Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 72
 VERY helpful March 2, 2008
TheCafeWriter (Chicago, IL USA)
This has been the most useful book I've seen so far, and I have 3 other books on this topic. Unlike a lot of reviewers here who talk about "common sense," this is my first dog ever, so I have no prior experience to apply.
I found the information very specific and helpful. In the book, the suggested schedules begin with puppies as young as 4 months (16 weeks). But it worked just as well with my 13-week-old puppy. He's 19 weeks now and I can say with confidence "No 'accidents.'" I've even been able to take him over to friends' homes for an evening and he only goes outside. When he's in his crate at night, he's good until morning.
The key to getting the best results from this book, I think, is that you really have to be consistent and follow the directions as written. I took a week off from work to apply the techniques in this book, and it's been great ever since.
A Life-Changing Miracle of a Book! February 18, 2008
Chrissys16 (Southern California)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Shirlee Kalstone's book LITERALLY changed my life. I had skimmed over this book at the pet supply store but thought, "Very interesting...but surely I'LL never need it because teaching MY puppy to 'go' outside will be a snap." Two weeks, one wet, yellow floor, and two peed-on couch cushions later, I was at wit's end, finally admitting to myself I needed help (BADLY), as it seemed that my 18-week-old miniature dachshund boy would never have ANY interest in outdoor urination.
This book was truly the answer to my prayers - I was AMAZED by it and the great results it produced! It really did change my entire life, as well as my dogs'. The book emphasizes sticking to a schedule, which created a challenge for me initially since I am the "creative sort" (read: TERRIBLE at time management, being on time, sticking to schedules, etc.) but I really made a point of sticking to it as closely as possible (for me) and once he became reliable, I was able to relax it some. Another thing I liked about this book is that there are two different time schedules, depending on whether or not you work outside the home. Most housebreaking books assume that there is at least one person at home at all times to help with the housebreaking but, for those of us who actually have to work for a living (quelle horreur!), this offers an excellent alternative schedule that is very easy to comply with.
Summarily, this is an INCREDIBLY worthwhile read and one of the few books that I would recommend - and give as a gift!- to ANYONE getting a new puppy. I devoured everything I could on puppy housebreaking when my dog was learning, both in print and on the Internet, and "How To Housebreak Your Dog in Seven Days" was by FAR the best, fastest, and most effective. In only two weeks' time, my dog went from seemingly SMILING at me while copping a squat on my bath rug to peeing outside on command whenever he hears the phrase "HURRY UP" (in fact, he's so reliable about it, I'm almost afraid to say those words indoors, even in other contexts!). This book is destined to become a classic and one I would recommend over and over to ANYONE who would prefer their dogs pee on their front lawn and not their carpet.
 good specific training advice for all possible training situations February 15, 2008
Eva K. Flores (NY, USA)
As a first time dog owner this book is helpful in guiding training, I am paper training my dog poodle and the information was very helpful.
 Dog Training Book February 10, 2008
Debbie Olson (Iowa)
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
Nothing more than commmon sense. All the old same old same old ideas. Nothing really new for potty training to a litter box for small dogs.
Worked Like a Charm January 28, 2008
G. Bowker
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
We were given this book at the shelter where we adopted our 10-week old retriever mix. It gives programs for both people who are at home during the day and those who work, and also a part for older dogs. The premise is "what goes in must come out" and that by keeping a journal and keeping a strict feeding and watering schedule you can do a good job of anticipating when it's going to happen. The idea is if you set your puppy up for success he will succeed. The only thing we did differently was set an alarm for 2am to go out so that in the morning it wasn't such a mad dash to the door. We never had a single accident in the house and he really was trained in about 7 days.
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