The Heart of the Matter by Paul Loeb, Suzanne Hlavacek

The Heart of the Matter: Breaking Codes and Making Connections Between You and Your Dog or Cat by Paul Loeb, Suzanne Hlavacek

From the Publisher
Here's a romance on which far too many of us spend far too little time --the love affair with our pet. If you thought deciphering the signals from your significant other was hard, try keeping a consistent relationship with your finicky cat. But now acclaimed animal behaviorist Paul Loeb offers The Heart of the Matter. From the bestselling author of Smarter Than You Think comes the essential guide to help all pet owners connect with their pets -- to care for them and keep them close -- the healthful, soulful connection every pet owner craves.

⇒ Via: BN.com

Controversial viewpoints from an animal trainer Paul Loeb on how to train dogs. Sloppily written accounts in a chatty, conversational style that neither convinces nor advances understanding about dog behavior. Examples and narratives are so long drawn that the reader forgets the original premise. The entire book can be summarized as follows:
If you have a behavioral issue with your dog then throw something at it (rolled up socks, sneaker, book, magazine, leash). Make sure that it connects the dog.
Feed your dog freshly prepared human food.
On house training the dog, make sure the dog goes potty by "encouraging" him by inserting a matchstick up his butt. I had read a mention of this practice in conjunction with dog shows where it is desirable that the dog does not have any "accidents" but this is the first time I read it being explicitly advocated.