Kathy Callahan

After a decade of guiding people who've just added a puppy to the family, dog trainer Kathy Callahan has learned a fundamental truth: at some point every one of them feels overwhelmed. When they seek out expertise, they're flooded with impossibly detailed advice, conflicting opinions, and a surprising number of techniques that seem unkind.

In contrast, Callahan reassures owners that success flows not from nailing an intimidating list of disciplinary tactics, but from adopting a mindset of "trusted guide" rather than "master." The key to great training is recognizing that we have essentially kidnapped these puppies from their own vastly different culture. Using an easy-to-grasp "Planet Dog/Planet Human" concept, Callahan dives into the essentials, including how to prepare your house (and yourself) for puppyhood; potty training, chewing, jumping, and other challenges; how to train with fun, not fear; navigating puppyhood with young kids, cats, and/or other dogs; and what to do if there's household disagreement on things like whether dogs belong on furniture.

In engaging chapters filled with empathy for both the beleaguered humans and their confused puppies, Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog paves the way for a rewarding friendship between a relaxed, well-prepared human and a canine family member who's happily at ease in our world.