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

I have a golden retriever, which should be classified as highly trainable. After reading many behavior books, nothing was really working. The authors explained that this is because first you must deal with the dominance issue.

The authors are very specific in what your actions mean to your dog, which you would never guess on your own. I found our family was making many mistakes even though it was obvious we had a dominance problem. Another insight was that the dog knew exactly what we were asking for; when he didn't respond, he had his own reasons.

This book clearly shows what your dog wants for rewards and is great fun to read. I learned that what dogs want for motivation for learning is no different than any of us humans.


It really helped Sparky!   August 10, 1999
2 out of 10 found this review helpful

It was a positive treat to help him overcome his "problems"


Great resource for trainers of all abilities!   July 23, 1999
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I recommend this book to owners of all breeds, not just the "traditionally challenging" breeds. Fisher and Delzio describe training techniques which would work with any dog. Furthermore, they clearly recognize that dogs are individuals. Their guide to recognizing whether your dog is independent, dominant or fearful is the best I have seen and is easily understood by the lay trainer. This book also contains a very sensible approach for becoming a leader in your household. My dogs are not Lassie and I hope never will be, but with the help of this book they are gentlemen in public and successful in the obedience ring.


Wonderful training advice for any dog - difficult or not!   October 28, 1998
clothier@telenet.net (St Johnsville, NY)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

Unlike so many other training titles, So Your Dog's Not Lassie is founded on a respect for dogs and their individual personalities, and a deep interest in the development of a strong relationship between handler and dog. The authors's philosophy: "Owners who will be successful with their independent dog dispense with the common mind set that they are the master and their dog is the slave. Instead, they know that respect and accommodation must go both ways." Fisher & Delzio emphasize making learning fun and relevant from the dog's perspective. This book will help anyone convince their dog that there is a good and pleasant rationale behind your training requests while simultaneously strengthening and enhancing the dog/owner relationship. Humane and sensible, the training methodology is totally congruent with the philosophy espoused - a rare find in dog training books. If this book has a failing, it is in the subtitle. While aimed at handlers of difficult or independent breeds, So Your Dog's Not Lassie is eminently suitable for training any dog of any breed. This humorous, well written and informative book is notably fluff free, and one that readers - both professionals & novices - will refer back to time and again. Highly recommended!