Amazon.com Review: April Frost philosophizes that the key to successful dog training lies in establishing a spiritual and psychological connection between dog and human. Like the Monks of New Skete, the widely respected authors of The Art of Raising a Puppy and How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, Frost endorses "love and respect" for a dog and treating each one as a unique individual. Beyond Obedience is not structured with day-to-day accomplishment deadlines or strict training goals in mind. Instead, the emphasis is on the individual dog, who will grow and develop at his own rate. Every chapter aims to enhance the human-canine bond. Topics include the mind and energy connection, how dogs can teach us as human beings, and new ways to improve communication. The book also offers alternatives to traditional veterinary care as more and more pet owners look for less chemically harsh ways to treat animals. Herbal remedies for carsickness, soiling problems, and stress are a taste of these natural substitutes. Beyond Obedience is much more than a dog-training guide--it is a new way of viewing our relationships with our dogs. --Naomi Gesinger

Product Description: Beyond Obedience is a revolutionary new training program for you and your dog from one of our country's foremost animal advocates and holistic practitioners. The idea that your canine companion is a fully emotional being and acutely sensitive to your changing feelings and moods is the foundation of April Frost's original and highly effective training program.

One of the most difficult aspects of training a dog is clearly communicating your intentions. Beyond Obedience is the first book to work on the way you communicate with your dog, providing you with the necessary tools to truly understand how your dog's mind works and, therefore, how you can create an effective and mutually satisfying relationship.

Drawing on her extensive experiences as an animal behaviorist, Frost teaches you that training your dog should not be a tedious chore limited to exerting physical and psychological control over an animal's drives, but instead an enriching and spiritually fulfilling experience--gratifying for both human and animal. Frost discusses such essential concepts as mutual respect, unconditional love, mental and emotional discipline, and your expectations and priorities. She shows you how the insights gained from working with your dog can have positive, far-ranging effects on many areas of your life. Beyond Obedience offers valuable insight into the emotional bonds that enrich the lives of animals and their companions.