__

Laura is a Director of the Slow Dog Movement. See https://slowdogmovement.org/about-us/

This book covers all the essential elements that dog guardians need to know!

Rosie’s first book, ‘Understanding the Silent Communication of Dogs’ was required reading when I studied with Turid Rugaas in 2014/15. When you’re given a list of twenty or so books to read, hers stands out for me as one that just ‘went right in.’ I took to her style and philosophy with no effort at all.

Rosie writes with thoughtfulness and a pragmatism that creates immediacy between herself and the reader. Her deep respect for her dogs (and all sentient beings) is evident. She is humble and admits her mistakes. As a dog professional myself, Rosie’s sometimes self-deprecating stories made me trust her as a writer. She is a keen observer, and a patient dog guardian/professional. Rosie’s breadth of knowledge is on an evolving continuum as she studies, reads research papers, observes, and cares for her own dogs and others. What a breath of fresh air to read her work!

I think that ‘The Tale of a Big Dog: A Holistic Guide to Life with Hagrid’ is a ‘Big Book!’ It could easily be entitled ‘A Holistic Guide to Life with Your Dog!’ The content, although featuring her beloved dog Hagrid, covers all the essential elements that dog guardians need to know about ANY dog.

Rosie approaches each subject, whether it be ‘introducing other animals,’ ‘food’ or ‘choices’ with a measured and loving pace. I marvelled at her striving to create the best life for Hagrid. Her focus is holistic, and the practical application of this philosophy is slowing herself down so she can observe her dogs. She would apply an idea and take note of the affect. Not ‘trial and error’ or a pure scientific approach but educated attempts at making Hagrid’s (and her other family members’) lives as comfortable and dog focused as possible. Rosie’s heartfelt stories of Hagrid and his illnesses and short life with her family, are heart wrenching and joyous.

Some of these practices include dog paced walks, where plenty of exploration and sniffing are allowed. Visits to a nearby farm and village ‘after hours’ walks for enrichment are detailed with love. Encouraging her dog(s) to be confident by giving ‘choices’ whenever safe and sensible. Rosie talks about ‘healthy boundaries’ with Hagrid especially and many of us can related as this is what we provide for our own children. In fact, some of Rosie’s examples include her own grandchildren as subjects of engaging in enrichment, choices and giving space for the ‘other.’

I personally appreciated the experiences Rosie relates about finding dog health professionals for Hagrid. As with all relationships, we enter these with the hope that the person can help the health of our dog. We are our dog’s only advocate. They trust us. Sometimes visiting a vet or other specialist can be fraught with miscommunication or negative experiences for our dog. Rosie gives sound advice from her own hard-won attempts at finding ways to heal Hagrid.

‘The Tale of a Big Dog: A Holistic Guide to Life with Hagrid’ is a ground-breaking book. I will recommend it to all my dog clients and colleagues as a comprehensive guide to giving your dog the best life possible. Rosie’s philosophy is a paradigm shift for many dog guardians – as instead of focusing on what a dog can give you, it is about what you can give your dog. Slowing down your approach, your handling, and your assumptions and providing your dog with natural dog behaviour opportunities is at the heart of this volume.

You can read it cover to cover and/or dip into each chapter for specific and detailed information and stories. ‘The Tale of a Big Dog: A Holistic Guide to Life with Hagrid’ is going to be a favourite ‘dog eared’ book in my collection!____