Dog Training Tips: Monday, June 12, 2006

Monday, June 12, 2006

Mush: A Beginner's Manual of Sled Dog Training

Mush: A Beginner's Manual of Sled Dog Training The Complete Book of Sled Dog Racing!

More thorough and reliable than any other source of mushing wisdom. MUSH! is indispensable to anyone who is thinking of becoming active in this exciting sport!

· Dog Selection · Equipment · Commands

· Where to Run · When to Run · Housing

· Driver Training · Puppy Training

· Racing Obedience and more!
Customer Review: A great book for any musher; advanced or amuter
This is a great book for anyone who wants to take mushing seriously. It has designs for harnesses, ganglines, dogsleds, carts, and booties. Overall, it is a great book for anyone to get.

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Training Pointing Dogs

Training Pointing Dogs "What does Paul Long say about it?" is the question often asked by most serious trainers. Recently revised with new photographs and format, Training Pointing Dogs highlights the sage guidance of this master dog trainer. In simple question-and-answer format, Long answers the questions most asked by trainers, professional and amateur alike.

Should I try to train my dog myself? Do I need to use a whistle? How do I deal with a dog who sulks after correction? When should I breed my male dog? How do I stop my dog from barking at night without cause? What should I do if my dog will point a dead bird but not pick up and retrieve it?

Paul Long's answers to these questions are practical and filled with a good sense and subtle, wry humor of a wily veteran. His answer to the last question above is a delightful example: "Retrieving is a pretty sight and desirable. Elsewhere in the book you will find suggestions for encouraging your dog to retrieve. But if you have no success, remember that it is a rare sight to see a man point a bird. However, many men have a back strong enough to lean down and pick up a bird that a dog has located and pointed dead." (6 X 9, 112 pages, b&w photos)
Customer Review: There are better birddog books available.
This book is an o.k. read and offers some good information if you don't mind sifting through the outdated advice. (First Copyright in 1974).

Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs

Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs Finally... all of your house training questions answered in one book! Whether you have a puppy who is first learning, or an adult dog who has had ongoing confusion, this book provides clear instructions to quickly and thoroughly house train your dog. Take the first step toward having a housebroken, trustworthy pet... buy the book now!
Customer Review: My dog finally stopped having accidents!
When I saw the title that included House Training Puppies & ADULT Dogs too, I figured I'd make a last-ditch effort to get my two year old dog to finally stop having accidents. I didn't know what I was doing wrong... I was following a food and water schedule, walking him plenty, and still there were accidents on a regular basis.

Now that I've read this book and followed the methods, my dog has completely stopped having housebreaking accidents! The main thing that was helpful was reading all of the "troubleshooting" tips, which helped me figure out what my dog's confusion was and how to train him.

If your dog or puppy is having housebreaking accidents, I highly recommend this book!

Expert Obedience Training for Dogs, Fourth Edition

Expert Obedience Training for Dogs, Fourth Edition The Latest Edition of a Classic Dog Training Book

Learn how to communicate more effectively with your dog using the time-tested training method of the most successful Obedience competitor in history.

Winifred Stricklands humane, commonsense approach to dog training applies to all breeds of dogs, large and small. And now its updated to include training for the latest AKC Obedience exercises.

Complete with helpful training tips, answers to frequently asked questions, and more than 170 photographs, this is an indispensable resource for everyone�pet owners, Novice competitors, Open enthusiasts, Utility contenders, and Obedience instructors.
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction
Customer Review: The classics never die
This book continues to be THE unequivocal expert's choice. Despite comments that her methods are 'dated' (a remark I find says more about that reviewer than about Strickland's book) the simple fact is that dog training is a skill that has been honed for hundreds of years. These methods were found to be effective when much more was required of dogs than that they be fashionable, pampered companions. I sincerely doubt that the 'innovations' and gimmicks of recent years will be found, in the end, to be more than passing fads. You can have your clickers... what Wynn teaches is *real* obedience.

If you want solid, competent, reliable response from your dogs, then use Wynn's methods and her books. Otherwise, continue bribing and entreating and cajoling your dog with clickers and treats instead of training it. Don't worry, *eventually* they will do what you want... at least half the time.

Those who want a thorough grounding in training basics will find this a wonderful resource. It is still the most comprehensive collection of training basics out there. Dogs trained with this method will be happy, reliable workers. Isn't that what we all want?

Agility Training : The Fun Sport for All Dogs (Howell Reference Books)

Agility Training : The Fun Sport for All Dogs (Howell Reference Books) Whether your dog is young or old, large or small, pedigreed or mixed breed, Agility is a sport you and your dog can enjoy together. Agility Training makes clear all aspects of this, the world's fastest growing and most versatile dog sport. Whatever your interest, whether purely casual or highly competitive, you will find the instructional methods and helpful hints meaningful for your goals.

Agility Training tells readers how to get started in the sport, work on their own, attend classes, earn titles and organize a competition or practice event. Chapters describe training for all levels of Agility, from beginners through an advanced curriculum. A special feature provides detailed construction plans as well as a list of materials for all obstacles.
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction
Customer Review: A little behind in modern training techniques
With years of experience in training working dogs, I have decided to try Agility for a break in the routine! I thought this book would be good, but, alas, it is way behind in training techniques. I was quite put off by the mis-information, and in some cases, harmful information given. Very dissapointing. The author probably does have great depth of knowledge on the subject, but needs to attend a few up to date classes in dog communication, Operant Conditioning, or training in drive (all quite simular in application) and then re-write the book.

It's Not the Dogs, It's the People! A Dog Trainer's Guide to Training Humans

It's Not the Dogs, It's the People! A Dog Trainer's Guide to Training Humans Finally, a book for dog trainers on training the more difficult species -- humans! Powerful, practical techniques trainers can apply immediately; dealing with difficult personality types; handling sticky situations; unrealistic expectations; training hordes of wild humans; and much more. Written in a down-to-earth, humorous style and packed with invaluable tips.
Customer Review: Great Insight
This is a good book to help teach those at the "other end of the leash." Information can be direct but most communication is by perception.

Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence : A Positive Training Program (Howell Reference Books)

Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence : A Positive Training Program (Howell Reference Books) In Praise of Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence

"Carol Benjamin has brought her usual wit and insight to bear on what is one of the most troubling phases for dog owners.... Whether you're having difficulties with a youngster or have a puppy who will soon be an adolescent, you can't help but benefit from reading this book." �Robert G. Maxwell President, The American Kennel Club

"A concise and practical guide Zthat] confronts almost every potential problem...with solid advice and good humor. It is destined to become a dog owner's next best friend." �Roger A. Caras President, ASPCA
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction
Customer Review: Not just bad advice -- *dangerous* advice!
I picked up this book looking to learn more about the adolescent stage of dogs. What I found instead was bad information, some of it downright dangerous.

The first chapter I turned to was on behavior problems, and here I read something that horrified me. Ms. Benjamin says that you should punish a dog if it growls at you to defend its food. This is, unfortunately, the perfect recipe to create a dog that bites without warning. If you do this, you don't punish the dog for being aggressive around its food -- you punish the dog for warning you that it is uncomfortable and will bite if pushed further. You stop the growling, but not the "feeling of threat" that the dog has. If you punish other warning signs, such as snapping, you will also cause those signs to disappear. Without the warnings, you will not know that your dog is not comfortable with what you are doing until it feels threatened enough that it has to bite -- and it will bite without warning.

Ms. Benjamin also perpetuates the terribly outdated notion that you can end a bad behavior by punishing the dog after the behavior has happened as long as there is a "reminder" you can show the dog. Reminder or not, punishment never works unless it is timed correctly -- that means that you have to punish during the behavior itself. If the dog has already stopped, it's too late, and you're punishing something else entirely.

Finally, Ms. Benjamin says that "positive training," that is, training without physical punishment, does not work. That is absolutely false. Considering that this book was written over a decade ago, I don't find this attitude surprising at all, but it is wrong. "Positive" traditional training works when used properly. Modern "positive" training works when used properly. Both sides can point to examples of failures from the other group, but that doesn't mean the methods don't work.

There is a little bit of good information, such as "anger has no place in dog training" and "dogs don't act out of spite." But the average dog owner cannot distinguish between the good information and the bad, and the bad is bad enough that I have to strongly recommend than an owner or novice dog trainer avoid this book altogether.

If you are looking for positive traditional training, find another author, one who understands the proper way to use punishment and understands how dogs learn. If you are looking for modern positive training, I recommend Dr. Ian Dunbar's books. He uses only non-physical punishment, and clearly explains how to be a benevolent leader for your dog. His methods debunk the false-but-popular myth that positive = permissive (as another reviewer mistakenly believes). His methods are strict but fair and without physical punishment. The results are amazing to watch and can be seen in his off-leash work with his malamute in one of his videos -- he has great control of his dog. (As an aside, his book "Before and After Getting Your Puppy" will prevent a lot of the problems dealt with in this book.)

21 Days To Train Your Dog: Learn How Any Dog Can Be Taught The Basics Of Obedience Training In Just a Few Minutes Each Day

21 Days To Train Your Dog: Learn How Any Dog Can Be Taught The Basics Of Obedience Training In Just a Few Minutes Each Day This is a practical guide to ensuring a stress-free canine-human relationship. This books shows you how any dog can be taught the basics of obediance training in just three weeks.
Customer Review: Clear and direct
Clear, direct guidance. The author recognizes that dogs are not equals, they need training to be obedient and keep them safe as well as make them socially welcome. A good, practical book.

Training Your Beagle (Training Your Dog Series)

Training Your Beagle (Training Your Dog Series) These cheerful canines have been trained as hunters since the dawn of history, but they also make affectionate house pets. Here's everything the neophyte owner needs to know about the Beagle and its traits. Training Your Dog books teach ordinary non-expert dog owners how to train their own pets. Virtually every aspect of training is covered, with special focus on the distinctive traits of individual breeds. Dog owners are instructed on humane but effective methods of housebreaking and paper training, obedience training, teaching the dog to respond to verbal commands and hand signals, walking on a leash, and more. Also covered are methods of correcting bad habits such as begging, unwanted barking, and showing hostile behavior. There are many instructive, full-color photos in each book.
Customer Review: Great for your Beagle to Show!
This book started off to be very helpful, but then we don't plan on showing our beagle, so a lot of the chapters weren't geared for our purposes. But again, this is just our opinion. Good reading.

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Training Your Beagle (Training Your Dog Series)

Guide to Owning a Bichon Frise: Puppy Care, Grooming, Training, History, Health, Breed Standard (Re Dog Series)

Guide to Owning a Bichon Frise: Puppy Care, Grooming, Training, History, Health, Breed Standard (Re Dog Series) Customer Review: This book was good
This book was good. You should try it.

Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs (Getting Started)

Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs (Getting Started) New EXPANDED edition!

"New to clicker training? then this is a "must read". Learn from this book how training can be FUN, both for you and your dog!"

If you are curious about clicker training and want to give it a try, Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs is the place to begin. Karen Pryor's readabale, entertaining chapters introduce you to the why's and how's of clicker training from choosing a treat and timing the click to training a trick. Now in an expanded edition, Getting Started will introduce you to the power of positive training for your new puppy or older dog.
Customer Review: a great start
This book is a great step towards learning how to train your dog. We bought this book and other items from this publisher. We will be ready when our puppy gets here. Very excited!

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Excelling at Dog Agility: Book 3 : Advanced Skills Training (Excelling at Dog Agility)

Excelling at Dog Agility: Book 3 : Advanced Skills Training (Excelling at Dog Agility) Excelling at Dog Agility - Book 3: Advanced Skills Training

� Illustrates how to isolate and train many of the higher-level skills necessary to successfully compete at the most advanced levels of competition.

� Describes how to strengthen and maintain existing skills for attaining fast and reliable performances in the agility ring.

� Provides in-depth answers to commonly asked questions in a helpful Problem Solving appendix.

� Is the perfect companion to Competitive Agility Training with Jane Simmons-Moake, Tape 3: Advanced Skills Training � Named Best Video of the Year by the Dog Writers' Association of America.
Customer Review: Your dog is sure to excel at agility with this book!
The 3rd book in the Excelling at Dog Agility can be described with one word: FANTASTIC!

Simmons-Moake wastes no time getting into the good stuff, and starts out this very advanced book with advancing your weave-pole skills. She covers difficult and "impossible" weave entries and how to train them the right way... and succeed! Moving on to the pause table in the next chapter, she explains the concepts behind a perfect pause table performance, namely teaching your dog to "grip the table," get an immediate sit/down, and correct the perpetually sliding pooch.

Other than the weaves and table, the rest of the book really focuses on the handler and developing his/her skills. Learn to "layer" courses designed to trip you up (literally!), perform precise pinwheels and super serpentine sequences. Improve your distance handling with this book, so that gambles are no longer a gamble!

Some really great things about this book:
· Extremely advanced skill taught in an understandable way
· Home practice tips and exercises
· A section on evaluating your handling and training skills, and addressing the dog who is "over drilled"
· The MOST helpful Problem Q&A section I have ever seen for problems ranging from the dog being too fast/slow to control issues and more!

Though this book is definitely not for the beginner and will probably require a professional instructor's guidance, it is a great way to increase your knowledge on the subject and improve your handling skills. Like the two previous books, this is an THE way to achieve excellence, yet a very enjoyable read. Kudos to Jane Simmons-Moake for creating the best books on dog agility out there!

Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning

Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning Handbook complete in two volumes. Volume one covers origins and domestication, development of behavior, neurobiology of behavior and learning, sensory abilities, biological and dispositional constraints on learning, classical conditioning, instrumental learning, aversive control of behavior; learning and behavioral disturbances, and human-dog companionship.
Customer Review: Immense knowledgebase of info on K9 behavior
I got a new puppy about 6 months ago. This was just about a 2 year process that involved searching out a specific breed that fit my personality and lifestyle and reading piles (Probably $500 worth) of books about raising puppies, training, specific breed books, etc. Mainly because I have always been deathly afraid of owning that unruly dog would be a nightmare to have around the house.

Of the 20 books that I have, this book is by far the most in depth and well researched of all. Most books on the subject of dogs in general are short overviews that should take care of some specific needs, such as potty training, obedience, tricks, etc. This book has a culmination of 100+ years of scientific research and other case studies of not only dogs but of the behavior mentally and physically of other creatures and how they apply to dogs. There is so much information to soak in, its incredible. I read through it occasionally had to sit back in awe thinking about what i've just read and how many things make sense now.

I seriously think that most books will get 90% of dog owners by without a problem. This book is for those 10%, or breeders, trainers who need to have that extra level of knowledge. I'd compare it to needing a cupfull of knowledge and receiving 5 gallons instead.

Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care, and Training

Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care, and Training This is a complete revision of the very popular original edition of this book. Readers will find many new photographs, refined training methods and a new chapter o unusual stock. Topics include: What a livestock protection dog can do Selecting a puppy Caring for your dog Behavioral problems and solutions Preparations for a family companion Guarding unusual stock Older dogs Puppy temperament testing and training Plus much more!!!
Customer Review: Addresses both the adolescent and mature dog
From wolves hungering for sheep to foxes in the henhouse, ranchers and farmers have always had to deal with the problem of predators. The use of dogs as a front line of defense against predators has achieved even greater popularity with the rising trends prohibiting the use of poisons, traps, and guns. Now in a newly revised and expanded second edition, Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care And Training, by Orysia Dawydiak and David E. Sims defines what constitutes a livestock protection dog; surveys the various dog breeds; provides key advice on puppy selection; addresses both the adolescent and mature dog; identifies specific behavioral probelms and their solutions, and more. If you are in need of a dog to protect your property and your livestock, Livestock Protection Dogs will prove to be invaluable reading.

Beginning Family Dog Training

Beginning Family Dog Training A must have for any dog owner, this user-friendly and engaging book employs gentle and effective methods rather than punishment-oriented techniques that so often lead to aggression. Covering commands from sit and down to heeling and coming when called, this book explains how dogs communicate, think, and learn in order to train them effectively with scientifically-based, humane methods. If you love dogs, you'll love this book!
Customer Review: So simple, so precise.
This is not a book for someone working on a difficult behavior problem, nor is it a doctoral thesis. This is, just as the title says, a beginner's book for family dog training. There are no long explanations of some behavioral malady written in psycho-speak. I am quite sure Dr. McConnell could indeed do that if she wished, as there is no way something so elegantly simple could come from anything less a true expert.

66 pages of useful information. In this day and time, that's hard to find, even in a dog book of 300 pages or more. An easy read, simple, to the point- perfectly fits the title. Should be on every dog owner's bookshelf.

Excelling at Dog Agility - Book 2: Sequence Training (Excelling at Dog Agility)

Excelling at Dog Agility - Book 2: Sequence Training (Excelling at Dog Agility) Excelling at Dog Agility - Book 2: Sequence Training

- Teaches you how to sequence smoothly from one obstacle to the next, to reach your dog's highest potential for speed and accuracy.
- Helps you develop a consistent set of cues for communicating with your dog on the Agility course. As a result, your dog will understand your directives in an instant, even at the highest of speeds and the greatest of distances.
- Provides detailed lesson plans for Beginner,

Intermediate I, and Intermediate II agility training classes.

- Is the perfect companion to Competitive Agility Training with Jane Simmons-Moake, Tape 2: Sequence Training � Named Best Video of the Year by the Dog Writers� Association of America.
Customer Review: Take the Next Step in Excelling at Agility!
4-Paws up for book 2 in the Excelling at Dog Agility "series" by Jane Simmons-Moake!

This extraordinary guide takes you from beginner to intermediate using easy-to-follow text loaded with pictures, diagrams, and tons of sample exercises. Get started with straight line and simple turn sequences then move at your own pace to distance control and "side-switches." Simmons-Moake is extremely thorough in her method and emphasizes not striving for "good" but for excellence! Her method makes it practically impossible to fail. Some of the important topics in this book are the introduction of distance and control commands, gaining distance with her "distance circles" technique, and how to give correct body cues for accurate performance every time. She also touches on the controversial concept of "correction-free training." To top off a wonderful "curriculum" of doggy schooling, she includes several pages of exercises you can do with just a few obstacles to drill key elements or your dog's weaknesses.

A few other features I really enjoyed:
ï¿½ LOTS of diagrams!
ï¿½ Tips for solving problems like broken start-line stays
ï¿½ Proofing ideas and exercises
ï¿½ An entire chapter on every type of side-switch imaginable! (including rear-cross, front-cross, counter rotations, zig-zags, and more!)

...and for those who are agility instructors or thinking of teaching agility, there are sample lesson plans for a 6-week Beginners class, 8-week Intermediate class, and 6-week Intermediate II class.

I cannot stop praising this book! It has certainly improved the performance of my own dogs and allowed me to progress more quickly with proven techniques. It is the perfect addition to any agility lover's bookshelf!

Training Your German Shepherd (Training Your Dog Series)

Training Your German Shepherd (Training Your Dog Series) Training the German Shepherd dog begins with praise and other associative learning methods. The author advises owners on setting realistic goals. Also covered are humane methods of breaking a dog's bad habits, such as begging, jumping on people, unnecessary barking, and biting. Each book is filled with instructive full-color photos.
Customer Review: A good read
For a short read on German Shepards, I found this to be a pretty comprehensive book on the selection and training these dogs. Recommended for anyone contimplating buying one of these dogs and who have never owned one before.

Maran Illustrated Dog Training (Maran Illustrated)

Maran Illustrated Dog Training (Maran Illustrated) Produced by the award-winning maranGraphics Group, Maran?s Illustrated Guide to Dog Training is a valuable resource to a wide range of readers?from individuals picking up their first puppy to those who are looking to eliminate their pet?s annoying behaviors. Instead of describing the myriad ways to perform each task, Maran?s Illustrated Guide to Dog Training shows you the best way, while the full-color photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions walk you through each task from beginning to end. Thorough topic introductions and useful tips provide additional information and advice to help enhance your dog training experience. Maran?s Illustrated Guide to Dog Training is packed with essential information for teaching simple commands and performing the most impressive tricks. Maran?s Illustrated Guide to Dog Training costs less than the price of one private training lesson, and will be a permanent resource that can be accessed at any time.
Customer Review: Ideas for Every Situation
Maran Illustrated Dog Training explores a full range of situations, everything from what to do when you first adopt a puppy to how to train your dog to accept a new pet or even adapt to having a new baby in the house. Through full-color pictures on every page, the journey is as visual as it is intellectual.

Pictures flow across the pages with explanations below the pictures explaining the activities. Above the pictures helpful advice explains commands, positive training methods, housetraining, socialization, fun games, cool tricks and problem behaviors.

Fun sections on tricks and dog treat recipes make this book not only practical, but playful too.

~The Rebecca Review

Herding Dogs: Progressive Training

Herding Dogs: Progressive Training Herding Dogs: Progressive Training is the only book of its kind to guide the owner toward training the complete herding dog. Whether you are involved in farming or ranching, or simply want to explore your herding dog's heritage, you will find a wealth of information here. For those with competitive goals, Herding Dogs will enhance your knowledge with a philosophy that has the dog's individual breed and personality as the central focus.

Vergil S. Holland teaches the handler to understand the dog's reactions before beginning this progressive training. Whether it is your dog's first exposure to stock or your older dog with a new problem, you, as a handler, will find solutions to each problem and sound advice on each phase of training.

Special chapters on different personalities of the various herding breeds, with training modifications tailored to these differences, make it possible for you and your dog as a team to reach your maximum potential.

Herding commands and terms are thoroughly covered, as are those of basic Obedience for the stock dog. Working various kinds of stock-sheep, cattle and ducks-is covered to meet the needs of every stock dog owner. Detailed diagrams and concept maps throughout the book highlight the individualized training methods for each type of dog and stock.
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction
Customer Review: Experience is the best teacher....
I suppose a person can learn to remove an appendix, fly a plane, or conduct a defense by reading a book; but I know I would prefer my surgeon, pilot, and attorney to have had some hands-on experience before practicing on me. Same thing goes for herding livestock - there just is no substitute for a good trainer who knows what they are doing. Having a background in obedience, tracking, and agility gave me no headstart in herding - and no amount of bookreading changed that. When I found a trainer who was able to read me and my dogs, communicate with us, and be fair but firm, we made great progress.

With that said, I think this book is very helpful as a supplement to practice sessions. Learning to read stock and dogs, understanding pressure and release, draws, balance points - all those concepts have to be learned by the human and there is no substitute for learning in the field, in actual practice. If a friend wanted a basic herding book to look at to see if it is something they might want to do, this would be the one book I would probably recommend. Better yet, though, would be to have this person actually come out and watch dogs working stock.

If you are doomed to be an armchair shepherd, then this book is fine. Otherwise, your money is better invested in a herding instinct test, a stock handling class, or a day spent observing at a herding training facility. Books are an adjunct, at best, to learning to work with your dog in herding.

Gun Dog : Revolutionary Rapid Training Method

Gun Dog : Revolutionary Rapid Training Method Customer Review: Great book
I used this method 11 years ago to train my Golden to hunt. He has performed wonderfully and has hunted with me and loved going afield all these years. Arthritis has limited his ability, but he still loves to go. I am picking up a Llewellin pup in a few weeks and plan on using Wolter's methods once again. I highly recommend this to any novice hunting dog owner.