The Way of the Dog

The Way of the Dog is a self-help classic. It tells the story of failed salesman, Derek Stubbins, who wanders into a brothers Grimm nightmare and gets turned into a dog. He has to learn the way of the dog to get by. He has to develop the simple, clear way of thinking that a sheepdog has for its task. In doing so, he finds that he can achieve any goal he desires. It is the perfect pathway to success.

Why a dog? A dog has only two states of thought, which are happy, and waiting to be happy. When it has a task to do, it sees the beginning and the end. It doesn't become anxious or depressed at the size of the job, but just undertakes it and deals with obstacles as they come. It always succeeds.
Geoff Burch taps into the core of great personal development writing in The Way of the Dog. He focuses on the two big questions - what do you want to do with your life and how do you do it? By following the way of the dog, each obstacle in your path is dealt with unfailingly, one at a time. And if you don't know where you're going or what you need to make you happy, the sheepdog will show you how to recognise a sheep and not to waste time with goats. The Way of the Dog offers timeless, accessible, fast-paced, funny and memorable advice. Inspiring lifestyle wisdom is brought out through simple storytelling.

Plan your course through life and overcome every obstacle in your path by adopting The Way of the Dog's route map to success. Unlike the instructions in flat-pack furniture, anyone can understand it, it is easy to do, and the outcome will not be a surprise or a disappointment. The Way of the Dog contains the secrets of success.

Acknowledgements ix

The Way of the Dog – The Story about the Story xi

The Way of the Dog – Instructions for Use xliii

The Way of the Dog 1

The Way of the Dog in a Nutshell 123

About the Author 127

"gives the reader useful tips about what to do with your life "(Daily Telegraph, April 16th 2005)

"Humourous, uplifting and full of sensible information, this book takes a sideways look at finding out what you want to do with your life and how to do it" (www.allthatwomenwant.co.uk - May 2005)

"will entertain, be thought-provoking and encourage us to stand back and look at life from a different angle" (News Letter Northern Ireland, May 31 2005)

"this delightful little book works on two levels" (Oxford Times, 27 May 05)

“…offbeat but very readable…a lesson in dogged determination…” (Business Life. July / August 2005)

Geoff Burch is a writer and motivational speaker. He has made his name as one of the funniest and most compelling names on the business circuit. He has written three books for Capstone, all critically acclaimed for their humour and wisdom: Resistance is Useless (1-84112-469-9), Go It Alone! (1-84112-470-2) and Writing on the Wall (1-84112-043-X). Derek Stubbins is a failed double-glazing salesman. Or rather, he’s a great salesman that short-sighted customers won't buy from. One day, and quite without warning, Derek is magically transformed into a sheepdog. Not only must he come to terms with his new canine qualities, but he must also get his paw out and herd some sheep. How will he overcome the many obstacles he faces in getting the sheep to do what he wants? Will he be able to lift the doggy spell? Will he ever see his wife and kids again?

The Way of the Dog is an hilarious, off-the-wall approach to dramatically improving your chances of getting what you want from life and work. It is funny and thoughtful and full of hints and tips that will help you tackle some pretty scary questions: what do I want to do with my life, how do I want to do it and is it possible to nibble my own bottom?