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Bark and Lunge: Saving My Dog from Training Mistakes
Bark and Lunge is the winner of three 2015 national book awards: the National Indie Excellence Award and Sponsor's Choice Award, the USA Best Book Award, and a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal.
How do you make sure the dog you love never bites anyone (again)?
Kari and Rob are as devoted to their German shepherd puppy, Isis, as two dog parents can be. Kari’s the disciplinarian, struggling to follow every instruction to the letter. Rob’s the laid-back dad, more of a littermate, happy as long as he can practice jiu-jitsu with the dog.
As she grows, Isis’s behavior escalates from frustrating to dangerous when she bites someone. Kari and Rob learn that some of the old-fashioned advice they followed may have contributed to Isis’s aggression. Eventually, they’re shown a better way to calm an anxious and fearful dog.
"Prospective puppy/dog owners can save themselves a lot of heartbreak by reading Bark and Lunge, which tells the story of what can go wrong when a puppy is not properly socialized and when unsuspecting owners are bullied into using aversive training techniques." – Dr. Ian Dunbar, founder of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers
"Kari and Rob’s love for their German shepherd Isis shines through every page of this moving saga. Their journey through various training techniques and treatments is a testament to their relentless dedication to help Isis to live a normal life. Many dog owners will relate to their story, and even those who can’t will empathize and find it a fascinating read."
– Nicole Wilde, author of Hit by a Flying Wolf: True Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation and Real Life with Dogs and Wolves
How do you make sure the dog you love never bites anyone (again)?
Kari and Rob are as devoted to their German shepherd puppy, Isis, as two dog parents can be. Kari’s the disciplinarian, struggling to follow every instruction to the letter. Rob’s the laid-back dad, more of a littermate, happy as long as he can practice jiu-jitsu with the dog.
As she grows, Isis’s behavior escalates from frustrating to dangerous when she bites someone. Kari and Rob learn that some of the old-fashioned advice they followed may have contributed to Isis’s aggression. Eventually, they’re shown a better way to calm an anxious and fearful dog.
"Prospective puppy/dog owners can save themselves a lot of heartbreak by reading Bark and Lunge, which tells the story of what can go wrong when a puppy is not properly socialized and when unsuspecting owners are bullied into using aversive training techniques." – Dr. Ian Dunbar, founder of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers
"Kari and Rob’s love for their German shepherd Isis shines through every page of this moving saga. Their journey through various training techniques and treatments is a testament to their relentless dedication to help Isis to live a normal life. Many dog owners will relate to their story, and even those who can’t will empathize and find it a fascinating read."
– Nicole Wilde, author of Hit by a Flying Wolf: True Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation and Real Life with Dogs and Wolves
306 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2014
About the author
Kari Neumeyer
2 books12 followersKari Neumeyer thinks Groucho Marx was onto something when he said, "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
Kari's name rhymes with safari. She has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School and has worked for news outlets in Washington state and the Czech Republic.
She grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Southern California's School of Cinema-Television.
Now she lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her beau, Rob, and their dog family.
In her spare time, she volunteers teaching an adaptive martial arts class to adults with developmental disabilities at the Max Higbee Center and walking shelter dogs at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley.
She blogs about dogs at KariNeumeyer.com.
Kari's name rhymes with safari. She has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School and has worked for news outlets in Washington state and the Czech Republic.
She grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Southern California's School of Cinema-Television.
Now she lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her beau, Rob, and their dog family.
In her spare time, she volunteers teaching an adaptive martial arts class to adults with developmental disabilities at the Max Higbee Center and walking shelter dogs at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley.
She blogs about dogs at KariNeumeyer.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 17, 2016
I found this book while it was free on Amazon, and I am very glad I did because I really liked it.
It is one of many books about living with "difficult" dogs that have been published in recent years, the most famous of which is probably Me and Marley by John Grogan. Bark and Lunge is not as funny as Marley was, but I thought both had a similar emotional impact. Both of them show difficult dogs that are loved despite how they are.
What I like so much about Bark and Lunge is that the owners try from the time the dog, Isis, starts to become reactive, to change that for the better. So most of the book is about the search for the right method to help Isis over come her stress. Sometimes this search seems to be successful, sometimes less so.
I think the author has done good job at showing few of the different dog training methods that are being used today. These methods have different results, and I agree with her choice of method in the end. Things may change, but at this point I think this is the best method we have today.
Still it's not a book about the different training methods. It is a memoir, and I thought it was very well written as such. The story is interesting, and well built up. I felt for them in their quest to help their dog. And I get how a reactive dog can still be lovable. So I can safely recommend this book to anyone that is interested in a good story about a reactive dog, and the people that love it.
It is one of many books about living with "difficult" dogs that have been published in recent years, the most famous of which is probably Me and Marley by John Grogan. Bark and Lunge is not as funny as Marley was, but I thought both had a similar emotional impact. Both of them show difficult dogs that are loved despite how they are.
What I like so much about Bark and Lunge is that the owners try from the time the dog, Isis, starts to become reactive, to change that for the better. So most of the book is about the search for the right method to help Isis over come her stress. Sometimes this search seems to be successful, sometimes less so.
I think the author has done good job at showing few of the different dog training methods that are being used today. These methods have different results, and I agree with her choice of method in the end. Things may change, but at this point I think this is the best method we have today.
Still it's not a book about the different training methods. It is a memoir, and I thought it was very well written as such. The story is interesting, and well built up. I felt for them in their quest to help their dog. And I get how a reactive dog can still be lovable. So I can safely recommend this book to anyone that is interested in a good story about a reactive dog, and the people that love it.
June 26, 2014
I saw this book on a website about reactive dogs and knew I had to read it. My own dog, a Labrador X Kelpie is reactive and I wanted to see what others had been through and how they had helped their own dogs. Within the first chapter I had goosebumps. This was exactly what I had done with my dog. I could see all the mistakes the author had made unfurling on the page and knew I wasn't blameless either. From the first time they forced the puppy into a crate to following the advice of a "reputable" trainer to use harsh methods of correction. Feeling guilty because you don't want to do this to your loving dog but you have a "professional" telling you it's the only way. Seeing other people in the class blindly following the instructions to use harsher and harsher methods of correction while things get worse and worse. Sure a few dogs slip through the cracks and somehow manage to become good dogs but I have becoming to believe more and more through reading this book that that is despite the training not because of it.
The author assesses several methods of training, some better than others and overs valuable insights into how they work and don't work when dealing with an aggressive dog.
The author assesses several methods of training, some better than others and overs valuable insights into how they work and don't work when dealing with an aggressive dog.
October 13, 2014
There's a reason we call them "fur children", or "fur kids". It's a universal way of expressing the depth of love we can feel for that four-legged animal that shares our home and activities. That unabashed tenderness felt for an animal that can melt your heart with a look, wag of the tail, or paw in your lap--they know how to reach those buried feelings--but the wonderful phenomenon about the relationship is that they give more in the way of unconditional love than you can give.
The memoir by Kari Neumeyer "Bark and Lunge - Saving My Dog from Training Mistakes" is a testament to the extent to which a dog parent will go to ensure a happy, healthy life; in this case for their German Shepherd, Isis. We're talking thousands of dollars and class upon class, each "expert" offering another solution to the problem seemingly created by the former, not to mention the time involved. While Kari is the strict disciplinarian and follows instructions to the letter, her partner Rob is the opposite becoming a laid-back littermate. Having started Isis' puppyhood with a misguided how-to-book, Kari misses that critical socialization window and then must begin the process belatedly. It doesn't take too long before poor Isis is at odds with the public and all the lessons in which he's suddenly taking part. Unfortunately, she becomes 85 lbs. of fearful dog trying to protect herself as well as her dog parent and it isn't working to the extent of possibly becoming dangerous. Kari describes the agonizing struggle between everything that she's told and trying to do what is right for her dog--canine perceptions are not human and they often conflict--and it's difficult to know what is the proper maneuver in various situations. This book was won in a Goodreads Giveaway and is recommended for anyone owning a dog, those contemplating owning a dog, or dog parents who owned one in the past and guiltily wondered if there might have been a better way.
The memoir by Kari Neumeyer "Bark and Lunge - Saving My Dog from Training Mistakes" is a testament to the extent to which a dog parent will go to ensure a happy, healthy life; in this case for their German Shepherd, Isis. We're talking thousands of dollars and class upon class, each "expert" offering another solution to the problem seemingly created by the former, not to mention the time involved. While Kari is the strict disciplinarian and follows instructions to the letter, her partner Rob is the opposite becoming a laid-back littermate. Having started Isis' puppyhood with a misguided how-to-book, Kari misses that critical socialization window and then must begin the process belatedly. It doesn't take too long before poor Isis is at odds with the public and all the lessons in which he's suddenly taking part. Unfortunately, she becomes 85 lbs. of fearful dog trying to protect herself as well as her dog parent and it isn't working to the extent of possibly becoming dangerous. Kari describes the agonizing struggle between everything that she's told and trying to do what is right for her dog--canine perceptions are not human and they often conflict--and it's difficult to know what is the proper maneuver in various situations. This book was won in a Goodreads Giveaway and is recommended for anyone owning a dog, those contemplating owning a dog, or dog parents who owned one in the past and guiltily wondered if there might have been a better way.
September 5, 2014
This book was therapeutic for me and I wasn't expecting it to affect me the way it did. It was reassuring to read that someone else also experienced the frustrations I have faced when it has come to getting proper training advice for my leash and barrier reactive dog. The methods tried by the author range from "alpha mentality" with choke and prong collars to getting a reading from a pet psychic (along with everything between).
I thought it was really well written and an easy read. You can't help but become connected to Isis and her owners and cheer them all on in their efforts for finding an answer to relieving her anxieties around other dogs and people.
This is a great book for anyone, but I believe it is most beneficial to current and prospective pet owners. There are so many training methods and certified experts out there and this book helps shed some light on most (if not all) of the options available.
Disclaimer: I won this via a Goodreads Giveaway.
I thought it was really well written and an easy read. You can't help but become connected to Isis and her owners and cheer them all on in their efforts for finding an answer to relieving her anxieties around other dogs and people.
This is a great book for anyone, but I believe it is most beneficial to current and prospective pet owners. There are so many training methods and certified experts out there and this book helps shed some light on most (if not all) of the options available.
Disclaimer: I won this via a Goodreads Giveaway.
August 5, 2016
Bark and Lunge is an excellent book that gets to the heart of what it's like to discover that the dog you love has issues with aggression. It deals with the sense of loss, the pitfalls of trying to do the right thing, guilt, and compromise as well as delving into the myriad of training philosophies regarding aggression. It is both educational and heart wrenching and a very worthwhile read for anyone interested in dogs and their people.
September 1, 2014
Mostly memoir with a dash of dog training, Bark and Lunge: Saving My Dog from Training Mistakes by Kari Neumeyer, is a cautionary tale that will hopefully discourage others from impulsively getting a puppy before carefully researching both the breed and breeder. The author admits, "We knew nothing about German Shepherds." She and her boyfriend, Rob, end up taking home one female from a litter of nine puppies bred for police and protection work. What she came to realize was that the characteristics selected for this line of working dog, are not necessarily the same traits you would want in a house pet. The other lesson she shares is that it is equally important to search out dog trainers who use modern, rewards-based strategies based on scientific studies.
You don't have to be a dog enthusiast to like this memoir. Kari Neumeyer shares her personal reflections on the dynamics of relationships as this couple adjusts to having a dog as a significant figure in their lives together. Both of them fall in love with the puppy. Eventually the author realizes the impact that her choices have influenced her beloved puppy and she states, "I hated myself, too, for causing that fear." Understanding that smart people with good intentions make mistakes, Neumeyer reminds us to find solace in Maya Angelou's wisdom, "You did then what your knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better."
I read this book with fascination, like watching two trains racing down the same track towards each other. The story felt very familiar to me, as I did the same things she did, out of ignorance. From getting a German Shepherd puppy bred specifically for protection work, and following the advice of a vet to isolate the puppy until 12 weeks old; to listening to a trainer's advice to use a choke chain collar and watching a popular TV show personality claim expertise as Alpha male, I did not raise my puppy using enlightened methods until I discovered rewards-based trainers. With genetics and environment coming together in the perfect recipe for disaster, at the end of the first year, I had a large, insecure, reactive dog! Even though we couldn't walk our dog on a leash out in public, like Rob, I thought my dog was perfect just the way he was.
When Ms. Neumeyer found the trainer who insisted on "setting her dog up for success," I breathed a sigh of relief. Now she was getting good tips to reward the behaviors she wanted instead of correcting and punishing the dog for misbehaving. Especially when she described the use of the harness and "balance leash" used in conjunction with an obstacle course to build the confidence of dog and handler, I knew she was on the right track. Along with circular touching (a special kind of massage), these are the hallmark tools of Tellington TTouch, a gentler approach to rebuilding the relationship between dog and human. Then the story takes another twist, when a new puppy is added to the mix. The final journey leads to an experienced TTouch trainer who helps the team rebuild trust and gain new skills.
I encourage readers to enjoy this personal account of joy and sorrow, and to share the book widely if you know anyone considering getting a puppy. Her resources and up-to-date references are great recommendations for building a successful relationship with your dog.
by Martha Meacham
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
You don't have to be a dog enthusiast to like this memoir. Kari Neumeyer shares her personal reflections on the dynamics of relationships as this couple adjusts to having a dog as a significant figure in their lives together. Both of them fall in love with the puppy. Eventually the author realizes the impact that her choices have influenced her beloved puppy and she states, "I hated myself, too, for causing that fear." Understanding that smart people with good intentions make mistakes, Neumeyer reminds us to find solace in Maya Angelou's wisdom, "You did then what your knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better."
I read this book with fascination, like watching two trains racing down the same track towards each other. The story felt very familiar to me, as I did the same things she did, out of ignorance. From getting a German Shepherd puppy bred specifically for protection work, and following the advice of a vet to isolate the puppy until 12 weeks old; to listening to a trainer's advice to use a choke chain collar and watching a popular TV show personality claim expertise as Alpha male, I did not raise my puppy using enlightened methods until I discovered rewards-based trainers. With genetics and environment coming together in the perfect recipe for disaster, at the end of the first year, I had a large, insecure, reactive dog! Even though we couldn't walk our dog on a leash out in public, like Rob, I thought my dog was perfect just the way he was.
When Ms. Neumeyer found the trainer who insisted on "setting her dog up for success," I breathed a sigh of relief. Now she was getting good tips to reward the behaviors she wanted instead of correcting and punishing the dog for misbehaving. Especially when she described the use of the harness and "balance leash" used in conjunction with an obstacle course to build the confidence of dog and handler, I knew she was on the right track. Along with circular touching (a special kind of massage), these are the hallmark tools of Tellington TTouch, a gentler approach to rebuilding the relationship between dog and human. Then the story takes another twist, when a new puppy is added to the mix. The final journey leads to an experienced TTouch trainer who helps the team rebuild trust and gain new skills.
I encourage readers to enjoy this personal account of joy and sorrow, and to share the book widely if you know anyone considering getting a puppy. Her resources and up-to-date references are great recommendations for building a successful relationship with your dog.
by Martha Meacham
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
September 3, 2015
For Kari Neumeyer, it was love at first sight when she first laid eyes on the German Shepherd puppy she would come to call Isis…
With dreams of a loving and loyal best friend, Kari and Rob take the plunge into the exciting world of new dog owners, spending every spare moment doting on their beloved new family member. They do everything they know to make sure they raise their puppy right, from reading books to taking little Isis to obedience classes. It seems as though they couldn’t be happier, until the unthinkable happens, and Isis starts displaying signs of aggression.
Kari struggles to make sense of what is driving Isis’s aggression and turns to her trainer for help. But through the use of traditional punishment-based methods, it seems like her dog’s aggression is only getting worse. Out of frustration, she turns to other trainers and finds that the methods she was taught to use may have been exacerbating the problem all along. After making the change to positive dog training, Kari spends countless hours working with Isis to help her overcome her reactivity, and learns a lot of valuable lessons along the way.
Bark and Lunge is a detailed memoir of one woman’s experiences in raising and rehabilitating a reactive and aggressive dog. Full of humorous and heartwarming stories, this book also tackles some very difficult subjects as well. How far would you be willing to go to save your dog if it became aggressive? As someone who owns a reactive dog myself, I loved Kari’s steely determination to help Isis- at any cost. The emotional roller-coaster she details in this memoir is quite familiar to me, and I think to anyone who owns a reactive dog. Just reading about her struggles and successes was a cathartic experience for me, and while there is a load of great information layered through the pages of this book on the various aspects of dog behavior and training, you certainly don’t have to own a reactive dog (or any dog at all for that matter) to truly enjoy this story. And of course, with a recommendation from the legendary Dr. Ian Dunbar, (founder of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers) this book is a no-brainer for any animal lover- I can’t recommend it highly enough!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Check out this review on my blog: EpicBookQuest.com
July 4, 2014
Bark and Lunge, by Kari Neumeyer, is a memoir of Neumeyer’s relationship with her German shepherd, Isis. It is a love story which begins when Neumeyer and her husband meet Isis as a puppy. Shakespeare summarizes it best: “the course of true love never did run smooth.” Isis is a reactive dog, which means she is unpredictable with other people, other dogs, and unexpected incursions. Her behavior would cause bumps for a small dog owner, but it is a mountain Neumeyer must climb with Isis, its summit shrouded in cloud.
Though I chose to read Bark and Lunge as a fellow dog owner, the book would have worked equally if I’d been looking for a tale of suspense. The peaks and valleys had my heart expanding with joy, then pounding with anxiety. Neumeyer’s dogged (oops) willingness to keep going through setbacks is inspiring. Though I’m not a weepy sort, my eyes overflowed at one point.
Authenticity is a quality I admire. As narrator, Neumeyer is honest. She does not curate her image; she reveals herself, which means sharing the depth of her emotional journey with Isis, both the gloom of an “unsuccessful” walk or training session and the joy of a triumph in convincing Isis to forego an explosive reaction. We also get to enjoy Isis’ goofiness. Best of all are the moments of bliss, the joy of husband, wife and dog at home, the times when Isis earns her nickname, “Smileybird.”
The empathy Neumeyer feels with Isis provides a moving delineation of the human-canine bond. The supporting cast, partner Rob, and her mother, mother and father-in-law, as well as a series of trainers come off (for the most part) as sympathetic, dimensional people, not props or conveniences to propel the narrative.
Bark and Lunge speaks to the truth of how it feels to love a dog with issues--you’re only as good as your last walk, most recent encounter.
Though I chose to read Bark and Lunge as a fellow dog owner, the book would have worked equally if I’d been looking for a tale of suspense. The peaks and valleys had my heart expanding with joy, then pounding with anxiety. Neumeyer’s dogged (oops) willingness to keep going through setbacks is inspiring. Though I’m not a weepy sort, my eyes overflowed at one point.
Authenticity is a quality I admire. As narrator, Neumeyer is honest. She does not curate her image; she reveals herself, which means sharing the depth of her emotional journey with Isis, both the gloom of an “unsuccessful” walk or training session and the joy of a triumph in convincing Isis to forego an explosive reaction. We also get to enjoy Isis’ goofiness. Best of all are the moments of bliss, the joy of husband, wife and dog at home, the times when Isis earns her nickname, “Smileybird.”
The empathy Neumeyer feels with Isis provides a moving delineation of the human-canine bond. The supporting cast, partner Rob, and her mother, mother and father-in-law, as well as a series of trainers come off (for the most part) as sympathetic, dimensional people, not props or conveniences to propel the narrative.
Bark and Lunge speaks to the truth of how it feels to love a dog with issues--you’re only as good as your last walk, most recent encounter.
March 17, 2015
There is a lot to be learned from this book, and you learn as you go along reading an enthralling true story of a couple and the love for their dog. You will find yourself getting very involved in the story, and hoping for everything to turn out well in the end.
There is a lot of misinformation out there about dog training, and Kari and Rob had to learn the hard way. If you read her story, you could save yourself a lot of heartache by avoiding some of the mistakes they inadvertently made. They always tried to do the best for Isis, but sometimes you just can't know what is best, and you have to learn from experience. This book is all about those experiences and it well written and easy to read along the way.
There is a lot of misinformation out there about dog training, and Kari and Rob had to learn the hard way. If you read her story, you could save yourself a lot of heartache by avoiding some of the mistakes they inadvertently made. They always tried to do the best for Isis, but sometimes you just can't know what is best, and you have to learn from experience. This book is all about those experiences and it well written and easy to read along the way.
November 22, 2014
Aggressive dogs are scary. Aggressive German Shepards are *really* scary. Kari Neumeyer and her partner adopt Isis, a German Shepard puppy, and do everything they can to train her to be non-aggressive and help her to become a beautiful adult. Kari's book, Bark and Lunge, chronicles their journey. They try this training method, then that. They try different diets, even the raw meat diet despite being vegetarians themselves. This is a book full of happiness and sorrow, and lessons for us all. It will appeal to the hearts of dog owners, dog lovers, and people who like a good read.
September 10, 2014
If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy reading about Isis and Leo, the author's two German Shepherds. Isis has issues with aggression and reactivity, and together with her owners, attend many different training classes. I feel for the the author, as I've experienced conflicting advice from trainers and books myself. I think you have to go with your gut and find what works for your situation.
July 1, 2019
I live with two female dogs of the same breed as Ms. Neumeyer. Mine are nearly polar opposites and the frustration and search for trainers is so widespread -- I've taken mine to a private trainer, to classes, joined online groups, read blogs, talked to vets, friends, strangers, and worried endlessly. There are professional organizations, but no real oversight of the training industry -- and people of every stripe may hang out their shingle and collect large fees for their "expertise." A reactive dog is major work, but the insight an owner gains while living with one is indeed precious.
Strange, but I stumbled upon this book while shopping in the city where my kids and grandchildren live -- as does Ms. Neumeyer. I was visiting for a few days for a family event and my tiny granddaughter toddled up to the shelf in an enormous bookstore, always a favorite stop on my itinerary. She was drawn in by the German Shepherd on the cover. So an additional delight was recognizing in the author's prose many of the landmarks I've come to know over the years. I live in a wide spot in the road sort of burg with few services and I had hoped, should I move across the miles to this city, I might encounter someone who, somehow, would be the key to the many reactivity riddles that drive owners to tears. I devoured this book in under a week -- it was a comfort to read that location is not a large factor and also gain some new perspective towards making peace in my own home. Kudos to this writer for a story well told.
Strange, but I stumbled upon this book while shopping in the city where my kids and grandchildren live -- as does Ms. Neumeyer. I was visiting for a few days for a family event and my tiny granddaughter toddled up to the shelf in an enormous bookstore, always a favorite stop on my itinerary. She was drawn in by the German Shepherd on the cover. So an additional delight was recognizing in the author's prose many of the landmarks I've come to know over the years. I live in a wide spot in the road sort of burg with few services and I had hoped, should I move across the miles to this city, I might encounter someone who, somehow, would be the key to the many reactivity riddles that drive owners to tears. I devoured this book in under a week -- it was a comfort to read that location is not a large factor and also gain some new perspective towards making peace in my own home. Kudos to this writer for a story well told.
May 22, 2018
I enjoyed the story of Isis and how I was able to connect my own experiences with my young and reactive dog. It was easy to empathize with the author and relate to her struggles of wanting the perfect dog, but also wanting her dog to be who she was. The embarrassment and sometimes horror you feel when your dog doesn’t do the wonderful things you want him to are very real. I gave this 3 stars because I felt as though it was missing an experienced analysis of training methods - after so much trial and error, I think I was hoping to hear that positive reinforcement training was the tip-top option. Instead, nothing really worked for Isis, and I didn’t find any wonderful insight in to how to move forward with my reactive dog. I enjoyed the story for what it was though - an offering of empathy through a relative struggle
April 7, 2022
A cautionary tale about how aversive training may harm your dog. I’m happy that Isis had such a loving home that they bent over backwards just to make her life as normal as possible.
I really liked this book. I think people who have struggled or who are struggling with a reactive dog will find this a very relatable read.
I really liked this book. I think people who have struggled or who are struggling with a reactive dog will find this a very relatable read.
May 27, 2015
Wonderful book
I too have a reactive dog. I appreciated reading her experiences and I believe it helped me to get a better understanding of my own beautiful German Shepherd. Clearly she did everything possible and tried everything. Whether she would have been able to modify Isis' behavior or not, didn't matter. She and her husband had a very loving relationship with Isis. They gave her a beautiful wonderful life. I have raised many well trained dogs, but my little (not so little) girl Neewah has been completely a new education. It was helpful to know that it may not be just me as a puppy parent. Her story helped me to get through some very trying times with my girl. Thank you Kari! You helped me see past the bruises and bitten fingers to the beautiful girl Neewah is.
I too have a reactive dog. I appreciated reading her experiences and I believe it helped me to get a better understanding of my own beautiful German Shepherd. Clearly she did everything possible and tried everything. Whether she would have been able to modify Isis' behavior or not, didn't matter. She and her husband had a very loving relationship with Isis. They gave her a beautiful wonderful life. I have raised many well trained dogs, but my little (not so little) girl Neewah has been completely a new education. It was helpful to know that it may not be just me as a puppy parent. Her story helped me to get through some very trying times with my girl. Thank you Kari! You helped me see past the bruises and bitten fingers to the beautiful girl Neewah is.
August 22, 2015
Bark and Lunge is a memoir about living with a reactive dog. Quite honestly, I didn't know what a reactive dog was until I read this book, however now I feel I understand so much more about the difficulties faced by dog owners, especially those with large dogs. There's a definite stigma attached to owning a German Shepherd, and this is touched on in Bark and Lunge. So many times, the 'larger' dogs are considered the bullies when in fact, this is not always the case.
It's easy to sit on the sidelines and comment in ways such as 'They should train their dog', (yes I've been guilty of that...sorry Kari!) however Kari's journey will open your eyes to exactly how much effort is put into training dogs.
Read my full review here: http://gcmacquarie.weebly.com/reviews...
It's easy to sit on the sidelines and comment in ways such as 'They should train their dog', (yes I've been guilty of that...sorry Kari!) however Kari's journey will open your eyes to exactly how much effort is put into training dogs.
Read my full review here: http://gcmacquarie.weebly.com/reviews...
June 13, 2015
~Disclaimer: I recived this book for free in a giveaway~
I really liked this book. It took me two tries to get into it. But on my second attempt I finished it within 24 hours.
I got really attached to Isis (the dog the story is about). I think as an animal lover I could really relate to dealing with animals who may not behave the way you want them to and loving them unconditionally anyhow.
I feel the author voiced her frustrations and feelings about her struggles very well and that I could feel her love for her dogs throughout.
If you have a dog that is hard to handle this book may be the perfect read for you. If you just really like animals I think you'll love Isis.
I really liked this book. It took me two tries to get into it. But on my second attempt I finished it within 24 hours.
I got really attached to Isis (the dog the story is about). I think as an animal lover I could really relate to dealing with animals who may not behave the way you want them to and loving them unconditionally anyhow.
I feel the author voiced her frustrations and feelings about her struggles very well and that I could feel her love for her dogs throughout.
If you have a dog that is hard to handle this book may be the perfect read for you. If you just really like animals I think you'll love Isis.
February 22, 2015
Emotional memoir with a deep connection
Dogs are more than just pets. They are part of the family. This is an incredibly emotional memoir about a member of the family. In this case, Isis, a member of the family, bit someone. Then, it starts from the moment Isis entered her life, her family. Anyone who has ever had a deep connection or bond with an animal, will relate heavily to this story. I found the dedication of introducing and creating a bond between Isis and a new dog to be quite profound. It took a lot of training and effort to get Isis to accept a new dog in her family.
Dogs are more than just pets. They are part of the family. This is an incredibly emotional memoir about a member of the family. In this case, Isis, a member of the family, bit someone. Then, it starts from the moment Isis entered her life, her family. Anyone who has ever had a deep connection or bond with an animal, will relate heavily to this story. I found the dedication of introducing and creating a bond between Isis and a new dog to be quite profound. It took a lot of training and effort to get Isis to accept a new dog in her family.
August 8, 2014
In the interest of full disclosure my sister-in-law wrote this, and I am mentioned several times. (I'm famous) I knew this story before reading it and have heard many of these stories discussed over diner.
I still cried like a baby at the end and the opening is fantastic (of course I may be biased).
If you know me then you HAVE TO BUY THIS BOOK!
If you don't know but have ever had a dog that you loved, then you will want to buy this book.
I still cried like a baby at the end and the opening is fantastic (of course I may be biased).
If you know me then you HAVE TO BUY THIS BOOK!
If you don't know but have ever had a dog that you loved, then you will want to buy this book.
August 2, 2014
I have read this book & found it absolutely wonderful. I can relate to a lot of what Kari has gone through as I have two re-homed GSD's who have both been reactive at some stage of their lives.
Kari has described in detail how they went through their training sessions & what each individual trainer brought to the mix.
It also brings to light that not all dogs will accept a new dog in their life.
A wonderful book to read & I would recommend to anyone who loves dogs!
Kari has described in detail how they went through their training sessions & what each individual trainer brought to the mix.
It also brings to light that not all dogs will accept a new dog in their life.
A wonderful book to read & I would recommend to anyone who loves dogs!
November 25, 2014
Won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. For some reason, I was thinking it would be more technical, about how to train your dog. Instead, it turned out to be a memoir about the author's journey after buying a puppy. Not what I expected, but I really enjoyed it.
August 15, 2016
Very well written; an important reminder of how important it is to research dog breeders and dog trainers. A reminder also that when you fall in love and adopt an animal it is a commitment to both the animal and oneself.
February 18, 2015
Touching
Very well written. Kept my attention all the way through. Excellent account of what it's like to love a dog and do whatever it takes to keep her healthy and happy all the days of her life. Thanks to the author for sharing her journey so honestly.
Very well written. Kept my attention all the way through. Excellent account of what it's like to love a dog and do whatever it takes to keep her healthy and happy all the days of her life. Thanks to the author for sharing her journey so honestly.
August 28, 2014
Read my full review at Rubicon Days: http://myrubicondays.blogspot.com/201...
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