Pat Miller – författare

Swept off her feet, married in Spaina dream come true? Not for Jenny. Her husband, Jack, disappears, and when her childhood friend, Deputy Sheriff Michael Preston, starts investigating, Jenny discovers that Jack is someone she doesnt know. Her life becomes a puzzle with pieces that dont seem to fit.

Josie Bouchard lives in Prince Edward Island and learned to fly when she was sixteen. Four years later, World War II broke out, and she enters the war as a nurse in London.

After a serious illness, Josie decides to use her experience as a pilot and joins the Air Transfer Auxiliary. The ATA ferries planes from the factories to the air bases. Josie breaks the rules when she takes the famous Spitfire through barnstorming maneuvers she learned from a close family friend, Sean Campbell.

Josies daredevil stunts land her in hot water. Her ATA flying comes to a stop when the military grounds her and sends her to work in the hangar as a mechanic. When several ferry planes crash, sabotage is suspected, and Josies name is rumored as the saboteur.

Sean Campbell, the friend Josie had always regarded as another brother, has worked his way into Josies heart. Now that she realizes she loves him, the family gets word that he is missing in action in Germany.

Josie has her whole life planned out, but the war changes everything. Her friends tell her that God has a plan for her. As each plan goes awry, she becomes aware of incidents that seem to come out of the blue. Are they accidents, coincidences, or miracles of God?

Dogwise Publishing is pleased to reunite again with Pat Miller for the publication of her second volume of Positive Perspectives, a collection of her recent articles. This collection is more advanced than volume one, with particular emphasis on understanding the latest in canine behavioral research so that you can become a more effective trainer and/or owner. Written in Pat''s understandable but sophisticated style, Positive Perspectives 2 presents the latest "positive" thinking on body language, training and behavioral concepts, teaching behaviors, problem behaviors, and aggression. Click here to view an excerpt. What reviewers are saying... FETCHDOG.COM "Like the original Positive Perspectives, this book is based on the series of articles Pat Miller wrote for Whole Dog Journal and the Tufts University Publication For Your Dog. But, as Miller writes in her introduction, this one picks up where the first one left off. Like its predecessor, this book is big on emphasizing the importance of training dogs with humane methods that support a positive relationship between dog and human, one that''s based on trust and cooperation (compliance as opposed to submission). This book delves a bit deeper into understanding and solving problem behavior, such as behaviors resulting from fear and aggression (often related). It also introduces the reader to training techniques such as Shaping (shaping by successive approximations) and Behavior Modification. The techniques used and explained here are science-based, taking advantage of how dogs actually learn and perceive things (Learning Theory), yet they''re described in clear, approachable language that everybody will be able to understand. There is also a lot of heart in this book, including personal anecdotes of Miller''s own cases and challenges. These make readers feel that we are not alone and that even we - with lots of love and patience - can create a beautiful relationship with a well-behaved, well-trained dog. And we can have fun in the process, too." Rikke Brogaard DOG WORLD “This sequel to Pat Miller’s previous book, Positive Perspectives, contains pages of new information her fans will love. Divided into five sections, the book analyzes an array of training and behavior issues that challenge dog owners. Part one begins with practical explanations of canine communication strategies and tips for interpreting them in context. Many books approach this subject like a foreign language course. Miller sticks with clear, practical definitions. Part two focuses on building a strong relationship with your dog. The author offers explanations of scientific training concepts and instructions on modifying techniques to accommodate each dog’s individual temperament. Part three addresses specific canine behaviors and the use of psychology in training. Within this context, it offers specific advice on training large and small breeds. Parts four and five are the book’s strongest and most interesting. Part four tackles a host of typical problems by examining underlying motivations, especially those that owners may overlook, misinterpret, or inadvertently encourage… The book’s fifth part contains great information about classifying and coping with various forms of aggression. Topics range from recognizing and reforming canine bullies to preventing and stopping dogfights. You definitely get your money’s worth in terms of useful information. Positive Perspectives 2 is an excellent reference for novice owners needing better insight into their dog’s behavior, although some may find the density of the text and terminology overwhelming.” Janine Adams DOGS NSW “Force-free dog training is receiving increasing attention, with Pat Miller at the forefront of the movement in the US. Having been president of the world’s largest association of professional dog trainers, Pat Miller is not only well-versed in the best and most innovative ways to train dogs, but has her finger firmly on the pulse of trends in animal behavior. This second book in the Positive Perspectives series teaches readers how to be a benevolent leader to their dog, with sections on understanding its body language, teaching appropriate behavior, correcting problem behavior, and handling aggression.” Editor

What exactly is a Do-Over Dog? It might be a shelter dog you’re working with to help her become more adoptable. Perhaps it’s the dog you’ve adopted, rescued, or even found running stray who is now yours to live with and love…forever. Or it could be the dog you’ve lived with for years but you realize he still has “issues” that make him a challenging canine companion. A Do-Over Dog is any dog that you think needs—make that deserves—a second chance in life. Noted author and trainer Pat Miller has spent her life working with both people and shelter dogs, family dogs, and dogs with behavior problems. In her newest book she shares the wisdom of her years in the field of force-free, positive dog training to help give people and pets a first class life—together. Click here to view an excerpt.

Be (more) aware!

Here is your road map to evaluating, managing and modifying aggressive behavior in pet dogs. Beware of the Dog offers a wide-ranging look at all types of aggression and the way these troublesome behaviors develop. It explains the latest protocols for evaluating and dealing with the problems of aggressive dogs from classical conditioning to operant conditioning, and prescribes management strategies that really work. Written in an easy-to-understand style that meets the needs of trainers as well as the motivated dog owner.

Many pet owners consider vet visits to be quite stressful and traumatic, but there is an emerging alternative that can dramatically improve those experiences for everyone. Cooperative care is based on the concept of providing as much information as possible to help all parties involved understand how to recognize stress in their animal clients, how to offset that stress using force-free training and management methods, provide a calming physical environment, and encourage the participation of both pet owners and trainers. With thirteen chapters, each written by experts in their fields and based on up-to-date research, Veterinary Cooperative Care seeks to equip the veterinary staff and their clients with the tools and knowledge needed to ensure that everyone looks forward to their next visit to the vet!

Book Features:• 24 pages, 8 inches x 8 inches • Ages 5-8, Grades K-2 leveled readers • Simple, easy-to-read pages with illustrations • Features a simple vocabulary list • Includes reading and teaching tips

The Importance of Reading: Introduce hard yet important topics to your child with Maya Moves Away: A Story About Moving. The 24-page book features pictures, simple language, and reading tips to practice early reading comprehension skills.

Hands-On Reading: Moving can be difficult, and Maya is sad about moving away and leaving her friends and neighbors... until she makes a new friend at her new home! Learn about some of the exciting parts of moving, like making new friends.

Features: More than just an insightful story about the changes that come along with moving, this kids book also includes a vocabulary list as well as reading and teaching tips for additional interaction and engagement on the topic of moving.

Leveled Books: Vibrant illustrations and leveled text work together to engage your child and promote reading comprehension skills. The leveled book engages k-grade 2 readers with new vocabulary and relevant topics like moving and making new friends.

Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Book Features:• 24 pages, 8 inches x 8 inches • Ages 5-8, Grades K-2 leveled readers • Simple, easy-to-read pages with illustrations • Features a simple vocabulary list • Includes reading and teaching tips

The Importance of Reading: Introduce hard and important topics to your child with Ethan''s Stepmom: A Story About Stepparents. The 24-page book features pictures, simple language, and reading tips to practice early reading comprehension skills.

Hands-On Reading: Ethan misses his mom, but he now has a new stepmother. Follow along as Ethan discovers how having a stepmom can be special, too!

Features: More than an insightful story about grief, divorce, and parents remarrying, this kids book also includes a vocabulary list as well as reading and teaching tips for additional interaction and engagement on the topics discussed in the story.

Leveled Books: Vibrant illustrations and leveled text work together to engage your child and promote reading comprehension skills. The leveled book engages k-grade 2 readers with new vocabulary and relevant topics like loss, divorce, and stepparents.

Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Book Features:• 24 pages, 8 inches x 8 inches • Ages 5-8, Grades K-2 leveled readers • Simple, easy-to-read pages with illustrations • Features a simple vocabulary list • Includes reading and teaching tips

The Importance of Reading: Introduce hard yet important topics to your child with Maya Moves Away: A Story About Moving. The 24-page book features pictures, simple language, and reading tips to practice early reading comprehension skills.

Hands-On Reading: Moving can be difficult, and Maya is sad about moving away and leaving her friends and neighbors... until she makes a new friend at her new home! Learn about some of the exciting parts of moving, like making new friends.

Features: More than just an insightful story about the changes that come along with moving, this kids book also includes a vocabulary list as well as reading and teaching tips for additional interaction and engagement on the topic of moving.

Leveled Books: Vibrant illustrations and leveled text work together to engage your child and promote reading comprehension skills. The leveled book engages k-grade 2 readers with new vocabulary and relevant topics like moving and making new friends.

Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Book Features:• 24 pages, 8 inches x 8 inches • Ages 5-8, Grades K-2 leveled readers • Simple, easy-to-read pages with illustrations • Features a simple vocabulary list • Includes reading and teaching tips

The Importance of Reading: Introduce hard and important topics to your child with Ethan''s Stepmom: A Story About Stepparents. The 24-page book features pictures, simple language, and reading tips to practice early reading comprehension skills.

Hands-On Reading: Ethan misses his mom, but he now has a new stepmother. Follow along as Ethan discovers how having a stepmom can be special, too!

Features: More than an insightful story about grief, divorce, and parents remarrying, this kids book also includes a vocabulary list as well as reading and teaching tips for additional interaction and engagement on the topics discussed in the story.

Leveled Books: Vibrant illustrations and leveled text work together to engage your child and promote reading comprehension skills. The leveled book engages k-grade 2 readers with new vocabulary and relevant topics like loss, divorce, and stepparents.

Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Pat Miller explores the role and benefits of play between you and your dog - and between dogs. Play behaviors have important learning and health benefits that help dogs become well-adjusted members of both their canine and human families. Through play your dog learns dog-to-dog social graces and is mentally and physically stimulated. Play can be a great training tool, helping to build the relationship between you and your dog. And while play comes naturally to most dogs, there are many who need to be encouraged to discover their “inner puppy.” Pat includes dozens of game ideas collected from trainers all over the country you can try out with your dog(s). Click here to view an excerpt. What reviewers are saying... BARK MAGAZINE “…In Play With Your Dog, Pat Miller shares her observation that almost every dog-human interaction is an opportunity to have fun while building a stronger relationship. Rich with photos of dogs at play (by themselves and with each other, children, and adults), this book sets the stage for playtime with lively descriptions of a wide variety of dog play styles, including “body slammers,” “chasers,” and “wrestlers,” personalities I recognize in neighborhood dogs. Having identified you dog’s style, you’re well positioned to match compatible playmates or introduce a new dog to you family pack. For those nervous about loud and energetic play, including growling, snarling, and biting, Miller demystifies mock aggression and explains for to tone down exuberant play before it escalates. She briefly samples dozens of play opportunities that allow you to subtly reinforce obedience commands, which will help ensure that your dog remains a welcomed participant in family and public outings. Devoting and entire chapter to play between children and their dogs, Miller emphasizes ways that are safe and fun for all. (The chapter on “Rehabilitating the Play Deprived Dog will come in handy at my house for Sport, our senior rescue, who is still learning how to play.) So, when the weather outside is frightful, take your favorite doggie cookbook off the shelf, whip up some tasty training morsels and surprise your best friend with your special attention, yummy treats, and great new games inspired by this creative and experienced author.” Jo Haraf DOGWORLD “Collectively, dog owners spend millions of dollars on toys that their dogs ignore. Instead, the dogs repurpose clothing and furniture into playthings, and nurture bad habits to alleviate boredom and burn excess energy. In Play With Your Dog, Pat Miller, certified professional dog trainer and author, explains the importance of play in the human-canine relationship. Although it sounds counterintuitive, Miller informs us that play is serious business. It’s crucial to a puppy’s mental and physical development, and dogs and humans are among the dew species that retain a lifelong desire to play. Miller’s description of canine recreation is enhanced by an inventory of breed-specific preferences. For example, she notes that herding breeds…often prefer to be cheerleaders, remaining on the sidelines to encourage playing dogs with excite barking…Frustrated owners with problem dogs will appreciate Miller’s ideas on incorporating play into training and behavior modification… The book is also filled with suggestions to encourage a dog’s natural love for running, chasing, and tugging on toys. Miller does her part to supply plenty of valid advice, but this book raises a troubling question: Why do we need reminders or instructions on how to play with our dogs? Perhaps the book is a useful tool for owners who did not grow up with dogs and thus don’t instinctively know how to provide stimulating, energy-burning play for their dogs.” Amy Fernandez APDT CHRONICLE OF THE DOG “Dog play has become a popular topic in recent years and Miller’s book is right on time. This easy-to-understand book begins with an in-depth explanation of what play is, along with the social and developmental importance of play and how it contributes to the human/animal bond. Early on, Miller offers readers insight on the language of play and how to successfully read the various types of body language commonly exhibited by dogs during play. This section flows wonderfully into a chapter on canine play styles, where the importance of finding compatible playmates is stressed. Seven different play styles are defined and explained, along with photos, which should prove helpful to dog owners in determining appropriate play among their own dogs. I have recommended the book to several students for the benefits of this section alone, and wish the photos and descriptions were available as handouts or a display poster. The Canine Play Styles chapter ends with sub-sections on safely introducing dogs, using a story about when the Millers’ then eight-year-old Australian Shepherd, Missy, came to join the established family pack of four adult dogs. She gives a play-by-play account of how Missy was individually introduced to each dog, noting body language and ending with conclusions ranging from, “All systems go—no anticipated problems,” to “Promising with management—potential for complications.” It is my hope that this detailed account of her own dogs will serve as an important reminder that not all dog friendships are instantaneous and that management is often needed to ensure that things progress smoothly and safely. What was missing, in my opinion, was a discussion about guidelines for appropriate play between dogs in different age groups. I would love to know how she introduces and handles a young, boisterous puppy with an older dog. So often, I see or hear stories of young puppies who are allowed to relentlessly pester older, non-interested dogs. Opinions vary regarding if and when to intervene, and I would loved to have read her take on the matter. As part of the chapter on introducing dogs, Miller touches on ways of breaking up a dog fight, including the use of aversives such as citronella or an air horn, as well as the “safer” ways of physically intervening when absolutely necessary. Much of the book is dedicated to the various types of play and reasons to play with dogs (object play, mind games, chase games, contact play and play to exercise vs. play to train, etc.) and does a lovely job detailing play as reinforcement for obedience behaviors such as sit, down and heel, as well as for teaching an alternative to jumping on guests who enter the front door. There’s a detailed sub-section on interactive toys, suggesting the tried and true options such as the KONG®, Buster Cube™, and the Molecule Ball™, as well as the lesser-known Nina Ottosson puzzle collection. Being familiar with the Ottosson puzzles, I found myself wishing Miller had offered suggestions on where to order them (they can be difficult to find), as well as suggesting that they be specifically limited to “supervised” interaction since they’re made of wood, can easily be chewed apart, and at least the last time I looked into them, aren’t cheap! I read each puzzle description with a mental image of a dog happily self-entertaining by spewing chewed bits of Dog Spinny™ around the living room! I’m pretty sure the puzzles themselves suggest supervision for that very reason, but another solid reminder never hurts. A nice feature of the book is its detailed descriptions of specific games to play with dogs. Miller queried a wide range of trainers in search of fun play ideas, and compiled a list ranging from simple activities such as running alongside each other, to training games with specific behavior goals. There’s also a section on group games. The chapter on children and dogs emphasizes the importance of adults learning to understand dog body language in order to keep both kids and dogs safe, and stresses the fact that under no circumstances should children be allowed or encouraged to verbally or physically punish dogs. The latter is a refreshing alternative to the “make sure your dog sees your child as a pack leader and not a littermate” advice that can, in my opinion, place children in danger and set dogs up for failure. The book wraps up with a few reminders of specific things humans should avoid doing during play with dogs, as well as tips for encouraging and building play skills in play-deprived dogs. At just 130 pages, Play With Your Dog is an easy read that should prove enjoyable and educational for both dog owners and trainers alike.” Stephanie Colman