"As with kids, keeping the pets safe during a breakup should be paramount, and professional dog trainer Keene offers sound advice-as pertains to dog and owner-for before, during and after the split. Indeed, many suggestions could also apply to the children-adults should not treat their dogs like bargaining chips, for example-and Keene spends plenty of time addressing the practical (human) issues of moving on: finding a new place to live, laying ground rules with the ex, staying positive and facing new financial challenges. As for the dogs, Keene covers a huge range of topics, from fundamentals like 'a day in the life of a part-time pet parent' and the relative merits of full- and joint-custody, to monitoring canine stress, splitting up a pack and leaving an abusive relationship with your pet. The book's lengthy third part, suitable for anyone living alone with a dog, deals thoroughly and helpfully with life after the breakup. Drawing from her own experience with divorce, Keene's well-designed manual offers a wise perspective and solid, practical advice based in basic courtesy, common sense, calm and cooperation; though it's hardly innovative, her council will definitely help ground dogged readers during the tumultuous, hair-pulling end of a relationship." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Keene, a certified dog trainer, tackles a novel and unique subject--how to prepare your pet canine to handle a divorce or romantic breakup. Using her own divorce as a foundation, the author examines the rising trend of pet custody cases, and how to identify and correct undesirable pet behaviors that may be the result of this disruption to their routine. This lively, colorful and fun read outlines the exact training exercises that should be employed to help the human-canine bond remain intact, and should be worthwhile for anyone going through this situation. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)