Saz Wilson at the Mad Dogs & Me book launch photo curtesy of Saz Wilson
For anyone who has been through the joyful chaos of owning a dog—especially during the dreaded “teenage phase”—Saz Wilson’s “Mad Dogs & Me: A Comedy Diary” will feel both painfully relatable and downright hilarious. In fact, within the Nose to Trail membership community, many of our members have dogs between 5 months and 2 years old, which is right in the middle of what we often call the “terrible teens” for dogs. The mishaps and pandemonium of young canine ownership are brought to life in Saz’s entertaining diary-style narrative, and it serves as a wonderfully honest companion for anyone who’s ever doubted if they’ll survive their dog’s teenage antics. Saz’s book captures the chaos beautifully, reminding readers that the crazy moments, while tough now, are shared experiences in the dog-owning world and that one day, with training and patience, they might even look back on these days with a smile.
Kiara on her first day at home – image credit Saz Wilson
Though “Mad Dogs & Me” reads like a page out of Bridget Jones’s Diary for dog owners, I wouldn’t be a clinical animal behaviourist if I didn’t take a more serious look at some of the important training and behaviour insights hidden in Saz’s humour.
One significant lesson is about littermates. Saz’s experience of raising two puppies from the same litter illustrates the unique challenges this brings, as littermates can develop intense behavioural dependencies on one another. While this might sound appealing to some responsible breeders today avoid placing siblings in the same home due to the behavioural complexities it can cause as they grow up. In fact, online videos exist showing littermates moving in sync, almost like they’re “two bodies, one brain,” which, though entertaining to watch, can pose genuine long-term challenges for the dogs’ mental and emotional development. Saz had to put in an incredible amount of hard work, time and effort to train and walk the dogs separately to overcome the risk of this problem and it really is not for the faint hearted.
Kiara and Otis together as puppies – photo credit Saz Wilson
As a first-time dog owner, doing your homework, as Saz did, is crucial. It’s easy to fall prey to questionable advice from internet personalities, the “social media dog trainer” or even well-meaning family members. Saz’s humorous take on the contradictory advice she received for basics like toilet training mirrors a common struggle I see among clients—many end up trying a multitude of methods without consistency, leading to further confusion and frustration for both them and their dogs. In the UK, I always recommend finding an ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council) accredited trainer. Consistency is crucial with dogs, whether it’s toilet training or other behaviours, so it’s wise to stick with one reputable source and give it time to see results.
One thing Saz’s book brings to light is the myth of the so-called “doggy bootcamp.” These camps often come with high costs and promise quick fixes, but they’re seldom positive reinforcement-based. Instead, these camps often use punishment techniques that merely suppress problem behaviours rather than addressing them at the source, and without teaching owners how to handle behaviour, the dog often reverts to its old habits. Plus, owners are left feeling frustrated and financially burdened. So, as Saz’s book lightly reminds us, patience and positive reinforcement training are key!
One of the delightful insights from “Mad Dogs & Me” is the idea of family “house rules.” Like Saz, many dog owners set out with clear guidelines—no dogs on the bed, no treats off the table—only to watch these rules bend or break over time. It’s something all dog-owning families can relate to: establishing the rules, proudly sticking them on the fridge, only to find everyone breaking them eventually, often led by the “strict” parent!
Kiara and Otis aged 10 weeks – photo credit Saz Wilson
In the past, I often recommended “Understanding Your Dog” by Kim Brophey for first-time owners, as it covers why certain breeds are prone to specific behaviours, like why your dachshund barks or why your collie may try to herd everything. But now, “Mad Dogs & Me” is a worthy contender for that top spot. Saz’s book doesn’t just inform; it gives readers a real feel for what it’s like to live through the mayhem. If you’re ready to face what Saz and her family went through, you might be ready for a dog. But if you’re not prepared to handle more than a digital pet (hello, Tamagotchi!), then perhaps it’s time to reconsider!
In short, “Mad Dogs & Me” offers a funny, heartfelt, and ultimately insightful look at the beautiful chaos of raising dogs. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting a candid glimpse into what dog ownership really entails, and it’s a reminder that, despite the mess, it’s worth every moment.