Description
a dog named Talulah Lake came to live with a new mom. She had been previously abused, was never trained, had no manners but was a loving, sweet, adorable little bundle of joy in a dog suit.
The very first day she came to live in Cambria, she was Trouble. She wouldn’t sleep, she whined when left alone, she jumped fences and was a wild-child. Her new mom was beside herself and called upon her friend Lisa Tenzin-Dolma for help. Lisa was a dog expert and the founder of many dog behavioral organizations in the U.K. She was kind enough to give advice about dogs, training them and most important of all, understanding how they tick. The book began as a series of emails back and forth, across the pond, from one desperate newbie dog parent and the seasoned professional with a Doctorate in Dog Psychology.
The book is funny, the lessons are amazing and the results create a guideline for raising a dog and adopting a new member of the family. It is said to be a book every dog owner and would-be dog owner need to have on their shelf.
The story begins at a Christmas Party in 2013 and concludes with the adoption of a second dog named Truffle. The stories will have you in stitches and the solutions will teach you more about dogs that you ever knew. Below are some testimonials from both beginners and experts, alike. Here’s some uncompensated praise for the book and why you should own it and send it to all of your friends who have dogs or are thinking about adopting one.
Paul Halpern writes: When a cat-lover adopts a rescue dog, and that is her first experience raising a canine, it could be a daunting experience. However as Kac Young and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma brilliantly show in The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog, a sense of humor (demonstrated by Young in her witty prose) and an extensive knowledge of dog psychology (a much-acclaimed specialty of Tenzin-Dolma), each come in incredibly handy and can turn potential disasters into delights. The interplay between the two authors is therapeutic and instructive. How they navigate tricky situations, such as teaching Talulah (the energetic pooch who is the subject of the book) where to relieve herself and how to enjoy herself safely on walks, offers valuable lessons for anyone raising a dog. Temptations to use aversive methods are circumvented with highly effective positive training techniques. As a newbie myself (I have a two-year-old poodle who is my first pet) I truly saw great value in the lessons presented. I believe that The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog would be a widely read, well-received book, filling an important niche for first-time dog owners, as well as all those eager to hone their dog training skills in a nurturing, supportive, canine-friendly manner.
-Paul Halpern, Prof. of Physics, University of the Sciences
Author of 14 trade science books, most recently Einstein’s Dice and Schrödinger’s Cat.
“The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog” takes readers on a delightful journey with Tululah, rescued and loved by Kac Young and schooled by Lisa Tenzin-Dolma.The challenges of the novice dog parent, seen through a lens of science, that describes Talulah’s experiences, make this book a valuable training primer that provides fascinating insight into the world from the dog’s point of view. The psychological and behavioral nuts and bolts of interacting with and training your dog are beautifully illustrated in an easy-to-read and absorb story form.
Dolma, psychology and animal welfare advocate, provides clear, force-free science-based suggestions and explanations that not only lead Kac and Tululah toward a BFF relationship, but dispel commonly held myths about dominance in dog training. Kac’s willingness to look deeply not only into Talulah’s eyes, but into research, may serve as a guide to others who truly want to enhance their relationship with their dog.
This book will make you not only smile but make you nod your head in understanding at long last!
– Linda Michaels, M.A. Psychology Founder of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs
Being the proud “mother” to two cats and three dogs, I feel very qualified to comment on the latest and lovable work of Kac Young and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, “The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog”. If you’ve ever been chosen by a fur baby to take them home, then this book is a must read. The endless love, and the learning curve that it takes to raise a new “four legged kid” can be a challenge, but Kac and Lisa have spelled it out with honesty and with information that is easy to simulate and remember. It also serves as a good reference book, for the bullet points at the end of the chapters should be printed on their own!
Karen Grace Cadle, Executive Director -Celebrity Expert and Television Producer:
As a writer/editor who now does pet-sitting on the side, I was thrilled for the chance to read Kac Young’s book, The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog, which she wrote with Lisa Tenzin-Dolma. Like Kac, I was a cat person most of my life. Sure, I loved dogs, but I’d never really gotten the chance to live with one (or seven!) until I rented a room in my friend Paula’s house. I was one of those three rescue gals who was blessed to witness magic happen when Kac first laid eyes on her precious Talulah. So it was with great anticipation that I dove into reading this book. It was not only a chance to find out more details on how things went for Talulah once she went to her new home, but I was anxious to learn more about taking care of dogs. I had a practical reason, after all. What I got was a wonderfully easy-to-digest how-to book wrapped up in a beautiful love story. I found myself rooting for all involved – from applauding every obstacle that was overcome in the early stages of Talulah’s (and Kac’s) adjustment, to cheering the addition of Truffle, and all of the loving care and encouragement that Lisa gave throughout the process that helped to illustrate the do’s and don’ts in rearing a wonderful canine citizen. The style of having Kac share a situation/hurdle, followed by Lisa sharing an anecdote and then ending with a summary makes this an easy reference guide to go back to again and again for refreshers. I plan to keep this on my nightstand for years to come.
-Diane Brounstein, writer at Soap Hub.
The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog is a lively mix of hilarious anecdotes, rock solid advice and information about raising a dog. From a cat loving first-time dog owner who adopts two rescues and doesn’t know the first thing about parenting them, to the priceless experience of her friend, an expert in the field of canine psychology, behavior and training, the friends have put together this captivating collection of questions and answers. Seldom does a book cause laughter and tears in one sitting, but as the two enlightened women share their love and passion for animals, this one does it. I absolutely love the book.
-Peggy Jones, Author of The Sidetracked Home Executives, Catch up On the Kitchen, The Phony Gourmet and I’m Okay but You Have a Lot of Work to Do and The Happiness File.
Kac Young and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma have created the perfect “how to” guide for raising and taking very good care of a dog. I have raised 6 dogs and 8 cats; and still discovered info that was new to me. You and your dog will both reap the benefits if you read The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog..
-Jacklyn Zeman, actress, author, spokesperson and star of General Hospital, ABC
Funny…..utterly charming…..a combination of engaging stories and practical advice from a professional! This is a must-have book for anyone owning a dog or especially anyone thinking of bringing a dog into their life. In The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog, Kac Young and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma bring the joy and knowledge of pet ownership to life on each page.
– Penny Beavers, Master Harpist.
I love this book – The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog! It is a hilarious journey into dog ownership by a “crazy cat lady” who has now expanded her horizons to include another variety of God’s lovely creatures into her family. Kac Young’s stories of their introduction to dog issues are very entertaining (I especially like “Talulah and the Stinky Squirrel”) and Lisa Tenzin Dolma’s explanations of dog behavior, psychology and history are fascinating and educational. A must for anyone who has a dog, loves a dog or wants to get a dog.
– Pamela Kidwell Ventura, Television Writer, Author and Trapeze Artist
Everyone should read The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog before buying a leash! This is a super helpful introduction to dog parenting that’s smart, funny and straight to the point. These women really know what they are talking about! I love that they included all the potential ups and downs of adopting your new puppy or dog. I wish I had read it sooner!!
-Ally Jones Zieverink – Photographer, Photo Stylist, Artist
The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog is a must-read if you have ever been a dog owner, new to puppies, or wanting to adopt an animal. I fall into all three of these categories. But Between Lisa Tenzin-Dolma’s advice and Kac Young’s stories, we get an amusing and real look at the responsibility of what it takes to be a parent to a dog – or many dogs. These little souls depend on us for all, and we need to understand how each breed is unique. We need to learn about patience, love, and accept the expense and the responsibility of being a pet owner. I completely relate to adopting. It’s such a blessing to save some of these disadvantaged souls, who have been abused or tossed out. It takes patience and love, and yet every second is worth it. Kac Young’s story of love at first sight and then questioning her decision is something all of us go through. But the decision is always a blessing in the end.
Thank you Kac Young and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma for a uniquely different and fun look at being a dog parent!
-Rhonda Shear, Designer Entrepreneur, TV Host, Comic.
When I’m not selling homes and showing real estate I work with a Lab rescue organization and see the effects on these animals when people discard them like yesterday’s trash. The Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog is book is so essential to all who are considering getting an animal so they know what all it entails. It’s not as simple as picking out a cute puppy and taking it home and that’s the end of it, like so many people seem to do. There is so much more to it than that. People need to educate themselves and this book helps them do just that. This is a must-read for all who want to enhance their lives with a pet who will give them and their families the unconditional love they bring. Kac Young and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma write in such a loving, humorous and enlightening way that it keeps the reader engaged and in the end educates them on how to choose, raise and love their pet all the days of their lives. I cannot say enough about the importance and the need of a book like this!
–Grace Hudson, Realtor and Volunteer at Lab Rescue
I love the concept of this book, and was very excited to get the chance to read it. The combination of the two authors coming together to collaborate on this is an inspiration. Kac Young is the first time owner of Talulah Lake, an adorable little rescue dog, possibly a mix of Pomeranian, King Charles spaniel, and Chihuahua. Anyone who has known or owned a little dog knows that they are full of character and mischief – Talulah is no exception! Kac tells the story of how Talulah educated her ‘mum’ in the art of raising a happy, content dog. I love that Kac shares her mistakes and successes equally throughout the book, enabling the reader to understand from the perspective of a first time owner, why Kac made the decisions she did, and how Talulah’s response helped Kac to see things in a different light. Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, an established author, well respected behaviourist and founder of the International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour (ISCP) provides a wonderful counterpoint to Kac’s narrative, explaining the science behind Talulah’s responses to her new life, and why she behaved as she did, enabling the reader to see things from a canine perspective. This is a lovely, kind and compassionate tale filled with gentle humour that will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. In addition, the behavioural advice is invaluable for every dog owner, and relating it to Talulah’s experiences makes it a very enjoyable way to learn.
The section on How to find the right dog for you is a list of tips essential for every prospective owner. It gives clear, sensible advice so people can ask the right questions, and get the best picture of the dog they are interested in. Many of the major considerations and issues that can crop up when you live with a dog are detailed as Kac and Talulah embark on their life together. Lisa’s force-free, kind methods teach the reader how to manage and overcome these issues. I was also pleasantly surprised by the addition of Truffle, a second rescue dog Kac took on. Reading about the friendship the two dogs developed was a lovely part of the story. Again, Lisa’s sound advice on giving a second dog a home will help every owner get it right, ensuring the canine companions become firm friends. Lisa’s advice also tells the reader how they can use things learned in training in different contexts and other aspects of life with their dog. The summary at the end of each chapter is a great idea – a list of the main points in each chapter is great reinforcement for the reader.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and know it will be read and consulted time and again by readers.
-Kathie Gregory is an animal behaviourist and trainer, and author of A Tale of Two Horses. http://www.hubbleandhattie.com/authors/Kathie-Gregory/
The (supposedly) Enlightened Person’s Guide to Raising a Dog
Articles Quoting Kac Young, Author.
https://petlifetoday.com/important-questions-to-ask-when-adopting-a-pet/
Book Review:
http://www.australiandoglover.com/2017/10/dog-lovers-book-club-october-2017.html
