The Way of Life Method

This is one of the most important books on my shelf! I have been through quite a journey with my Border Collie-Aussie, being that I'm a first-time dog handler. Without this book, I'm not sure where we'd be today. The Way of Life Method demonstrates the importance of understanding our dogs and recognizing their unique needs that go beyond the human-pet relationship we're so used to. This amazing written work includes beautiful stories about wolves, clients, the author's personal stories with her dogs, alongside helpful exercises and reflection opportunities. You can read the book in order or jump to different chapters as you see fit. However you decide to tackle this phenomenal book, you will find yourself better able to wrap your head around the complicated but beautiful world of dogs. I'm so thankful this book and these teachings came into my life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in building a meaningful and significant bond with their furry companion.

Before discovering this approach, I tried various training methods, worked with several trainers, read countless books, watched videos, and enrolled in online courses. While some of those methods offered short-term results, they often felt superficial — focusing on managing symptoms rather than fostering true well-being and confidence in my dogs. It always felt like I was stuck in an endless loop of training, addressing each issue separately as it came up.

With The Way of Life Method, my dogs and I have finally been able to decompress and step away from the constant pressure of "fixing" things. We now do less, but everything we do has deeper meaning and addresses the root causes of behavior. I'm deeply grateful to have found this book, Souha, and this philosophy. In the end, I’m not concerned with a method being 100% scientifically validated if it doesn’t bring real, lasting change. This one does — and that's what matters most.

This book, and Souha's Method saved my shut-down rescue dog’s life. Absolutely nothing else would have helped her heal from horrible past traumas the way this carefully staged method has. It has also helped my other dog who has a bite history and trauma as well. Both dogs are SO happy, content, and powerful, and our connections get stronger constantly. It shows in every way! Cannot recommend Souha, her method, and book enough.

I tried so many professional online training programs; this book was more effective than all of them! It definitely departs from how the conventional dog world views behavior issues. It felt weird at first that there’s so much of an emphasis on how we think and how we interpret behavior, but when I actually put the principles to work… things changed! At first, some people in my life criticized me for using this approach because of its emphasis on decompression via crating, managing space and boundaries, socializing, and it not being an overnight quick fix. Fast forward a year later, these people are now coming to me for advice because they’re still playing “whack-a-mole” with behavior issues with their dogs, while my once “reactive” dog is now cool as a cucumber and can be trusted on and off leash.

My life with my dog has become argument-free, not because I force him to do stuff -- yell, give commands, etc. -- we’re just in sync. I understand him, I understand his strengths and limitations, I understand the things I do that contribute to his stress and undesirable behaviors, and I know how to help him change/grow. This book teaches you to do that and how to tap into an authentic natural bond with your dog, in a way that’s intuitive to dogs as a species. You become the kind, compassionate leader your dog needs, and your dog blossoms into a spirited, loyal companion that you can trust with more freedom than most dogs ever experience in their lifetime.

After 8 dogs, and working with multiple strays and fosters, and using a huge variety of training methods, I can attest that The Way of Life Method is the only book I have ever read that makes psychological sense for all concerned when it comes to rearing dogs. It involves no harmful equipment and focuses on building a solid relationship with your dog based on their true nature and yours. The Method is remarkable in that it allows each relationship to be unique and yet have under-guiding principles that are sure to form a rock-solid partnership between human and canine.

After years of living together and little spats here and there, the relationship between our dogs became dangerous and the energy in the home very stressful. We were recommended to Souha to assist with our dogs’ reactivity (barking at windows, doors and guests), dog on dog aggression, bite redirection and general way of life. This was just before The Way of Life Method was released. Since its release, we have purchased both the softcover and on audible and we are so thankful we did. By following the stage one process as outlined in the book, our home is calm and quiet, our dogs are safe and gaining new confidence, self-assuredness, and self-regulation. The use of the crates and the decompression has helped not only our dogs but us as well. We had no idea how tiring our old way of life was and how much down time/decompression we all actually needed.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to have a greater understanding of, and deeper relationship with, their dog. As humans, we often attempt to mold our dogs’ behaviors based on our own lifestyles, preconceived ideas, and personal preferences. This can create frustration for both the human and dog, and lead to undesired behavioral issues. Souha Ezzedeen encourages us to approach our relationships with our dogs through a new lens, one that foments a deeper connection that is less “owner” and “pet”, and more “companion” and “family member”. By allowing dogs to engage in natural behaviors, understanding the motivations that produce those behaviors, and working to develop and structure the behaviors in a positive way, we can provide our companion canines the ability to become well-adjusted and content.


This method is a thoughtful and measured approach on how to become the guiding force in your dog’s life without resorting to force to achieve it. It is not a method for those seeking a “quick fix” or “how to get my dog to stop doing (fill in the blank behavior)” training guide. The Way of Life Method requires patience, dedication, and perseverance in the face of inevitable setbacks and frustrations. There are arguably somewhat controversial approaches to long-held beliefs surrounding early-stage socialization flooding and regimented solitude; however, the ultimate rewards are invaluable. For those interested in raising their dogs to become less of a subordinate, subjugated pet and more of a respected, trusted, engaged family member, I encourage you to follow this method in order to achieve mutual understanding with your own canine companion.

On the surface, The Way of Life Method seems simple, but don't be surprised if your feelings go deep while reading. I had a moment where I realized that the dogs I've had in the past with challenging behaviors were unintentionally made worse by me and dogs I have had that were balanced and easy going were that way despite of me, not because of me. A hard and necessary pill to swallow. This is not a conventional method. It's not the way we've always done things and that might feel uncomfortable. Keep reading, keep following the instructions, and it won't take long before you realize that this is the way we should have always been doing things.

The Way of Life Method is a thoughtful exploration of dog training that goes beyond the basics of obedience. At its heart, the book advocates for a compassionate and intuitive approach to training, where understanding the dog's perspective is paramount. It emphasizes the importance of empathy and patience, suggesting that training is not just about commands, but about building a mutual relationship of trust and respect. It is a perfect read for anyone looking to deepen their bond with their canine companion, fostering a partnership based on love and understanding.

Wow. The Way of Life Method has changed how I perceive challenges with my dog. I wish I’d had this resource for my past dog with severe reactivity. Now starting from scratch with a puppy, I have been following the protocol and I'm already seeing how much focus, self control, and confidence my new pup is developing. The Way of Life Method is a perfect preparation and foundation for all things that my dog will encounter.

After checking out multiple local trainers, I was disappointed I could not connect mentally/emotionally with any of them. I realized I wanted to learn how to properly communicate with my dogs and deepen my bond with them. I could not find one trainer who promoted that until I read Souha's book, The Way of Life Method. I felt she was the one to help me with my boys and I was right. I learned so much working with her: how to handle them, how to communicate with them and, most importantly, how to respect them as dogs! Way of Life has given me confidence, knowledge, and skills to handle my dogs in whatever situation I find myself in with them.

Congratulations on writing and publishing your book!...You have compiled a wealth of information here in a highly reader-friendly format. You write with great expertise in a voice that is down-to-earth and accessible. You write with empathy and warmth while still communicating some hard truths. I found Chapter Two: Managing Space and Boundaries at Stage 1, Chapter Ten: Socialization at Stage 2 and Chapter Fifteen: Drive Development at Stage 3 to be particularly insightful. The Cases you describe are helpful illustrations of real-life situations. The Activities and Exercises are well thought out, easy to follow and have clear measurable benefits for the human and dog. The epilogue is the perfect send-off for your readers.