The Education of Will

A Mutual Memoir of a Woman and Her Dog

By: Patricia B. McConnell

Narrated by: Ellen Archer

Bestselling author and internationally renowned animal psychologist and dog trainer Patricia McConnell “gives a voice to those who can’t speak in words and provides hope for fearful animals everywhere” (Temple Grandin) in this powerful and uplifting memoir about healing.

World-renowned as a source of science and soul, Patricia McConnell combines brilliant insights into canine behavior with heartwarming stories of her own dogs and their life on the farm. Now, she reveals that it wasn’t just the dogs who had serious problems. For decades Dr. McConnell secretly grappled with her own guilt and fear, which were rooted in the harrowing traumas of her youth.

Patricia is forced to face her past by her love for a young Border Collie named Will, whose frequent, unpredictable outbreaks of fear and fury shake Patricia to her core. In order to save Will from this dangerous behavior, she must find her own will to heal, and along the way learn that will power by itself is not enough.

Interweaving enlightening stories of her clients’ dogs with tales of her deepening bond with Will, this is a “compassionate account of the reclamation of the author's life from abuse and shame. An uplifting story of hope about how both dogs and humans need "a sense that they are not helpless victims" (Kirkus Reviews).

Learned so much

of course thinking this was a book about dogs I found out it was a book about the author Patricia but mostly what I learned about myself what a surprise loved it so much because I learned so much about myself a recommended highly

A beautiful tapestry.

Ms McConnell's extensive knowledge and intense understanding of behavior, both of dogs and people, has really opened my eyes. I've spent a lot of years studying other trainers and animal behaviorists, and there is no comparison to what I've learned from her stories. My relationship with my dog has improved so much in just the last few months since I discovered her books. This book is no different, and yet there is so much more
The summary written for this Audible book is an accurate and thoughtful description for what I feel is an emotional and insightful journey for the reader.

Excellent!

This is an amazing book! The comparison of fear in human and dog is a wonderfully different approach to healing.

Life Changing

I am a trauma survivor and just got a puppy a month ago. He is a little ball of milk chocolate fur, who I aptly named Mousse. This book helped understand why Mousse entered my life now. I am in counseling to recover from childhood trauma, I live alone. Mousse has brought immeasurable joy and healing to my heart and soul, he truly is my best friend and the love I feel for him can’t be explained with words.

This book drew the connection between my healing and the love of this puppy. I walk away changed for the better from reading this amazing book! I am grateful.

Bravely written!

I learned so much from this book! Patricia’s open and courageous baring of her soul has given me the push I needed to recount my own past trauma and to admit that fear has controlled my behavior more than is healthy.
Thank you for sharing your life with us and for helping us to start our own journey toward happiness and wholeness!