Sarah Rutten’s dog training book hits Amazon bestseller lists within hours

A Queensland dog trainer has found success in publishing her first book about tapping into dogs’ ‘pawtential’ after a chronic illness forced a U-turn into her life.

A Sunshine Coast long-time dog trainer has become a best-selling author within a matter of hours after her first book hit the top of lists.

Sarah Rutten’s book The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Pawtential reached the top of 11 categories on the Amazon Best Seller chart within hours of its release.

The book also topped the “Hot New Release” list in the US and Canada in its category.

Ms Rutten said her success came from her following of dog owners who wished to improve communication with their canine companions.

The book has been backed by Ms Rutten’s 20-year career in dog behaviour and training, in which she has worked as a “force free trainer” using positive reinforcements and rewards rather than pain or fear.

Sarah Rutten's book The Canine Perspective hit the top of Amazon's bestseller list within hours of release.

Ms Rutten said it felt “surreal” and “mind-blowing” to release a successful book after a chronic illness forced her to step away from working with dogs four years ago.

“It just goes to show that when you feel like you’re at your lowest, you never know what amazing things can be right around the corner,” Ms Rutten said.

With much help, particularly from publishers Inspirational Book Writers, she put together the book within six months, which Ms Rutten described as an amazing experience.

“Writing a book isn’t just about writing a book — it’s about getting to know yourself and facing the self doubt, and that inner critic who, some days, simply won’t shut up,” Ms Rutten said.

“It’s about believing in yourself and, at times, simply being courageous in the face of fear.”

She said it was incredible to hold a physical product which has compiled her years of knowledge and experience, which she had been keen to share for a long time.

“I’m really passionate about what I do, not just about getting results for people but improving the lives and the welfare of dogs,” Ms Rutten said.

“Helping their guardians understand them and learn how to communicate interspecies — I’m fascinated by what I do.”

Sarah Rutten's book The Canine Perspective hit the top of Amazon's bestseller list within hours of release.

Ms Rutten said behaviour perceived as aggression usually derives from anxiety or frustration and she helps dogs desensitise to triggers without using force.

Having provided step-by-step solutions in her book, Ms Rutten believes old dogs can be taught new tricks.

“Just like with humans, everything slows down with age but the ability to learn new things is still there, it just takes them longer,” she said.

Now that her book has officially been released, Ms Rutten will attend several in-person launches and has been invited to feature on Australian and international podcasts.

She also plans to record an audiobook version and relaunch an online puppy empowerment program.

Ms Rutten acknowledged her supporters and those who made the launch a “wonderful” experience.