LIPSTICK AND THE LEASHDog Training a Woman’s WayLIPSTICK AND THE LEASH is an instruction guide for women who need help controlling their dogs. No wonder – since 3 out of 4 households leave dog care to a woman! Author Camilla Gray-Nelson, a.k.a. the Dog Talk Diva™, explains that it’s not about “Sit” when it comes to controlling a canine. It’s not about manhandling, yelling or cookies, either. Using her farm-girl wisdom, Camilla shares that “top dogs” in the animal world aren’t the ones doing the barking and fighting; they are cool, calm and collected. She points out that we are all animals at our core and, because of this, can get what we want from our dog in the same way the top dog achieves what he wants: through quiet focus, feedback and follow-through. The book is full of anecdotal stories from Camilla’s childhood with her animal mentors, among them Piggy the Cow and Nellie the Dog. Her country upbringing has made her fluent in the non-verbal language of animals. Her mother was also an important role model for quiet strength and effectiveness as she got what she wanted from Camilla’s father, whom the author describes as “one willful puppy!”The chapter entitled “A Woman’s Kryptonite – Stay Away From It!” reveals three specific types of behaviors that can undermine a woman’s natural power, just as the mysterious element Kryptonite rendered Superman powerless in its presence. One example: anger and frustration will communicate weakness in animal terms and leave a woman powerless with any dog she is trying to control. Instead, Camilla explains the importance of powerful body language, eye contact, a calm voice and consistent enforcement of rules. Numerous photos throughout the book show dogs communicating non-verbally with each other and illustrate how women can use these same non-verbal techniques to instruct their dogs more naturally – and effectively.The final chapter on training demonstrates how to teach basic commands a woman’s way and includes practical tips on stopping common household behaviors like jumping, barking, digging, counter-surfing and more. Women will find LIPSTICK AND THE LEASH insightful and helpful for improving their dogs’ behavior and, as the subtitle suggests, they will take away valuable lessons for becoming more effective in other areas of their life as well.
Camilla Gray-Nelson is the former spokesperson for the United States Food and Drug Administration in the San Francisco bay area, worked for the Nevada Department of Labor, helping women enter trade union apprenticeship programs, and is a professional dog trainer. She lives in Petaluma, California.
