Customer Reviews:
 Good Introductory Dog Training Book June 10, 2007
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
If you are mainly interested in teaching you dog basic commands (sit, come, stay, etc.), or in correcting moderate behavioral problems, all in a humane, non-violent way, then this book will live up to its title.
The first third of the book mainly deals with theory, such as the benefits of positive reinforcement and canine motivation. It also introduces the clicker, which is a small plastic box with folded metal inside that makes a clicking sound when depressed.
The clicker is used to mark the desirable behavior of the animal and is followed by a reward. Purchasing a clicker will be a necessity if you plan to use this book. They can be bought for less than five dollars at most larger pet stores, such as PetCo or Petsmart, and can be bought on amazon for cheaper.
The book then covers housebreaking and how to train your dog to follow basic commands.
Finally, almost the last half of the book deals with behavioral problems, from excessive barking and leash pulling, to mouthing and nipping.
Overall, this is a very good introductory book and will probably suffice for anyone simply looking to train a more companionable family pet, and it does so with the scientifically proven, humane method of positive reinforcement.
The Only Dog Training Book you will ever need May 29, 2007
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
The book is very well written and easy to read and comprehend. The dog, however, has a bit more to learn, and I, as his trainer, have my work cut out for me! Thank you for a great book!
 Excellent easy-access reference book May 14, 2007
I bought this for 2 young friends who have a new dog. It is very helpful and accessible even for younger readers. (The girls are 11 and 9).
How to train an untrainable hound March 17, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I found this book somewhat basic, but I liked that it emphasizes the more positive approach to dog training, rather than the punishment method. I have hounds, who traditionally don't respond well to obedience training. The tips in this book were very helpful.
 I needed More January 30, 2007
14 out of 25 found this review helpful
I suppose this is a fair dog training book for many dogs and many people but it did not work out too well for me or for my dog. It focuses on Clicker training and positive reinforcement. It does so by explaining the process and working through progressively more advanced examples. I think it might work well with puppies and even a great number of older dogs but I could not afford the costs in human or canine misery.
My dog is a "rescued" great Dane. He had and has some serious issues. He is a runt and weighs only about 140 lbs. but is still a real force of nature to be reckoned with. He is very loving with my family but, if I were to follow this book exactly, I would still be trying to coax my secretary's remains from between his teeth as I tried to convince the dog that there are better ways of behaving. It would be like letting Charles Mansion try to continue his killing spree while explaining to him why his behavior is unacceptable. Sometimes force is needed. According to this book, it is never permissible.
In spite of that lament from personal experience, this book does explain the real benefits of positive reinforcement and how to implement the training techniques. It has little to say about how to handle a dog who has learned to associate the "clicker" with a command to eat everyone in sight but I suppose that situation does not come up all that often.
|
