Book Review: Dog Training the American Male

By Sara Steven

Meet Dr. Nancy Beach, a relationship counselor who hosts a local radio show called Love's a Beach. One problem: The relationship guru can’t seem to make her own relationships work, sending her credibility and ratings into the toilet. Meet Jacob Cope, a walking thesaurus of phobias -- a Lehman Brothers casualty who's lost his job and swagger and now yearns to be a ventriloquist. When Nancy and Jacob are set up on a blind date and hit it off, their siblings, desperate to be rid of them, encourage the young couple to move in together. When the honeymoon stage abruptly ends, Jacob attempts to mend the fence by adopting a dog; a big dog and Nancy flips out . . . until she realizes the dog trainer's techniques can be used to housebreak Jacob and save her radio career. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon)

Relationships are rarely easy, especially between two people who are riddled with their own hangups and baggage. Nancy has never had success where love is concerned, despite her degrees and career status. Jacob’s past has completely crippled him from living any sort of normal existence, filled with bizarre phobias and rules on how he feels life should be lived. They couldn’t be more opposite, which is exactly why they’re drawn to one another, providing the perfect environment for comedic debauchery!

Dog Training the American Male made me laugh. Hard. Conversations between various characters, like Nancy’s sister’s bodybuilding girlfriend, or Jacob’s gynecologist brother, the quips and one-liners were hilarious, and very real. I could imagine having similar conversations with my husband, or with close friends. Subjects which would normally be considered slightly taboo and off-limits unless in the company of those you trust the most are on full display here, enabling the reader to live vicariously through the story.

And the story is a unique one. Using canine training tactics to keep her man in line, Nancy is sure she’s found a way to live harmoniously with Jacob, and like with most things when dealing with the male persuasion, it works. For a time. Even an old dog can learn new tricks. But for how long, and will re-programming someone lend to a happily ever after?

Underneath the comedy and fun, there are deeper issues, ones I could appreciate. Can any of us learn to live with someone, as is? Ultimately, should we work on changing someone, versus finding someone who already has the qualities and characteristics we think we’re looking for, and even then, is there ever a real sure fire guarantee of a successful relationship? Dog Training takes an honest look into these questions and more, showcasing the psyche of what women want, and what makes a man tick, offering up a deliciously hilarious doggie treat along the way.

Thanks to Smith Publicity for the book in exchange for an honest review.