Manage It!

Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior

by Julianna DeWillems, KPA CTP, CDBC 

The book every dog guardian needs!

Let's be honest: most dog behaviour books focus on training. But sometimes, training isn't the answer. Sometimes, the answer is management.

This book - written by certified dog behaviour consultant Juliana DeWillems - flips the script on how we think about behaviour change. Instead of asking "How do I train this away?" it asks "How do I prevent this from happening in the first place?"

The difference is transformative.

What is management?

Management is creating an environment and routine that prevent unwanted behaviours from occurring; thoughtful environmental design that sets your dog up for success.

Sometimes, good management prevents the need for formal training entirely.

What you'll find inside

Each chapter tackles a common behaviour challenge:

• Getting into the trash
• Dashing out doors
• Jumping on guests
• Barking
• Pulling on leash
• Counter-surfing
• And more...

For each issue, DeWillems provides practical, immediately actionable management hacks you can implement today. Not in six weeks after a training course. Today.

What you'll get

• Immediate relief - stop the cycle of frustration. Good management gives you breathing room to build from there
• Science-based approach - grounded in behaviour science and learning theory, no outdated dominance-based thinking
• Practical over perfect - these aren't aspirational solutions. They're real-world hacks that work for real dogs and real families
• Complements training - whether you're working with a trainer or going solo, management accelerates progress
• Builds the human-dog bond - by preventing conflict and frustration, management creates space for connection
• Professional-quality insights - written by a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant, and accessible to every dog guardian

What the experts say

"The management of a behavioral problem can be just as important as training, and often more practical."
Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB, author of The Other End of the Leash

"This book is packed with great management solutions that any dedicated dog guardian will be able to understand and implement with reasonable ease."
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, author of Beware of the Dog

"Management isn't given enough credit in the canine behaviour and training world. Finally, a book that fixes that."

Endorsed by leading trainers and behaviourists including Ken Ramirez, Amy Pike, DVM DACVB, and Kathy Sdao

Who should read this

• Dog guardians struggling with unwanted behaviours (barking, jumping, pulling, dashing, counter-surfing, trash diving)
• People new to positive reinforcement training who want practical solutions
• Anyone working with a trainer who wants to accelerate progress
• Trainers and behaviour consultants looking for a client resource
• Anyone who loves their dog but sometimes feels frustrated or hopeless about behaviour issues

About the author

Juliana DeWillems, KPA CTP, CDBC, is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and owner of JW Dog Training and Behavior in the Washington, D.C. area. She regularly consults with brands and media to educate the public about evidence-based dog training and behaviour.

Book details

• Author: Juliana DeWillems, KPA CTP, CDBC
• Publisher: Dogwise Publishing
• Pages: 196
• ISBN: 9781617812910
• Published: 2024
• Format: Paperback

The bottom line

If your dog is driving you crazy, management might be the game-changer you've been looking for. This book gives you the knowledge, the permission, and the practical tools to create a more harmonious life with your dog.

Because sometimes, preventing the problem is better than fixing it.