This month I have been digging into books on a more personal level: dog training. My husband and I are the proud owners of Bodie, a three-year old chocolate lab with an incredible amount of energy. Despite snafaris (a safari or walk that allows for a lot of sniffing) on long hikes through the woods as well as walks through town, Bodie’s energy level remains high throughout the day. To help us better understand his mind and thought process, I have read For The Love of a Dog and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell. The author helps me to understand Bodie’s behavior, his thought process and how best to communicate with him. She stresses the importance of brain games as well as physical activities to tire a dog. I’ve got some work to do, but I am confident that I am headed down the right path!