“DOG TALK: Lessons Learned from a Life with Dogs” by Harrison Forbes

FRANKLIN, TN, November 27, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/

Renowned pet expert Harrison Forbes, host of the popular nationally syndicated radio show, Pet Talk with Harrison Forbes, has been a dog trainer and behaviorist for over twenty years. A highly sought-after expert on canine behavior, he has worked with many dogs that presented special challenges—dogs with behavioral issues, those damaged by traumatic experiences, and those that were poorly trained in the past–and was able to transform them into treasured companions and valuable working dogs. He has trained over 600 police dogs for departments all over the country, and has also been a trainer for several major motion pictures. Now, in DOG TALK: Lessons Learned from a Life with Dogs, Forbes interweaves his own moving personal story with invaluable practical advice that can be applied to every dog—and every dog lover.

DOG TALK chronicles Forbes’ life with dogs, from the first bond he formed as a boy with a Belgian Tervuren named Sabina, to the story of Lex, a police dog who attacked his owner’s wife, and was redeemed by Harrison’s intense love and respect for the breed. As Forbes shares each story about a dog he has known and trained, he offers practical advice on how to understand and deal with whatever type of dog the reader may have and shows how to create a strong relationship with the dog based on fairness, trust, and mutual respect. He offers his trademark insights into canine behavioral problems, including:

• Energy management is the basis of behavior management: unwanted or aggressive behavior is often the result of pent-up, frustrated energy
• Dog behavior should always be taken in context; a dog that is housetrained in its home isn’t necessarily so everywhere else
• Every dog’s make-up is individual and distinct—a combination of nature and nurture
• Non-verbal communication, structure and clearly delineated limits, and the human-canine bond are basic building blocks in a good relationship
• Reasonable expectations are key to an enjoyable pet experience

DOG TALK is at times funny, irreverent, insightful, and touching, and will deepen the reader’s understanding of dog behavior. As a result, the reader will be able to approach his or her own dog in a fresh and motivated way to begin, improve, mend, or strengthen a relationship that can last a lifetime.

“Harrison Forbes talks ‘dog’ fluently. As one of this country’s leading dog trainers and behaviorists, he truly understands canines and can solve any doggy dilemmas in his unique, no-fuss style. Whether he’s importing and training German Shepherds for high security police work or schooling Chihuahuas to cope with apartment-style living, he has some great stories to tell. If you love dogs, you’ll love this book.”
–Sandy Robins, Pet lifestyle expert, author and regular pet contributor to msnbc.com and DogCentral website Dog Fancy, Modern Dog and the Popular Dog series

“In a compelling and engaging style, Harrison Forbes has recounted experiences with dogs throughout his life. In doing so, he reminds us of the extraordinary power of the human-animal bond and the special relationship we have with dogs in modern American culture.”
–Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO, The Humane Society of the United States

“An anomaly of recent publishing is dog books written by writers who don’t know much about dogs and don’t seem to like them all that much. Mr. Forbes’ book is happily different. Harrison Forbes is modest about his own accomplishments but introduces us vividly to the minds and spirits of some fascinating, extremely difficult dogs (How many of us have a dog that has put 11 people in the hospital?). Dog Talk is deeply and importantly about dogs and those humans who understand and love them. I gladly pay Mr. Forbes the highest compliment one dog man can pay another: I would trust him with my dogs.”
–Donald McCraig, New York Times bestselling author of Nop’s Trials, Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men and A Useful Dog

“Harrison Forbes is a treasure for the pet-loving public. He has the combination of experience and intelligence that cuts to the essence of those topics that matter.”
–Rolan Tripp, DVM, veterinary content consultant for Animal Planet and Founder of animalbehavior.net

“Harrison Forbes is who I use for all my dog advice.”
–James Gandolfini, actor

Harrison Forbes has been a dog trainer and behaviorist for over 20 years and has trained over 600 police dogs for departments all over the country. He is the host of “Pet Talk,” a syndicated radio show which is broadcast to millions of homes. He has appeared on numerous talk shows, such as Live with Regis and Kelly and Larry King Live and has been featured in Animal Fair magazine, Dog Fancy, and USA Today. Harrison lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his family and dogs.

Books Available from Amazon.com

Hover over links for details:

• Dog Talk: Lessons Learned from a Life with Dogs
• Nops Trials
• Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men: Searching through Scotland for a Border Collie