The Human Pack: A Guide to Healthy Dog/ Human Relationships from an Alaskan Dog Behaviorist (Paperback)

by Jenn Lewis (Author)
Key Phrases: border collies, low dominance level, high dominance level, Bull Terrier, Golden Retrievers (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This book serves to educate readers about the intricate language of canines as well as how best to use this knowledge in order to create a harmonious 'Human Pack'. Clinician Jenn Lewis also explains how to deal with canine behavioral problems in a way consistent with her gentle approach to training and bonding with dogs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (December 14, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419675788
• ISBN-13: 978-1419675782
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #964,376 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best !, January 17, 2008

By	Martin Birkenstock "M.BIRKE" (Sacramento) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After having raised many animals in my time, I picked up 'The Human Pack' to help get some insight on the personalities of my critters. I was amazed how informative and well written this book was , more useful information than most people would expect . I highly recommend this book for any dog and animal lover , you will learn imperative tools for training and adjusting behaviors in your pets and thoroughly enjoy Ms. Lewis' writing and depth of knowledge.
A must own!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ultra Informative, January 16, 2008

By	L. Phillips "mano" (Alaska) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Jenn Lewis has just become my favorite dog training specialist! I was intrigued when I ordered this book and was interested to see how the mix between a Dog Behaviorist and Clinical Therapist could provide me new knowledge, and boy I was not disappointed!

The content is easy to read with real world examples, I felt like I was living with Jenn, experiencing these things (I am not sure if her husband would of been too happy if I was :-) and learning why they happen from a "Human Pack" perspective. The reference section on Dog to Human matching and Dog to Dog matching is amazing, a must for anybody thinking of welcoming a new dog into their human pack.

I could not put the book down and read it cover to cover in a couple of days and I now feel that I am starting to understand my dog and how we can coexist in perfect harmony.

It's refreshing to see a real dog expert who can back up what they say with real world qualification and experience, I am fed up of buying "celebrity" dog trainer books and consistently being disappointed.

In summary, I can't wait for Jenn's next book!!

1.0 out of 5 stars So Completely Misguided, March 7, 2009

By	citywulf (Atlanta, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews

This book had me checking the copyright date. Yikes! Can something published in 2007 be this outdated?

I bought the book because the author's adaptation of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to dogs was intriguing. It was unfortunately the only decent part of the book.

My doubts began with the introduction, where the first-time dog owner decided her latch-key dog's separation anxiety was a result of the dog not being able to control her absent humans (based, we learn later, on the author's completely incorrect notion that alphas micromanage pack members and never let them out of sight. Not remotely true.).

The bad information keeps coming, when the author recommends temperament testing puppies by cradling them on their backs for 10 seconds. How they react allegedly reveals the pup's innate personality. Reality check - temperament tests on puppies do NOT predict adult personality. Puppies are infants, they are not done developing anything, including their temperament (you would think a clinical psychologist would know that).

Flash forward past 75 pages of breed descriptions describing temperament, activity level, likelihood of getting along with other pets, and "dominance level," which the author apparently believes is a breed trait. (For a better breed guide, try What Dog? A Guide to Help New Owners Select the Right Breed for Their Lifestyle (What Pet Books?)

The final 50+ pages will send you right back to that copyright date (perhaps they meant 1967?). There is not a single true statement to be found. This whole idea of rigid dominance hierarchies under the heavy-handed rule of an alpha pair was based on artificial "packs" in captive (unnatural) environments. These strangers, forced to live together, were displaying stress, not normal family pack behavior. Technology and the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone have allowed study of wild packs, revealing their true behaviors as primarily cooperative and family-oriented. Different members have different roles based upon their abilities (if the mating pair aren't the top hunters, the top hunter leads the hunt. How's that for turning dominance theory on its head?).

Meaning, every bit of this author's advice is founded on myth. And dangerous advice it is. The author actually writes, in all caps, regarding fighting dogs "UNLESS YOU SEE BLOOD DO NOT BREAK THEM APART."

Also note that although the author calls herself a "dog behaviorist" on the book and her multiple press releases about the book, she does not have ANY education or credentials in canine behavior. For a beautiful insight into canine behavior by an actual behaviorist, read The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs. For a training guide based on modern science on dogs, try Congratulations! It's a Dog! Training and Behavior Tips for the Newest Member of Your Family