The Spanish Water Dog Book

By

Wanda Sooby & Di Williamson

Reviewed By

Angi Hodges

It is a real privilege to have been asked to review the book by Wanda Sooby and Di Williamson. I am aware of the many hours of research, discussion and sheer effort that went into its production and it is a real delight to be able to say, simply, “It was worth it.”

Any attempt to distil the history of a breed – any breed – into a comprehensible narrative is always going to be problematic, and open to argument and challenge. Much of the historical information about our breed is in a language which is not our own. Nevertheless Wanda Sooby gives a comprehensive account of the development of the Spanish Water Dog as a working companion to the inhabitants of what was to become its native land, and somehow succeeds in making a coherent account of all the differing theories, fiercely defended and debated, on its origins.

But this is not just a history lesson, of interest to those who take pleasure in such knowledge. She highlights throughout her account the ways in which the breed’s historical development impacts upon the behaviour and mind-set of our dogs today, and at that point it becomes required knowledge for all of us who want to ensure our dogs’ lives are happy and fulfilled.

Equally important, it’s “a good read.” This section of the book held my attention in very adverse circumstances!

For many of us, Di Williamson needs no introduction in her role as trainer, and her input regarding behaviour and training is another reason why this book is a “must have.” It is so clear and comprehensive that it would not surprise me to see owners and handlers of other breeds acquiring the book simply to access this particular wisdom. For those of us with Spanish Water Dogs of course it has the advantage of having been written with the particular features of the breed specifically in mind. It dovetails neatly with the earlier information on the physical, emotional and mental development of these dogs so highly valued for their ability to adapt to any discipline required, and their willingness to perform any task they have been set to a high standard.

This is a book written by two very knowledgeable people, who have combined their knowledge for the benefit of the reader. I was asked by the authors to be critical in my approach, and in fact I read it within a critical framework. I finished the task with the feeling of regret reserved for a book you have enjoyed so much that you wanted to carry on reading, and, quite simply, I cannot recommend it too highly.

For Further Information on this book see www.thespanishwaterdogbook.co.uk

written by

Lyn Fleet and Helen Roberts
Telephone or Fax: 0151 734 2166

Reviewed by

Di Williamson

Books on rearing puppies abound, some good, others not so good. I have never before found one that I thought was good enough to give out to every new owner when they collect their puppy. For a great many years I have produced my own puppy pack and was arrogant enough to believe that nothing could be better! I was wrong. This little book is the best I have ever seen and is an absolute MUST for every Breeder to buy in bulk and give to their puppy purchasers, preferably before they collect the puppy. Priced at under £5 and available from the Authors it does not present much of a financial burden when one considers the price of a puppy.

The book is small enough to carry around, the cover is substantial enough to withstand constant handling and the contents are presented in such a way that no one would have any difficulty reading and understanding it. It is liberally illustrated throughout with simple, funny, drawings that leave the reader in no doubt as to how a puppy’s mind works.

The greatest problems during puppy hood arise because we, as humans, despite being the “intelligent species” tend to expect the puppy to think like us and understand what we mean by our speech and actions. This book succeeds in making it very clear to the reader that puppies understand “dog” and that the onus is on us to learn how to communicate with them in ways that they understand so that they learn the right thing without confusion.

Everything is covered from the first day in the new home through chewing, feeding, housetraining, sleeping, training, travelling etc. etc. etc. Great emphasis is put on suitable, early socialisation which is so important in all breeds but even more so in the Spanish Water Dog, as we all (should!) know. There is a section at the back of the book where the reader can tick off the new experiences and situations the puppy has encountered and covers a wide range of things one might never think of normally, such as black dogs, men with beards, balloons, to mention but a few. This list will encourage owners to search out people, things and situations that otherwise the puppy might never encounter while still young enough to learn to accept them happily.

All in all this book will, for a very small price, ensure that your puppies are given the best start in life with owners who have the information they need to cope with their new member of the family. It is impossible to make people read what they are given, I know, but this book is written in a jokey, light-hearted style which will encourage more people to make use of it. The winner is the puppy.

Picture of Cover