From Fearful to Fear Free: A Positive Program to Free Your Dog from Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias

Marty Becker, DVM · Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB · Wailani Sung, PhD, DVM, DACVB · Mikkel Becker, KPA, CTP, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CTC

Nov 2018 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen

About this audiobook

Almost every dog owner has a pet who suffers from fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). They are the underlying cause of many concerning behaviors such as excessive barking, aggression, destructive behaviors, and house-soiling. They are also the source for deterioration of the human-animal bond, and can make a trip to the veterinarian, pet groomer, or boarding facility miserable for pet and owner alike. Left untreated, these negative experiences can lead to devastating consequences and permanent damage. Unfortunately, many well-meaning owners misinterpret or overlook the often subtle signs of emotional injury and turmoil, or think that the pet will simply "outgrow" it. This leads to unnecessary trauma and suffering. Common FAS triggers include: - Trips to the veterinarian (even for routine services such as vaccinations and nail trims) - Bath time, brushing, or cleaning ears. - Loud noises; thunderstorms; fireworks; the vacuum cleaner; construction; gunshots; or even buzzers on appliances. - Less-familiar people or animals encountered on walks or near the home. - Being left alone during work hours or even for short errands. - Travel, including car rides. Finally, there's help. From Fearful to Fear Free is based on the groundbreaking Fear Free program embraced by tens of thousands of veterinary healthcare professionals and hundreds of thousands of pet owners (fearfreepets.com and fearfreehappyhomes.com). This is the first and most authoritative book on the subject of reducing FAS and increasing "happy and calm" in dogs. Since pets communicate nonverbally, this book will help you recognize if your pet is suffering from FAS. By knowing your dog's body language, vocalizations, and changes in normal habits, you can make an accurate diagnosis and take action to prevent triggers or treat the fallout if they do happen. You'll learn: - The most effective prescription sedatives for keeping dogs calm and happy during thunderstorms, fireworks, and other stressful events. - The positive steps you can take to keep your pet occupied, calm, and content while you're away at work or play. - Simple, practical tactics for helping your dog learn to love going to the veterinarian's office-literally pulling you into the practice instead of avoiding it! - How to easily groom your dog and give him medication. - Tips to tame the chaos when guests arrive in your home or when your dog encounters other dogs and people on walks. - Ways to tackle some of the common behavior issues that often have a root cause of FAS, while also improving your communication and bond with your pet. The three veterinary coauthors and one highly respected pet trainer have a combined 88 years of experience in the trenches of veterinary medicine, with specialties in behavior and training. By using their cutting-edge techniques, you'll have pets that are happier, healthier and live a longer, fuller life.

Ratings and reviews

BAD advice. MEDICATIONS ARE WRONG! YOUR DOG IS STILL TERRIFIED! 🤬 Now, your "precious doggie" is drugged & appears calm for ONE reason: MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER! Now you are thinking, "I'm such a great dog parent." WRONG. I know that 98.99% of the time your animals are reacting to the BEHAVIOR that you are unaware of. Animals smell our stress, happiness, anger, and depression. After decades of experience with special needs "unadoptable" dogs and cats, it is more important to communicate with your veterinarian and LEARN the GRIMACE SCALE FOR YOUR ANIMAL. Yes, they have PTSD, and we can give them PTSD! It is us that our companions are reacting to, beyond their "pre-existing conditions." P.S. DO YOUR RESEARCH!! Before you bring a sentient being *WITH FEELINGS & MEMORY,* into your home, please research breeds, that will work for you, your family's lifestyle, and your location. ADOPT DON'T SHOP. 😊Thank you.😊

About the author

Marty Becker, DVM, has spent his life working to create better physical and emotional well-being for pets. This commitment led him to launch the Fear FreeSM initiative, an educational certification program to train veterinarians and pet professionals to ease the fear, anxiety, and stress of the pets in their care.

Board-certified veterinary behaviorist Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and later completed a residency in behavioral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She has owned Florida Veterinary Behavior Service since 2007.

Wailani Sung, PhD, DVM, DACVB, has a passion for helping owners prevent or effectively manage behavior problems in companion animals, enabling them to maintain a high quality of life. She currently practices veterinary behavioral medicine at the San Francisco SPCA.

Mikkel Becker is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and Certified Dog Behavior Counselor (CDBC) through IAABC. She specializes in reward-based training with a specialty in preventing and addressing fear issues using calm, trust, and communication.

A stage and voice actor, Sarah Mollo-Christensen received her BA from Dartmouth College and graduated from the Atlantic Theater Company's Acting Conservatory in New York City. As an actress, she has appeared on prestigious regional stages, including the Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington DC.