It seems everyone has an opinion (so what else is new). However, what's most unusual (from the reviews) it appears one either loves or hates this book. Frankly I think both are correct. How can that be?The general "raves" are because (a) its easy to use (b) easy to follow and (c)it works. And with that I absolutely agree. It does work! Of all to many dog books I bought this one is the most "actionable" In other words, within ten minutes of owning it the dog was actually doing "trained dog stuff". And a month after purchase I had (in my view) a trained dog. No other book accomplished that!
The "pans" are because (a) the book appears "dated" and (b) it lacks detail. I think these comments are correct but they are really questions of style not substance. Yes, I agree photos might look nicer (and more up to date) than drawings. However, to my mind "who cares". I know what a dog looks like and I know what a leash looks like! I was just growing tired of knowing what an untrained dog looked like. Many of the slicker books were, well just that, slicker. But I didn't need fancy photos. I needed a trained dog. And all I got with the other books were slick photos. With this book I got trained dog.
As to the lack of detail I don't need my dog "to be pulling Timmie from a well". Although I think the Maller-Feinman principles might well apply to fancier tricks the book is simply designed to get the dog through basic training. I do NOT agree with the criticism of "too militaristic." I think the knee example (for example) must be viewed in context of the book. The authors stress over and over again POSITIVE reinforcement. Punishment is designed to send a negative message, never to hurt the animal. This is much like the Feder method of cat training. Feder uses a treat for good behavior and a water pistol for bad. If one drowns the cat or fills the pistol with sulfuric acid they are reading INTO the book (not reading the book). The authors appear to really love animals and the message is certainly not to ever hurt them.
Summed up, I loved this book because it worked for me and my dog. Will it win the National Book award? No way! Is this for the individual that has the time and energy to train their dog for slick tricks? Maybe. Is it the BEST book to get the job done in the shortest amount of time? YES! Therein is the rub ...some people want to know how to build a watch and some folks want to just know what time it is.
I'm glad I bought this before reading the reviews. However, having gone blindly by the title ... I'm now a happier pet owner. My neighbors are happier! My dog is happier. I think Simon & Schuster only keeps this type of title in print for over twenty when it really delivers. In non-fiction, I define good as "solve the problem". In this category it appears most books do NOT solve the problem. The Maller-Feinman book solves the problem...quickly and simply! To me that makes the competition aggravating and this book five stars!
