Customer Reviews:
Terrific Book.......2007-08-17
This is really one of the best books out there for dealing with agression. It really clears up what it is all about and what to do about it in very practical terms. It helped me see what the real issues where and gave me a number of suggestions for training against the agression. Very practical where others are not. She doesn't waste time with too much philosphy but gets straight to the issues and the training. But the true measure is in the results and I am very happy about that. We had one very confused 6 yr old boy and he's coming along terrifically--I was really worried that he would spend his days angry, confused and mean. It's a turn around--so yes, things can be done to work with aggression. Thanks Brenda Aloff.
Superb!.......2006-04-23
The book is well-organized and well-written. I was successful using some of the protocols described in the book to modify dog aggression. This is one of the best books out there on aggression.
Four Stars for now, with the potential for Five Stars!.......2006-03-15
This book actually has a lot of very good, practical, and very helpful information for the dog owner who wants to prevent (as I do) or treat agression problems, especially in agression-prone breeds like spaniels and some of the guarding breeds. I debated whether or not to give this book a five star rating. I settled on four stars for now because of my one "complaint" against the book -- it is a very, very COMPLICATED book to read and utilize. The author, apparently through many years of working with problem dogs, has developed a number of complex systems for treating and preventing agression problems which, while I'm sure will be useful and should work well, and just very complicated for the amateur to use. This is definitely NOT the kind of book one can read in bed when tired. It reminds me of some of my college texts -- a challenging and complicated read, and perhaps a bit on the dry side. I know that when I tried to read it recently, my mind often wandered.
To sum it up, I would recommend the purchase of this book for the interested reader, just be prepared to sit down and devote quality time to reading the book and learning the system of training the author has put forth. Unfortunately, my life right now is just too complicated to really give this book the time it deserves. I hope in the near future to have a little more free time to carefully read the book, absorb the information, and begin to implement it with my own dog.
Very helpful exercises.......2006-01-07
This book is terrific for owners of any dog. We actually rescued an dog-aggressive dog and actually went to Brenda Aloff for a few sessions. Her advice and exercises helped turn a stressed out little monster into my little princess. My dog isn't magically cured, but by using this book, we've taught her to look to her humans for guidance in stressful situations, instead of just attacking as she would in the past. She knows the rules and was taught them in a completely positive reinforcement manner. I highly recommend this book.
Book Description
The new wave of excluding aversives and training with positive reinforcement is rapidly proving itself to not only be the method of choice for adding behavior, but now, as evidenced by trainers like Jean Donaldson, the method of choice for getting rid of behavior, especially emotionally charged behavior like aggression. If you are of the school of thought that "treats are fine for training tricks but I have a dog that bites," you owe yourself a serious study of the techniques and theory in "Dogs Are From Neptune".
Nowhere else is the case made more strongly for positive reinforcement training for the resolution of serious problems, not simply from the standpoint of dog and handler-friendliness, but from that of efficacy and deep, permanent change.
"Dogs Are From Neptune" draws from real cases to provide clear, step-by-step advice for troubleshooting problems from obedience proofing stumpers to serious biters and fighters. Many of the owners presenting histories had made the rounds of trainers and behaviorists with no improvement prior to submitting their cases.
There is a comprehensive and enlightening discussion of the finer points of classical and operant conditioning and why the former may indeed "over-ride" the latter when dealing with aggression. Donaldson has treated innumerable aggressive dogs and has an excellent ability to tease out key features in each case history. Her description of "Suburban Dog Syndrome" rings true for dog people everywhere. Perhaps most ground-breaking are her discussions of dog bullying, fighting and defensive aggression.
The first three sections cover aggression, towards strangers, family members and other dogs. The aggression to strangers section contains a case of "socialization omission," to men specifically; a more globally aggressive dog with many triggers, a dog on the comeback trail from a bad beginning in life, a therapy dog with a good history that begins growling at certain people and the case of an exasperated family who feel they have a genetic misfit.
The aggression to family members section, entitled "Resource Guarding" gives step-by-step plans for and background on food and object possessiveness as well as a beautifully structured treatment protocol for a dog that will not allow routine handling.
In the dog-aggression section, the topics are reactivity to proximity, chronic fighting in a dog park, a dog that begins growling after a couple of bad experiences at class, a how-to on handling a dog that bullies other dogs, understanding inter-bitch aggression, the owner's role in dog to dog aggression problems and an extremely convincing case for the use of food in the treatment of aggression.
The second half of the book involves cases of behavior and obedience problems and anxiety-related disorders. Counter-surfing, dirt, stool and garbage eating, amusing and informative cases of barking, pushy play-biting in a full-grown dog, sofa-elimination and its likely motives and a mounting Labrador bitch round out the behavior problems section.
The obedience problems range from new insights into garden variety presentations such as pulling on leash, heeling, jumping up and controlling dogs off leash to the more esoteric context-specific stay-breaking, obedience-ring sluggishness and the relative merits of electric shock and non-aversive approaches to undoing a squirrel hunter.
The fear and anxiety section encompasses both mild and severe separation anxiety, anxiety about traffic in general and about getting into cars and a fascinating case of a dog with Addison's disease who must avoid all stress but whose handler would like to continue training in obedience.
Customer Reviews:
Dogs are from Neptune - Good Training Information.......2007-04-04
After struggling through The Culture Clash, I found Dogs are from Neptune to be a much easier, more outlined reading experience. The book is organized around problem areas and while much of the training recommendations are repeated, it still gives the reader clear cut, easy to follow training suggestions. I have used the book as a resource guide many times when working with my cattle dog foster dogs and coaching other foster families. Dog owners looking for a quick fix may be dismayed at the amount of training she recommends to solve dog behavior issues. However, I have found her suggestions to work well. I still recommend The Culture Clash as a necessary read along with Dogs are from Neptune, however expect this book to be much easier to follow.
Highly practical advice, entertainingly written.......2006-11-10
Jean Donaldson is one of the world's foremost experts on how dogs learn and how to teach them. Her methods are humane, based on the well-studied science of behaviorism, not stressful or harmful to dogs, and very, very effective.
The gems in this book are practical solutions to the everyday problems dog owners face, with just enough information thrown in so that dog owners can understand why their old methods didn't work, why these methods do work, and how to apply the principles to other situations.
Ms. Donaldson's most famous book, Culture Clash, goes into much more detail about the learning theory, how dogs think, and why we so often use the worst possible methods to train them. It is less a "how to" book than a "why" book. For people whose dogs are giving them fits, Dogs are from Neptune is the book to start with. Then, follow up with Culture Clash for a deeper understanding.
As a dog trainer specializing in behavior problems, I often recommend Neptune to my clients and they love it!
Recommended.......2006-11-10
Easy to read, clear and sensible advice given in response to 'real life' scarios and dog problems.
An Advice Column for Dog Issues.......2006-01-16
And, like all advice columns, sometimes you get an answer to your question, and sometimes you don't. There is a lot of good information on behaviorism buried in the recommendations...but sometimes you have to read about a completely unrelated training issue to find out about things like desensitization and counter-conditioning. If you have the time, definitely read entries on more than just the issue that interests you.
There is also a bit more jargon in here than I thought was strictly necessary - if you don't have the concepts of behaviorism and learning theory down, you probably need to read another book before this one. Try such gems as Sophia Yin's "How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves," which introduces the concepts *first,* then shows you how to apply them. Also check out anything by Patricia McConnell, who not only knows her stuff, but knows how to teach it.
A very good book on how to teach/train difficult dogs.......2004-11-16
If you liked Ms Jean Donaldson's first book "Culture Clash" - you will like "Dogs are From Neptune" ... In fact, I would suggest that this book is a necessary follow-up.
"Dogs are From Neptune" is written in Ms Donaldson's distinct and forthright style ... The author is clear in her views and sure of her methods ... The reader can either agree or disagree but there is little grey where the author is concerned ...
That said - Ms Donaldson writes in an incisive way, expressing her thoughts in a manner that makes for easy reading ...
"Dogs are From Neptune" is a collection of case studies ... dealing with "difficult" and "problem" dogs - dogs with whom the more traditional training methods may not work so well ...
Together with Patricia B. McConnell's books, "Dogs are From Neptune" make essential reading for any owner/trainer interested in or needing to learning how to use positive training methods to "re-condition" a dog with difficult temperament or bad habits, ranging from counter surfing, food & object possession to the more serious issue of dogs that bully, dogs who are difficult to handle and dogs exhibiting nervous or defensive aggression ... The Editorial Review above provides a good summary of the areas covered in the book.
I found the use of case studies particularly the details provided - most useful ... by providing background to the "difficulty" faced by the respective dog and its owner/trainer ... the book allowed me to appreciate & understand with greater clarity the intention & purpose behind the methods used and suggested by Ms Jean Donaldson ...
Essentially, the book format adopted by the author, brings meat to the bones of training ...
And it doesn't take long for the reader to realise, that while the case studies are by their very nature specific to each case ... Ms Donaldson's methodology, rational and style of training & teaching a dog - can easily be adapted/modified to meet the range of difficulties and issues an individual owner/trainer may face with his/her own dogs.
The book emphasises and teaches why it is so important for every owner/trainer to first understand basic dog behaviour, instinct & psychology and how using such knowledge & understanding in the teaching/training of our dogs reduces frustration, stress & trauma to both owner/trainer & dog, and increases our chances of success.
Most important, the author teaches us how to maintain through all difficult times, the essential bond of trust between our dogs & us.
All in all ... the book is detailed and very sufficient ... A very good read and a worthwhile buy ...
Product Description
**Award Winner, Dog Writer's Assn. of America, 2002, Training and Behavior Book. This book is a practical how-to guide about resource guarding in dogs. The content: Aggression basics, about dogs that resource guard, kinds of resource guarding: (food, object, location, owner, miscellaneous, combinations, body handling), working with resource guarders, treatment for resource guarders, adjuncts, regressions, and prevention of resource guarding. This book is written by Jean Donaldson, author of The Culture Clash and Dogs Are From Neptune.
Customer Reviews:
The only and the best book written on resource guarding.......2007-04-19
Resource guarding, dogs growling or biting when food, toys, specific locations, etc. are approached is an extremely common problem. Jean explains in easy to understand terms how to modify this problem behavior. A must have for any professional trainer or any owner of a dog that resource guards.
Excellent.......2007-01-10
It arrived very quickly and was brand new. I would order from this seller again.
Mine!: A practical guide to resource guarding in dogs.......2005-01-26
I am so glad I finally found this book! It's a bit smaller than I would like but worth getting.
Book Description
A good decoy needs to be an expert in canine communication, and needs to know how to use this language to stimulate aggression in the dog. This book explains, step by step, how to understand the canine paralanguage and how to use your own body to communicate with the dog. It then explains the different types of natural dog aggression and how to use its own language to trigger the useful types without being abusive to the dog. Decoys and Aggression also describes drills designed to develop skill in the decoy. Some are designed to be conducted without dogs until the human demonstrates enough body control to work with a live animal without injuring the dog or himself. This book is the first to combine inter-species communication skills with the specific types of aggression known to be useful to police dog trainers. As such, it is essential reading for all decoys, instructors and students alike, as well as for K9 personnel, handlers, and trainers.
Customer Reviews:
Should be in every dog trainers library.......2000-05-11
This book is the best I've seen for teaching decoys to read dogs. The information is great for both novice and seasoned trainer. Prior to training any decoy it is required reading. It's great to see someone who has spent time training dogs not just studying theories. It is well written, clear cut and straight to the point, it's filled from start to finish with useful information.
A must have for all decoys and K-9 handlers!!!.......1999-04-24
Great information for novices and experts alike. Excellent section on reading canine body language and influencing the dog's perception of you by using your body language. I have read and re-read this book many times and have found valuable information every time. This book is essential for all novice decoys, trainers and for anyone who handles dogs that can be aggressive. Get this book, it may save you from being bitten or seriously injured.
Customer Reviews:
na.......2005-03-27
It's hard to review a book when your order was cancelled twice from amazon.com .
DOG TRAINER SAYS A+++.......2004-12-21
I am a dog trainer by trade and I cannot tell you how long I've waited for a book like this! It has protocols, steps, and best of all very clear interpretations of how, what and when!!!
Good job Brenda and keep on coming with the good books!
Exercises for dealing with problem dogs.......2004-10-10
Aggression In Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification by professional dog trainer Brenda Aloff is an in-depth resource covering virtually all there is to know about aggressive dog behavior and how to modify or curtail it. Exercises for dealing with problem dogs, practical solutions to common problems, black-and-white photographs and diagrams, and much more pack this no-nonsense guide for lay pet owners and professional dog handlers alike. Straightforward, uncomplicated prose teaches the reader how to better understand and therefore train a dog with the practiced techniques of a true expert.
Best practical workbook I know for "feisty fidos".......2004-06-14
We use positive methods (Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar etc.) and subscribe to Whole Dog Journal and Bark. Whether positive methods are best isn't something I care to argue -- they are best for our family. I hope some of the people who aren't convinced may become more open-minded by reading this non-fuzzy-wuzzy book (and that they read the book before reviewing it here).
Our pup was so protective of our family that we came to feel we couldn't take him to an outdoor cafe, market or other situation where kids might be present. Aloff's book differs from anything else I found in that it not only set out literally dozens of practical exercises to address specific unwanted behaviors (this alone would make the book worth the hefty price), but also explains, in practical steps, all the stuff that's not in the Pryor book about how to actually _use_ the clicker. It discusses things like the difference between working with a "release word" after the click and not using one -- this may sound like hair-splitting but cleared up a lot of the confusion I had had about how to put all those wonderful theories into practice. This book has become our main training book. It has been a large part of our dog's greatly improved public behavior and is an indispensable reference as well.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Indispensible dog training Book.......2004-02-06
This is one of the best dog training books ever written. It thoroughly covers many aspects of dog training -- both the general training goals every dog owner has (such as how to teach your dog to greet others politely, how to do sits and downs, and the like) as well as giving many protocols for retraining aggressive and at-risk-for-being-aggressive dogs. Thus, the title is a bit incomplete: I would recommend this book for EVERONE doing dog training, whether you have an aggressive dog or not (or, whether you know you do or not, as she also talks about early warning signs of aggression that most people miss and things that lead to aggression down the road).
The information is very thorough, yet also easy to follow. About half the book is how-to: step-by-step instructions on how to get your dog to give you his attention, how to get your dog used to being handled, how to get your snarky dog to tolerate being near other dogs, and much more. Yet there are also sections which are more theoretical and abstract, such as sections on learning theroy, different kinds of canine aggression, and excellent discussions of canine body language (which can alert you to impending aggressive behavior). So, it is very complete and well-rounded, useful and engaging for those wanting a how-to book and those wanting more general information on canine aggression.
The book also discusses management strategies: things you can do to prevent aggression or how to set up your dog's environment so as to reduce or eliminate the expression of aggression. I think that this aspect of the blook -- this discussion of managing the environment to reduce and prevent aggression -- is unique to this book, and is valuable.
Invaluable for retraining aggressive dogs, it is also my "go to" book when planning my lessons for teaching basic home obedience class and puppy class. As I said, it is a book for everyone with a dog, not just those with aggressive dogs, and it is also tremendously helpful for dog training instructors as well as dog owners. Anyone who trains others to train dogs needs this book, as he or she will invariably run up against dog-aggression problems. A must-read.
Book Description
Aggresive behavior is the most common problem canine behaviorists encounter. This book answers commonly asked questions about aggressive behavior with helpful tips and easy-to-follow solutions.
Product Description
First it was the Bloodhound, sensationalized in the dramatizations of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Then it was the Doberman, symbol of the Nazi menace. Today, it is the Pit bull that is vilified for the depravity of his masters. Today, police chase down fleeing Pit bulls in the street, firing dozens of wild shots in response to media-fed rumors of supernatural Pit bull abilities. Politicians coach and nurture this fear with their own brand of rhetoric used to assist in the passing of quick and ineffective legislation created to pacify communities ignorant of the real cause for dog attacks. Hundreds of animal shelters throughout the country kill all unclaimed Pit bull-looking dogs, as they are deemed "unadoptable" solely on their physical appearance. This has occurred because the human/dog bond, the most complex and profound inter-species relationship in the history of mankind, has been reduced to a simple axiom: Breed of dog = degree of dangerousness. We have come to accept that hanging entire breeds of dogs in effigy for the sins of their owners is an acceptable solution to canine aggression because we have been placated by a Pit Bull Placebo. Like the pharmacologically inactive sugar pill dispensed to pacify a patient who supposes it to be medicine, eradication of the Pit bull is the placebo administered to ease the public's anxiety about dog attacks. The book, The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression, explores how our views and beliefs about canine aggression have changed over the last 150 years and how our perceptions about the nature and behavior of dogs has been influenced by persons and organizations who often times disseminate information about dog attacks which is tailored to further an agenda unrelated to the improvement of the human/dog bond. We are in the midst of a social hysteria about Pit bulls because we have abandoned centuries-old common-sense and have been duped by inaccurate reporting from the "Pit Bull Paparazzi" and by politicians who traffic in rumors, myths and pseudoscience in their efforts to pass legislation that demonizes dogs while exonerating criminal and abusive owners. If we truly believe that the extremely rare cases of fatal dog attacks merit extreme measures in the management of dogs, if our concern and shock is genuine, then we must be equally genuine and sincere in seeking out and addressing the real causes for these incidents. Only by stepping back from the swirl of present-day hysteria surrounding isolated cases of severe canine aggression and examining the problem from a broader and more objective perspective can we hope to understand and address the human and canine behaviors which contribute to these incidents.
Customer Reviews:
Very Informative.......2007-10-04
This is an exceptional book. Clearly and concisely explaining the history of serious and fatal dog attacks. It emphasises the role of the media in sensationalizing dog attacks and creating a monster. A must have for breed fanciers, dog owners, animal control personnel or anyone interested in dog attacks.
A Fantastic Book!.......2007-08-16
This book is very informative. During my years of fighting breed specific legislation, I thought I had heard it all but this book offered new and interesting facts and insights.
A Must Read for All.......2007-08-09
Everybody should read this book as it would help reduce the level of ignorance out there. And not just about pit bulls, but about dog aggression in general and how it is reported by the media. All too frequently we hear about how the "family dog just snapped and mauled a child." The reality is that often times key information is not included in the article such as the reporductive status of the dog (a big factor in dog attacks), that a female just had puppies (another factor for female dogs) or that the dog was chained, emaciated, suffering from being in extreme heat, or taunted by a group of kids.
Further, the media seems to be completely unaware of the unwitting role they play in fostering fads amongst certain dogs percieved to be the new demon dog and the correlation between breed popularity and the number of fatal attacks. Like Homer Simpson the media blithely marches on almost gleefully publishing account after account of the current demon dog mauling someone and reaping the rewards for such yellow journalism. Delise even highlights one incident where a major magazine published such and article and provided a detailed description of how to turn a pit bull into a monster.
The level of detail of the information in this book is simply amazing. I'd highly recommend it for everyone.
Promote Education and Tolerance.......2007-07-29
This book was a refreshing change from all the negative press about pit bulls. As a pit bull owner, I was more than presently surprised. It details the history of dog attacks related to dog popularity and shows that the more popular a dog breed is, the more instances of "attacks" there are just by sheer statistical necessity.
Karen Delise has my undying devotion and appreciation for her portrayal of my family pet as a loving, intelligent animal and not a monster!
A terrific dose of truth and reality........2007-07-27
This is a must read for anyone interested in learning the truth behind the various stories hyped up by media. Delise identifies a pattern over the years of our human need for drama through particular targeted breeds. It is time to step back and look at the human element and intentions of choice of dog.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Dog Watch, published by Thomson Gale on October 1, 2006. The length of the article is 875 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Ask Dr. Houpt.(dog aggression)
Author: Katherine Houpt
Publication:
Dog Watch (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 10
Issue: 10
Page: 12(1)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog
How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong: A Road Map for Rehabilitating Aggressive Dogs
The Cautious Canine
Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog (Karen Pryor Clicker Book)
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