognitive, positive, relationship based methods to the greatest extent. But I think we have a moral obligation to admit that the dog as spiritual creature approach to training also has its limitations.

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