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A fresh look at raising kids and training dogs. My new book is out now…

dog training to build a strong bond and better behavior.

Last Updated: July 2023

Last updated: July 2026

“What The Dogs Taught Me About Being A Parent”

In 2013 Random House released my first book on raising children and training dogs. Now I am pleased to announce that I have finally gotten round to making it into an Audio Book.

So if you are looking for an easy way to learn more about the finer points of dog training and child raising then look no more. Sit back and enjoy as I take you through the entire book, from start to finish, all 23 chapters!

Where to get it

Click here < Audio Book Special Offer > to get your copy of the Audio Book, read by me, with lots of ad libs and funny stories thrown in.

Here are just a few of my favourite chapters to give you a taste of what I cover off…

Chapter 3: The calm, kind and gentle pack leader
Chapter 5: Remaining calm in the storm
Chapter 9: Humans are not logical
Chapter 10: What on earth is this energy thing?
Chapter 13: Your child is your mirror (and so is your dog)
Chapter 18: The trouble with a smart dog
Chapter 21: A message of hope!

What it's aboutDoggy Dan's book on Parenting and dog training

The book itself is summed up by the title “What The Dogs Taught Me About Being A Parent”. In a nutshell, if you are looking for help with your child (or your dog), or both then this book will give you the advice you are looking for and highlight the key areas and concepts that are really going to help!

As with my dog training approach it does not only deal with a child’s symptoms but also looks at the importance of dealing with the cause of the problem as well. I am pleased to say that I’ve managed to keep it an easy read that provides practical advice and tips throughout with a summary at the end of each chapter. Nearly all the stories and learning’s are taken from my own experience either as a father or a dog trainer, so I am sure you will also find yourself laughing as you go.

The real meaning

The book however goes to a deeper level and looks at the fact that it’s really the changes that we make to ourselves that will always have the biggest results in our lives. Covering off a wide range of key topics that affect us in every day life whether we realize it or not. From understanding the subtle way that other people’s energy can impact us, and learning how to handle the storms that come racing towards us, to staying focused on your goals and knowing which battles to avoid. The topics I cover are vast and wide ranging. They are in many ways the laws of the universe.

Who's it for

While I have written this book to help parents raising their children through my experiences as a dog trainer, the concepts really do apply to our whole lives.

It has always been my dream to share the knowledge that I have gained from other people and dogs over the years, and this is my first step. I do hope you enjoy it.

After reading and applying the concepts in this book it’s my goal that your life will never quite be the same as you embark on a new journey of growth and harmony 🙂

Find out more…

Parenting and dog training : Introduction to “What the dogs taught me about being a parent”

Best wishes,

Doggy Dan Signature .

Gentle journey for your puppy.

Doggy Dan

Doggy Dan stands out through his “five golden rules” that focus on canine psychology rather than repetitive drills or force. Unlike traditional trainers, he teaches owners to become the “calm leader” their dogs need. Over the last two decades, his methods have helped transform over 125,000 dogs worldwide. As the founder of TheOnlineDogTrainer.com blog and podcast and creator of the Dog Calming Code™, he has become a trusted voice in dog psychology and training. His philosophy is simple: reactive dogs don’t need punishment or endless treats. They need a leader they can trust.

27 Responses

  1. Hi have been trying to look each at video keeps saying not enrolled in training?I have paid the money so what have I paid for?

  2. As with many above, have paid for the book. Email has arrived in my inbox with the order and the paymnt confirmation. Thanks fo buying the book, but where is it? No download link. Is this all just a scam?

  3. Hi, I’ve been unable to find the audio book I purchased. I have already emailed as previously advised in comments but no response yet….

      1. Sorry to hear you’re having trouble. Have you checked your junk mail as it may have landed there?
        Can you try to sign up with a different email address if you have one, e.g, Gmail? It may be getting blocked at your end.
        If so, and still not received, please email my support team at doggydan@theonlinedogtrainer.com and they’ll help you out. Appreciate it – Dan

  4. Hi, I don’t know how to access audio books that I’ve purchased. Then I can listen and learn something that may help me lovingly train our dog and myself.

  5. Hi Dan, we just completed the Dog Calming Code. We are new at being dog owners and now realize we did not understanding what it meant to be a pack leader and how important it is. He is so much clamer now. We can’t thank you enough. Rusty is a red minature poodle who will be turning 8 months old next week. We believe that, thanks to you, we changed our behavior just in time before some of his bad behavior became more difficult to break. I’m so glad I discovered your program and have recommended it to a lot of people. Thank you so much!

    1. Hi Laura, thanks for your feedback! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed my Dog Calming Code program. It really is quite simple to transform a dog’s behaviour when you truly understand why it’s happening and exactly how to overcome it…for the long term. Give yourself a great big pat on the back for proving to Rusty that he can trust you to keep him safe in a world he doesn’t understand. Keep up the great work! Doggy Dan

    1. Hi Karen,
      My book is only available in paperback in New Zealand and the shipping costs are exorbitant. You can purchase an Audio version though…if you are interested you can purchase it at the link below http://theonlinedogtrainer.com/easy-way-trip-audio-699/
      I also have a Kindle version of my book available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/What-Taught-About-Being-Parent-ebook/dp/B00CB873NG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494772642&sr=8-1&keywords=What+the+dogs+taught+me+about+being+a+parent
      Best, Doggy Dan

  6. i would love to buy your book in hard copy version where can it be obtained. we love your program and it has helped with out new 6 month old cavapoo. we all use it kids and hubby alike he has a lot of pack leaders so we want to be consistant. I don’t have a lot of access to read a book on line so I would rather have one in my hand. thanks and keep up your great work

    1. Hi Ahuva,

      Following on from the last few days emails about the links between humans and dogs,
      I’ve had a lot of people asking me where they can get hold of my book,
      “What The Dogs Taught Me About Being A Parent”

      The answer is simple:

      The Kindle Edition – is available on Amazon here >>>
      (Where it has a 4.5 Star rating – and they’ve discounted it for a while from the normal $20 price)

      Audio Version – is available here (Special Offer) >>>
      (10 hour audio edition, read by myself… you can download it to your computer or device – and listen on the go or in the car)

      For those of you who are not familiar with the book, it’s a look at the similarities between raising children, puppies and dogs… If you have either, then I think you’ll find it fascinating.

      There’s a lot more information on this blog post, if you want to take a look >>>

      Enjoy…and please do give it a rating if you enjoy it!

      Many thanks in advance…

      ~Doggy Dan

FREE TRAINING:

How to Solve Dog Reactivity WITHOUT Food Bribes, Tricks, or Force

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FREE webinar:

How to Solve Dog Reactivity WITHOUT Food Bribes, Tricks, or Force

dog training to stop unwanted jumping and barking

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Recent Posts

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Ridley is my 4th dog. After listening to and learning from Doggy Dan, I was happy to see that I did pretty well with my first 3 dogs while raising my kids and having my husband with me. Not perfect - but pretty good! Now I am raising a new dog by myself, and I feel like I'm not doing this really "alone." I really am so happy with all the information Dan has offered... and all his techniques work well!!
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Carol Ann Ferrari Rogers
21 September 2026
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Two months ago I adopted a 7 year old Morkie, a very nervous but loving little fellow. I tried several different training techniques and even purchased a program that was lengthy and very time consuming before I discovered Doggy Dan. I've been using his program for two weeks and am astounded by the change in my Dexter. He is calmer, more obedient and friendlier to others than I imagined possible. Dan's training is concise. It differs from others I found, Dan trains you to become the leader of your pack through a dog's perspective. I like that the training is specific yet compassionate. This is a program that works if you are consistent. Thanks Doggy Dan!
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Kathy Fore
17 September 2026
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Susie in the UK. I am only 10 days in but took in a 9 yr old emergency rescue from Romania who had been in kennels for 6 years and then had 3 failed foster placements in the UK. Luca is a big powerful mixed breed with huge stress and anxiety and very reactive, he bounded into my home and took over - aggressive with my 2 others, and visitors and pulling and pushing on walks. I thought I couldn't handle him but saw an advert for Doggy Dan on line and signed up - we've had a wonderful turnaround and he is finally decompressing, being polite with my dogs and responds excellently to the time-out if reactive with guests. Walks are much better and all 5 rules are in place. I believe he will continue to improve but only if I remain 100% consistent with him for the rest of his life. He is 9 years old and deserves a happy old age being loved and looked after with no further upsets in his life so fingers and toes are crossed for him
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SoBS Truro
15 September 2026
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I started. The course 3/4 weeks ago. As Dan says you have to work on things if you get stuck. I have a Staffordshire x cane corso who is now six months old. She is very intelligent but sometimes she just doesn’t listen. Doing the five codes I’m finding it’s going pretty well except trying to get her calm so I am persevering with it again with my own space. I have a trainer call shortly which I will ask for advice on this. It’s great also that you can ask anything you’re not sure of on line. It’s so great to have someone there to help. I’m looking forward to having a relaxed girl instead of hyper most of the time as she gets so excited about almost everything. I would truly recommend doggy Dan and just wished I would have come across him much earlier. Thanks again for everything so far.
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Hazel Coad
12 September 2026
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I ❤️ my dog. Such a good girl! 5 Golden rules, really work.
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Victoria van Sommeren
9 September 2026
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This program is amazing!. We have a VERY reactive rescue dog that has bitten his previous owner and as well, myself 3x and my husband 4 x's. He had never been around people or other animals, and had never been walked on a leash. (in fact never run off-leash either, just tied to the front steps). We began with traditional treat-based training with a professional, but the progress was frustrating. A reactive dog does not want treats; it wants comfort. With the 5 Golden Rules and and some of the other training we have received with our subscription, in just 3 weeks, we can let him off leash at the dog park, he has not growled at any stranger, and he has not attacked any other animals. He is still a work in progress, but we see progress!!!! He has become a cuddly, sweet dog and for a greyhound, he even has recall! This program is amazing to say the least. We were at our wits end, but now we have hope.
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susan kent
8 September 2026
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Okay, he says it’s not magic, but the results and the peace in so little time with so little effort sure feels like magic! My 11 month old pup was a 60lb highly reactive, very loud disaster waiting to happen. Now we are both calm, the house is quiet and I don’t live in absolute fear of his reactivity towards others. There’s always still work/training to do of course, but wow are we in a much better place to get on with that!
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Theresia Travers
8 September 2026
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Just started with the 5 rules. It's only been a week and a half and I'm noticing less stress, and a reduction in reactivity. We still have a way to go. But finally something I can work with. I went for the online course.
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Fiona Bower
31 August 2026
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I watched the free Webinar and joined at the end. I am up to No.3 atm and I’m actually feeling hopeful 🤞🏼
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Jackie Grimmer
29 August 2026
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The program is great. I started to see the changes in my cocker spaniel from day one.
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Joy Winnington
18 August 2026
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My Lab mix puppy and I are on Day 3 , but, I do feel a stronger connection. She appears calmer overall / looking forward to consistently following these five rules. Doggy Dan is clear, concise, comprehensive and compassionate . Very pleased with his program. Diane
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Diane Patterson
16 August 2026
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We have an 8 month old Goldendoodle who has fear issues outside the home and gets easily overwhelmed going into panic/flee mode if several triggers coincide (people, loud dog barking and noises like motorcycles/construction). So pleased to find Doggy Dan and seeing positive changes after just two weeks. Feeding time is calm after using the gesture eating and "thank you" when he barks works a treat. I realized I'm babying my dog too much and trying to be his best pal instead of a leader so I'm working hard on that. We've changed to the no pull harness and love that. Doggy Dans video clips really help bring the philosophy together and I love his attitude. He is calm, clear, firm but so kind and loving with dogs and very down to earth and relatable. I've got great help too from the AI coach and the daily emails and videos help keep us on track and feeling positive. We've still got a mountain to climb with our pup but I finally feel hopeful and supported. We'd tried trainers, behavior specialists and all sorts before finding Doggy Dan and this is by far our best investment. Can't recommend you trying this highly enough. Photo of our boy.
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Jackie Ward
13 August 2026
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Absolutely amazing transformation in just a few days. Just need to stick to the 5 Golden rules 🙂
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Martine Adkin
13 July 2026
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I couldn’t believe my dog’s problem resolved completely within a week! Easy but not easy if you are inconsistent with the 5 rules. I highly recommend this method! Somethings don’t seem important or relevant but they are!
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Dawn McCordic
13 July 2026
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I just started my training about 2 weeks ago, and I do mean MY training. My 2 girls are really responding to my changes in how I am relating to them better. Thank you Doggy Dan, I really needed this win, 2 reactive dogs and we have made progress with the 5 golden rules and we have not with anything else. Crystal Gayle the Red Heeler and Sadie the Border Collie.
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Betty Nicholl
11 July 2026
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For three years, I tried every treat-based method and expensive course to stop my large, powerful male dog from pulling on the leash, barking, and stressing out when his energy got too high on our walks. (So while he is a farm dog who enjoys total freedom off-leash on our farm most of the day, on-leash in the city, he totally lost it). He was practically hanging from the leash, two feet in the air (almost strangling himself), always demanding to walk in front and make all the decisions. Absolutely nothing worked—until I found Doggy Dan! 🏆 After just a couple of weeks implementing The 5 Golden Rules, the transformation is absolutely mind-blowing!!! By focusing on connection and calm leadership rather than rigid commands, my dog has FINALLY reconnected with his natural calmness (that has actually always been there inside him) ❤️❤️ When we walk through town now, I look down at my dog walking in a perfect "heel." The leash hangs completely loose, and that loose leash really says it all 👍👍👍 He does not pull, bark, or growl AT ALL when other dogs bark at him!😱 Yes, he looks at them and is interested, but he remains completely calm. We pass shouting people, groups of kids on scooters, and dogs barking aggressively behind gates—he is interested, but he remains entirely unfazed. Just yesterday, we stopped in front of a fence with chickens walking in a garden, and he just stood there watching curiously, staying completely still. And as we walked across a large, grassy schoolyard, we suddenly crossed paths with two rabbits—when I told him to, he immediately sat down. Of course, he was highly interested, but he sat completely, utterly still! I constantly find myself thinking: This can NOT be my dog, LOL! 🐇🐓 Dan refers to himself as a dog trainer, but in my humble opinion he is a dog philosopher. The course is incredibly generous, filled with hundreds of real-life videos from every situation imaginable, offering a massive toolkit for an amazing price. I am so excited to continue this course, so happy about the progress, and so looking forward to the future with this beloved dog of mine. I HIGHLY recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Ingrid-Tove Astrup
8 July 2026
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I've only been working the program for a week and already are seeing some great improvements with an overexcitable, energetic, barking at everything, and fun Maltipoo. I'm focusing on the 5 golden rules and watching the training videos. Thanks Doggy Dan!
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Rebecca Cheney
4 July 2026
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In a matter of days my 5 year old Frenchie is calmer and seems happier, albeit not happy that I'm ignoring him but it works! I live alone so he thinks he should be boss and protect me from every visitor but he didn't even bark at the window cleaner yesterday, just followed him around each window. My life might be my own soon, thank you!
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Shauna
2 July 2026
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The Golden rules i now understand are NOT called GOLDEN RULES FOR NO REASON! WOW , JUST WOW, I WAS DOING ALL 5 WRONG !
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Tim Waldner
2 July 2026
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We have adopted a Poodle and he us very high energy, anxious and insecure. I joined the online program after I watched the free online webinar about the 5 Golden Rules. While watching the webinar all 3 of my dogs ran off barking... I calmly called out "thank you" and they all came back to me.. from that moment I was hooked. I love the fact that we use minimal sound in this technique as I can become anxious and unsure in my tone. I have seen results with the new Poodle and I am exited about our future. Thanks Doggy Dan, you are a gem 👌🐾🐾🐾
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Jane Uprichard
22 June 2026
FREE webinar:

How to Solve Dog Reactivity WITHOUT Food Bribes, Tricks, or Force

dog training to stop unwanted jumping and barking

Limited Spaces!