A New Approach to Dogs and Dog Training

This book presents a new and innovative concept in dealing with dogs: the human-canine synergy (HCS), characterized by a holistic nature and its differentiation from unidimensional terms expressing the affiliation of humans and dogs (Relationship, Interaction, Bonding). Related to the use and training by humans, it applies three main categories of dogs: a) the empathy/therapeutic individuals, which are dogs helping persons with empathy- or therapeutic needs; b) assisting/working dogs carrying out specific actions to aid or assist humans perform specific tasks; and c) the facilitating/inspiring dogs, which enable or improve various human activities, including classroom dogs for teaching and learning purposes in almost all educational subjects.

Organized in three parts, chapters address the following needs:

• The first section illuminates the concept of HCS as well as basic principles determining this synergy and consequently the process of training dogs (owners and professional trainers). Readers will understand the role of a dog's personality, behavior and especially temperament in its successful training.

• In a scientifically documented way, the second part guides those who wish to engage in dog training (amateur or professional). It describes basic training forms within the HCS framework (obedience, protection, detection and classroom dog) and necessary steps for proper completion.

• The third book part describes the business of dog training with multi-dimensional approach by emphasizing a good understanding and knowledge of interactions and the environment in which trainer, owner and dog typically operate.

Overall, this work is a valuable read for anyone who deals with our four-legged companions for business or pleasure.

Theovoulos (Theo) Koutsopoulos obtained a diploma in dog training (Obedience Training, Protection Training Tracking, etc.) and Business Ethics and Management from the West Virginia Canine College (Accredited College, USA). He teaches at the American Community School in Athens where he applies his innovative approach named HUMAN-CANINE SYNERGY (HCS) in utilizing dogs in teaching, among other things. He is the Director and owner of the company Athens Pet Resort whose main work is on the one hand dog training (Obedience, Property Protection, Group Lessons, Non-Criminal Tracking, Demonstrations), as well as dog trainers’ training. After further education at London´s Canine Behavior Center, Theo was the first to introduce in Greece the necessity of dealing with dog behavior (Animal Behavior, Behavior Modification), which he applies to all his teaching and company's activities.

Theo has been actively engaged in dog therapy which can be used as a therapeutic toolof psychology-psychotherapy, helping to connect spirit-mind-body, thus reducing psychological pressures. In particular, he has worked with young children helping them overcome psychological and other issues. His major contribution and latest concern are the development of the HCS concept and application of classroom dogs to aid students in teaching and learning curriculum subjects, which is applied at the American Community Schools in Athens and elsewhere.