Tuesday, July 25, 2006

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training, 2nd Edi (Complete Idiot's Guide to)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training, 2nd Edi (Complete Idiot's Guide to) Spare the punishment and raise a happy, well-behaved dog �

The Complete Idiot�s Guide to Positive Dog Training, Second Edition, replaces the standard punishment-based training methods that have potential consequences for puppies and limited effectiveness with older dogs. This guide demonstrates positive training methods, based on a system of rewards and encouragement, to teach basic commands and housetraining, and correct a host of problem behaviors. Readers will also learn loose-leash walking games and how to train for the American Kennel Club�s increasingly popular Canine Good Citizen test.

� Dog owners number more than 40 million in the United States, and more and more of them are giving up on punitive training methods
� One of the few Dog Training Books that exclusively adheres to positive training methods
Customer Review: I'm an idiot and I approve this book...
As the owner of three terriers, I was happy to find a book that endorsed positive training methods. The mere sight of pinch collars make me a little sick, but then again, I am no dog training expert, I am a regular "idiot" who purchased this book for help.

Dennison, I think, does a thorough job of explaining positive training methods and the science behind them. I like her sense of humor, ("I'd rather eat poop than come!") and the way that she breaks down training into manageable tasks. I have seen wonderful results with all three of my terriers after a very brief time.

And just for the record, I'm not sure that all of the people who reviewed this book actually read it. NOWHERE did I find an exercise that involved tying your dog up with a 6 foot leash and approaching him/her to discourage jumping. Dennison openly states that she does not believe in using leashes as a training tool unless you are teaching "come" (which requires a LONG leash and NO tying up) or loose leash walking. Perhaps this person reviewed the wrong book or simply voiced a very misguided opinion.

Secondly, training a dog with positive methods requires WORK and BRAIN POWER. It is much easier to pop a leash, yell or hit. This method is effective because you learn to communicate with your dog in their "language." I agree with the reviewer who stated that practicing positive methods strengthened their relationship with their dog. The same happened with me. So, if you'd like a healthy relationship with your dog that involves "leading" rather than "dominating" check out this book!



Monday, July 17, 2006

Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume Two: Etiology and Assessment

Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume Two: Etiology and Assessment Handbook complete in two volumes. Volume two covers history of applied dog behavior and training; behavioral assessment; fears and phobias; attachment, separation, and related disorders; excessive behavior; aggressive behavior; intraspecific and territorial aggression; social competition; appetite and elimination problems, and cynopraxis.
Customer Review: A favorite
Incredible book - it is so complete and really requires re-reading numerous times. For those who have difficulties with technical terms I advise buying the Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary dictionary - probably the best of its kind and truly a good companion when reading such advanced books.

Monday, July 03, 2006

So Your Dog's Not Lassie: Tips for Training Difficult Dogs and Independent Breeds

So Your Dog's Not Lassie: Tips for Training Difficult Dogs and Independent Breeds OK. You're dog doesn't live to please you. There, we've said it. Contrary to what you've always heard, not all dogs want to earn their owner's approval. Sometimes they seem as if they could not care less. But this is no secret to you -- you know your dog's not Lassie.

With this book you will come to understand and appreciate that for hundreds of years dogs were bred for qualities like independence, dominance and determination. While these traits make dogs excellent hunters, trackers and fighters, they can make day-to-day living with your pet a real challenge.

Betty Fisher and Suzanne Delzio will teach you how to employ or overcome the traits that make your dog difficult to train. They will show how to use body language, food, voice, training structure and style to convince your stubborn dog to do what you ask. Without force, you can turn your difficult dog into a perfect pet, or even a successful show dog.
Customer Review: Best book for the dog with her own agenda!
This is a great book. I have several dogs, and the techniques for training work on them all. However, it is great for my independent pup, a Dogue de Bordeaux.

She was always interested in something else, shutting down when she had enough. Which she will still do, but now I have a way to impart information in a manner she learns while still keeping training sessions short enough to keep her interest!

New Complete Dog Training Manual

New Complete Dog Training Manual The ultimate dog training manual, perfect for any breed of dog. Beautifully illustrated with full--color photographs and detailed annotations, the New Complete Dog Training Manual shows you how to establish routines, implement commands, break bad habits, and learn how to train various breeds. Concise and easy--to--use, this enhanced edition of the consummate guide to dog training and behavior modification offers a refreshing, one--stop resource for new owners, and a wealth of knowledge for veterans.
Customer Review: Pictures Without Substance
This is a nice coffee table picture book. However, when a specific behavior issue comes up about my dog's behavior the text is lacking. Wish the author would give more specifics on the select topics covered in this book. Not an on the spot survival kit!