Fear in Dogs

In FEAR IN DOGS, Lynda Taylor uses her extensive experience to give guidance to both owners of fearful dogs, and behaviourists who are working with clients. Beginning with the purpose and causes of fear in dogs, and its physiological basis, she then switches focus to the human side of the equation, and examines what part we play in either improving the situation or
making it worse.

Drawing on research from leading practitioners, Lynda examines the training methods that can be used with fearful dogs, including desensitisation, counter conditioning and habituation, illustrating these with case histories and in-depth analysis. Lynda also outlines her own strategy, the targeted approach protocol (TAP) which has received international approbation.

FEAR IN DOGS concludes with a summary of psychopharmacological options and complementary therapies that can be used with fearful dogs, and, most importantly, there is chapter devoted to ‘don’t go there’ techniques to steer both owners, and behaviourists, from the many pitfalls may arise when working with fearful dogs.

PRAISE FOR FEAR IN DOGS

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! It’s a very complete and easy to use resource for understanding and working with fearful dogs. From neuroscience to learning theory to hands-on training, Lynda offers such a comprehensive and well-done guide for both professionals and pet owners wanting to help their dog. Tons of useful case studies make the science come alive. You will find  yourself returning to this book again and again.
Leslie McDevitt MLA CDBC CPDT-KA TAGteach
Author of the Control Unleashed series

Lynda Taylor’s The Fear Factor is one of the most comprehensive yet easily accessible books on dealing with canine fear. She outlines a wonderful new “targeted approach protocol” for assisting with some types of fear. The Fear Factor is rich and in depth in its review of most popular treatment techniques, some not-so-common treatments and protocols, and gives solid reasoning for avoiding certain abusive or punishing protocols. Lynda’s clear description of systematic desensitization, counter-conditioning, and habituation are reason enough to recommend this book to other professionals. The book includes numerous case studies and provides excellent references throughout. This is a must have resource for both pet professionals and dog owners who want to find an effective solution to deal with canine fear!

Ken Ramirez – Executive vice president and chief training officer for Karen Pryor Clicker Training.

Lynda Taylor has been involved with dogs for over 30 years. From kennel manager to trainer and behaviourist, she has worked with thousands of dogs and their owners. She has lectured on canine behaviour and training at both FdSc and BSc levels at Bishop Burton College in the UK for over a decade, sharing her knowledge, experience and passion with hundreds of students each year. In 2018 she was awarded an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training (Distinction) and the award for achieving the highest grades within her cohort.

Fearful dogs are her speciality and, she says, the most gratifying to work with. Helping these dogs to realise that the world is not such a scary place, while also assisting their owners to create safe and nurturing environments, is now the focus of her behavioural work. Lynda places a strong emphasis on the human side of the equation, which comes from her background in ‘people training’. Having worked with organisations such as Rank Xerox and Argos, she designed and delivered courses in both management and personal development skills.

Finally, came the opportunity to bring the world of canine behaviour and people training together in her work with students. Lynda was the founder of Positive Animal Solutions. She brought the ClickerExpo event to the UK, and is well known for her behavioural work with the charity Galgos del Sol in Spain.