Chaser Book Review

I was recently given the opportunity to read Chaser before it hit book shelves.  Yes, I’m a dog lover and yes, I own a Border Collie.  However, neither of those things are what made me love this book as much as I did.

Chaser tells the story of a dog who knows over 1,000 words.  She has learned them not through being given treats or going to obedience school.  She learned them through play.  There is so much we can learn for our children and ourselves about this technique, but that’s another blog post entirely.

The author loves Chaser as a member of the family.  Chaser was not a science experiment or lab animal.  She was a dog John and his wife purchased as a new addition to their family.  They had dogs previously and without one, there was a little hole in their lives.  We can all relate to that.

Chaser’s rewards for learning was being able to learn and play and enjoy her life.  Border Collies are highly energetic and if you don’t challenge them, they become bored and even irritable.  Her journey is one of pure joy.  John never set out to have a dog on the Today Show, he simply knew that his dog, like so many others, was capable of so much more and was so much smarter than we ever thought possible.

I think dogs have an emotional intelligence that humans can’t match.  However, we don’t even try to communicate with them most of the time.  By stopping and observing what Chaser was able and willing to do, John showed us that even the impossible is achievable.

Chaser’s story reads as easily as a fiction novel.  You are enthralled with their journey and you feel as though you are traveling to work and play every day with John and Chaser.  I felt as though I was being told a story by a dear friend, not reading a book based on scientific research.

This book would make an amazing gift for any dog lover in your life. However, anyone who enjoys a true story of joy, learning and love would embrace Chaser and John as part of their family.

My adopted Border Collie, Roxy has mixed reviews of the book.  I am now confident that she is capable of so much more then she was currently doing.  I also realized that she deserved more time, attention and training than I was providing.  So, she is working on learning the names of more of her toys.  (Her six or so names that she previously knew quickly seemed inadequate!).  She runs with me every day and we reward with play.  As I’m writing this, she is asleep on my feet after a day full of mini training sessions, a run and some entertainment.

Chaser can be ordered here:

http://www.chaserthebordercollie.com/#!buy/c1kqu

Want to WIN a copy?  Post a photo of your doggie on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thejoyfulorganizer or leave a comment here telling us why your dog is smart!

Want to meet Chaser and John?  Watch this video, it will warm your heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J982KYWohT8&feature=player_embedded#t=75