Amazon.com
How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, an informal, friendly guide by The Monks of New Skete, is really two books in one: a step-by-step training manual and a philosophical discussion of the spiritual benefits of owning a dog. The Monks, who support their community in upstate New York by breeding and training German shepherds, reveal a profound devotion to all breeds in this detailed guide to every imaginable aspect of dog ownership. They cover it all: naming the puppy, training with eye contact and jingling keys, establishing the best sleeping arrangements, even dealing with pet loneliness. Owners are advised to think of themselves as the dog's alpha figure, to train with praise instead of punishment, and to beware of becoming the dog's maid or doorman. Throughout, the authors reflect on the deep spiritual connection possible between humans and dogs. Generations of dogs have been trained with the bestselling 1978 edition of this book. With this update, the Monks are bound to gain many new fans--happy humans and obedient canines alike. With modesty and generosity, the Monks offer an extensive list of other helpful books about dogs, as well as a useful appendix of American Kennel Club titles and terms. --Judy Fireman
Book Description
How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, an informal, friendly guide by The Monks of New Skete, is really two books in one: a step-by-step training manual and a philosophical discussion of the spiritual benefits of owning a dog. The Monks, who support their community in upstate New York by breeding and training German shepherds, reveal a profound devotion to all breeds in this detailed guide to every imaginable aspect of dog ownership. They cover it all: naming the puppy, training with eye contact and jingling keys, establishing the best sleeping arrangements, even dealing with pet loneliness. Owners are advised to think of themselves as the dog's alpha figure, to train with praise instead of punishment, and to beware of becoming the dog's maid or doorman. Throughout, the authors reflect on the deep spiritual connection possible between humans and dogs. Generations of dogs have been trained with the bestselling 1978 edition of this book. With this update, the Monks are bound to gain many new fans--happy humans and obedient canines alike. With modesty and generosity, the Monks offer an extensive list of other helpful books about dogs, as well as a useful appendix of American Kennel Club titles and terms. --Judy Fireman
Customer Reviews:
When you've got enough time on your hand..........2007-09-04
Who better than a bunch of rural New England living monks to spend their days raising German Shepards and writing about it... Between living the monastic life (young pups tethered to their frocks), these monks raise, breed and train dogs... and have written a book (this) which is considered by many the definitive dog owners guide... and when it comes to straightforward, in-depth non-gimmicky practicality... this manual may very well live up to its reputation... and quite worldly and dog centered with the exception on their philosophy of discipline... and this is why I only give it four stars... not that I agree or disagree, but its important to realize that their method is neither RADICAL, nor exactly modern... Basically if you've been reading most of the newer books you're told "Never punish a puppy..." in contrast, the Monk's go into quite a bit of detail on how to get yours to yelp should he try to pull certain offenses... Included are maneuvers which the monks describe as more drama than violence, but definitely are corporal punishment... with those controversial ALPHA ROLLS for toppers... and this is where I have a problem: I would really like to see the average non-professional dog trainer little old lady try to slap then alpha roll a large breed dog with an aggression problem and see what happens (a face full of stitches perhaps?) If such maneuvers are meant as a LAST RESORT, wouldn't that mean that the dog may very well need to be handled by a professional with a bit more experience... Trust me... I can't even play with my toy poodle without now and then having my nose chewed on... wrestling Rottweilers... forget it. - - I hope atleast one person agrees with me that even if this type of discipline is appropriate to get the dog to submit, it should not be done by someone unless they really know what they're doing... and even if not abusive when PROPERLY ADMINISTERED can be traumatic if not dangerous to the handler and dog if IMPROPERLY done. (I will admit though, the setting the dog up not to chase cars trick does sound rather fun!)
That said, this book is chock full of advice... not mere obedience but everything including very sensible advice many books miss out on... For example, the Monk's plead for a lifestyle that keeps the dog active, occupied and socialized, not merely disciplined and tied up in a yard...
and they go into the specifics how, even offering advice on how to make toys and sports good for both city and country. - - They also have a rather interesting trick they use with keys (similar to clicker training.)
My end advice... get it, but also read other books for balance... nonetheless, get it before you get your pup...
Absolutely Essential!.......2007-08-31
My own dog's trainer does not approve of the Monks, but in my world there is plenty of room for difference of opinion!
The Monks' book is valuable no matter what method you eventually settle on as a good fit for your temperament and your dog's needs, because the Monks' advice is about so much more than training methods: it is about a lifestyle and outlook, and dedication to your dog as a member of the family, with needs very different from those of the human members. It is that sense of confidence and kind authority, without being stern or strict, that makes training work- not the style of training itself. This book helps you achieve that state, which gives your dog the restful assurance that Master or Mistress is in charge, so he can relax and do his best at being your dog.
Great Training Manual.......2007-08-28
I got this because of my border collie. I am very glad I got this book. It was hard to choose which book to get since there are so many out there. I researched many books before deciding on this one. If you want to train your dog, buy this book!
How to be your Dog's Best Friend.......2007-08-28
When we adopted our black lab/shepard mix we sent for a copy of this book and felt that we successfully trained our dog using the monks' methods. Then our daughter (a school teacher) just got a purebred yellow lab so we obtained this particular copy of the book for her to use. She and her husband have read the book and using their methods of training. We and they are very happy with the results of the training of our dogs.
Your dog is a dog and not a human.......2007-08-14
Most other books about dogtraining have prettier pictures, and simpler advice. However, this book gives really exhaustive advice on how to train your dog in a way the dog understands and accepts. I also think that many other books about dogs anthropomizes the dogs. This one doesn't, it all the times reminds the reader that a dog is a dog (and 100% genetically wolf), and all the training is based on that fact. It is not denigrating to the dogs, rather it focuses on the dogs feelings and point of view, so, rather, it is more respectful of the dog.
There are some caveats with this book though: these guys raise big dogs, so, naturally, their advice works best with big, and more powerful dogs - like labradors. Secondly, this book does not really focus on puppies, so you might want a comeplementary book which deals with the art of raising puppies.
Book Description
For almost twenty years, dog owners have turned to this compact guide for sensible, step-by-step advice how to housebreak their beloved pets--in just one week! Now revised and updated, pet expert Shirlee Kalstone's foolproof method for housebreaking your dog is available with a fresh new look and up-to-date information.
Whether your dog is a puppy or getting on in years, whether your goal is to housebreak, paper train, or litter train, this practical, easy-to-follow plan will help you transform your pet into a dependable member of the household--in a way that works with both his innate behavioral instincts and your individual lifestyle. You'll never again have to worry about your dog acting out, feeling anxious or depressed--or ruining your brand-new rug--as you discover:
* The simple secret of successful housebreaking--understanding your dog as a den dweller
* Step-by-step programs tailored to both apartment dwellers and home owners, as well as to people who go to work, versus those who are home all day
* Schedules for training puppies and (re)training adult dogs
* How to identify your dog's natural behavioral rhythms--and use them to your advantage
* How to cope with housebreaking lapses, marking territory, separation anxiety, and health problems
* The power of praise and positive reinforcement, not punishment
Including sample schedules and timetables, and a list of related resources and websites, here is the essential, proven advice that will make training a pleasure, for both you and your dog.
Customer Reviews:
7-day puppy housebreaking book.......2007-10-10
I did like this book but I just wasn't able to housebreak my puppy in 7 days. My puppy had already been trained to urinate on potty papers in the house and it was going to take some time to re-train him to go outside. Plus it would be a lot of work on my part. I read through the whole book in about an hour and it has a lot of good advice on how to train and re-train your puppy to be housebroken.
Angela M. Horton
A must have!.......2007-09-16
I have had many dogs, but never a puppy, so I was worried about the housebreaking process. If you follow this book, your puppy will be housebroken! I highly recommend this to any dog owner that needs help in housebreaking!
GREAT SYSTEM!!!.......2007-08-24
My wife and I decided we'd like to have a dog (neither of us had had one before). We researched breeds and a training and settled on a Bishon Frise (playful, great family dogs, but a little stubborn to train) and this book. WOW!!! That's all I have to say.
We followed this book to the T, waited and waited and waited and then all of a sudden it just clicked... Our little man was peeing on his paper. The only thing I'd say is that we'd intermittently walk him outside and now he goes outside if we're walking him, or goes all-day inside on his paper if we need to leave him for a few hours to run errands. We'll even bring him to our friend's house, drop down a newspaper and he'll play all day and when he's ready do his business on the paper. In fact, most of our friends ask (if not encourage us) to bring our little man! I'd highly recommend this book to first-timers.
Follow it to the T, have faith in the system, and you'll see it click. Good luck!!!
More relevant for older pups (12 weeks and up).......2007-05-22
Although the summary and reviews said that this book was good for puppies, it is really meant for older pups (4 months and up). For anyone housebreaking a puppy, most of the puppy books have better information for the younger puppies (8-12 weeks).
house breaking your dog.......2007-05-07
It is a good book to read has alot of good info.
Book Description
Learn how to love your dogs without spoiling them and provide boundaries without intimidation. This booklet clarifies how to be a benevolent leader and avoid aggression related to fear or dominance. If you want to be a natural leader to your pack and teach your dog that being polite is fun, this book tells you how to do it in a peaceful, kind way. The ideas and exercises in this booklet are based on the way dogs communicate with each other, so they are highly effective and easy for your dog to understand. An essential part of any canine library!
Customer Reviews:
Great Training Advice.......2007-09-06
I found the book to be an easy-to-read brochure that gets right to the point with clear, concise suggestions for training your dog.
Excellent!!.......2007-08-31
Don't let the size of this book turn you away - this book has all the information you need to greatly improve your relationship with your dog. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has a difficult dog, but people with obedient dogs can benefit as well.
This book was well written, short and to the point. I followed her advice and now my dogs listen to me and I no longer yell or pull on the leash!
How to be the Leader of the Pack..........2007-08-31
Very good condition and prompt delivery. I would definitely purchase from this seller again! Thank you very much
A must have for anyone with a dog.......2007-07-09
This book saved my relationship with my two "kids" - it is written in language that is very easy to understand and presents principles in a way that anyone can appreciate and practice. I believe that reading this book taught me how to live with and relate to my four legged family in a way that truly allows us to live together in a harmony that we had not known previously and cherish every day since. Highly recommended for anyone who has a canine companion, whether it is a new relationship or one that has gone on for a while but has become a strain for any member of the family.
Get Double Pleasure from this book!.......2007-06-13
I enjoyed this practical little booklet, but it is twice as useful and entertaining if you read it aloud and substitute the word "man" [or a man's name] for the word "dog" [or a dog's name]. I gave it to my sister when she adopted one of my foster dogs, and we had a jolly and educational time reading it "both ways". Anything by Patricia McConnell is a "must-read" for those of us who love interaction with our dogs!
Book Description
Yes, humans and canines are different species, but current research provides fascinating, irrefutable evidence that what we share with our dogs is greater than how we vary. As behaviorist and zoologist Dr. Patricia McConnell tells us in this remarkable new book about emotions in dogs and in people, more and more scientists accept the premise that dogs have rich emotional lives, exhibiting a wide range of feelings including fear, anger, surprise, sadness, and love.
In For the Love of a Dog, McConnell suggests that one of the reasons we love dogs so much is that they express emotions in ways similar to humans. After all, who can communicate joy better than a puppy? But not all emotional expressions are obvious, and McConnell teaches both beginning dog owners and experienced dog lovers how to read the more subtle expressions hidden behind fuzzy faces and floppy ears.
For those of us who deeply cherish our dogs but are sometimes baffled by their behavior, For the Love of a Dog will come as a revelation–a treasure trove of useful facts, informed speculation, and intriguing accounts of man’s best friend at his worst and at his very best. Readers will discover how fear, anger, and happiness underlie the lives of both people and dogs and, most important, how understanding emotion in both species can improve the relationship between them. Thus McConnell introduces us to the possibility of a richer, more rewarding relationship with our dogs.
While we may never be absolutely certain what our dogs are feeling, with the help of this riveting book we can understand more than we ever thought possible. Those who consider their dogs part of the family will find For the Love of a Dog engaging, enlightening, and utterly engrossing.
Customer Reviews:
sounds good to me.......2007-10-10
Not all the way thru yet but the book shares much of my own philosophy. Worth reading.
Excellent tool.......2007-09-30
This is one of the best tools I've found for helping me understand the world my dog lives in. As a sidebar - there is a series of photos including both humans and canines, showing expressions and pointing out what they mean. Having looked through it thoroughly, I was in hysterics after logging in to a blog and seeing a group of "happy party photos" - once I'd looked at her photos, the *real* message of the party shots was unavoidable, from the smile that said "take one more photo and I'll drown you in the gazpacho" to the frozen, fear-filled shy person, barring her teeth in one of the most uncomfortable smiles I've ever seen. So this is not only good for understanding your dog - but also for paying attention to the real messages on the people faces around you!
Terrific book - even if you don't have a dog!.......2007-09-29
This is a great book! I first purchased it as an audiobook, then purchased the hardcover. Now, I am listening to the audiobook for the second time, and am amazed all over again. If you are interested in the way your brain works, the way dogs learn, the way animals in general learn, this book is fascinating. It is not a how-to book, so you won't be able to train your dog after reading this book. But it will help you understand your dog (and yourself!)
Very analytical.......2007-09-27
I was expecting this audio to be something like a cross between dog psychology and "Marley and Me." It was exclusively the psychology of dog behavior, and is not easy listening.
Excellent book.......2007-09-26
This book gave me a very clear, interesting glimpse into the mind of dogs and enabled me to interpret their body language.
Book Description
As a small dog owner, you have probably come to realize that little dogs have special needs that require training techniques specifically formulated for their small statures and distinctive personalities. Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion offers gentle, positive, and extraordinarily effective solutions to many of the most common challenges facing small dogs and their owners today.
Little Dogs features:
-Innovative training techniques geared specifically toward small dogs (12" and under or 20 lbs and under)
-Tips on how to clearly communicate with your dog
-Solutions to common behavioral issues
-Thorough coverage of a variety of issues with an emphasis on positive reinforcement
Understanding how your small dog thinks is key to establishing an affirmative relationship with him. Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion contains all of the information essential to the training success of both you and your little dog!
Customer Reviews:
Great book for anyone with a little dog.......2007-09-16
Easy to read and packed with practical training and management advice specifically for those with little dogs. An antidote to the all-too-often owner-induced obnoxious "elbow" dogs. Wood clearly loves these little pooches, but has no illusions about the behavioral challenges that can lead to problems when people don't understand that these are living, breathing, thinking animals--not fashion accessories or surrogate children. I'm teaching a Small Dog Manners class--I intend to make this book required reading.
Chihuahua.......2007-05-30
I have been around dogs all my life, but recently adopted a Chihuahua. All the other dogs were big mutts and German Shepards...This little guy is as sweet as he can be, but this book has helped a lot to understand him. Dogs are not dogs, little bitty dogs are different.
Both of us are getting lots of value from this practical dog training book. If you have a little sprite like mine, get this book.
Wow -- all those 5 star reviews are true!.......2007-05-13
I thought I knew alot about dogs, but my dogs had always been medium or large dogs -- I learned so much about the needs of small dogs and how to handle them a little differently -- get this book BEFORE you get a small dog.
Excellent Little Book for The Little Dog.......2007-04-22
We had a two year old Australian Shepard when we bought our teenage daughter a little Papillon. The Aussie was such a breeze to teach everything to, including gently pushing his hind end downward while telling him, "Sit." Fortunately, we bought this book before trying that with the Papillon. Our daughter taught her little guy to sit, without hurting him, in no time at all with this book! That's just the start, though. It's been invaluable with so many things, from housebreaking to exercise, and so much more. If you have or are getting a small dog, this is a must have. It is truly extremely different than raising a bigger dog.
Little Dogs: Training your pint-sized companion.......2007-04-12
Loved this book, couldn't live without it. I love this book and recommend it as paramont to anyone (trying to) train a small dog. When I realized that other books dealt with the large dog who could be pushed in to place, but with my tiny Papillon it would be disasterous, I searched until I found this book and it has been a lifesaver. Also, I realize that the tiny dog requires a great deal of patience while training it.
Book Description
Looking for some tips to create a little order out of the canine chaos in your home? Concerned that there might be some tension between two of the dogs in your pack? Not sure if all that growling during play means trouble or not? This booklet has the answers to those questions and many more. Written to help you maximize the joy of living in a multi-dog household, it emphasizes the use of Ethology and Positive Reinforcement to teach your dogs to be polite and patient instead of demanding and pushy. Filled with practical ideas about keeping life fun in houses that have two dogs or many more than that, Feeling Outnumbered is a great resource for all multiple dog owners, whether novice of professional.
Customer Reviews:
life saving book!!!!.......2007-09-04
I have a multi dog household and most of the books out there don't cover the things you have happen when you have a "pack" of dogs...this book is wonderful !!!!!!!!! I now have a bit of peace with my 4 dogs !!!! (2 - 4 month old plott hound pups , the momma plott hound and a great pyrenees)Training them is much easier after reading this book!!!!!It's a small easy to read pamphlet type book - so no excuse not read it!!!
Short and too the point.......2007-07-16
This is a very small booklet but full of good advice for those of us in multi-dog households.
Great book, fast read.......2007-06-02
This book was very informational. I learned alot about the multiple dog household. It also confirmed things I had thought but didn't really know, such as; having a group name for your animals to respond to, training the dogs individually to get basic commands first before expecting them to respond in a group.... And just getting over your guilt of trying to always make things fair and equal for all of them. Its a great book that I will read and reread.
Family Dog Dynamics.......2007-05-07
I found this very usefull in understanding why my dogs inter-related the way they did. It also gives useful information on how to correct problems within your pack.
wish there was more details........2007-02-19
I found the book to have many common sense points. but not enough direction for unique group situations. I wanted more information, not just a booklet. The overall impression was that it was a good review of common sense points, which many people don't have with their pets. If you have not information about dogs, dog packs or dog behavior this will work for you. if you do have that basic information you may be disapointed with this book.
Book Description
Combining two popular titles in one value-priced edition, Before and After Getting Your Puppy is a simple, practical guide for anyone bringing a new puppy into the home. In clear steps, with helpful photos and easy-to-follow training deadlines, Dr. Ian Dunbar, who pioneered puppy classes and a loving style of dog training in the 1970s, presents a structured yet playful and humorous plan for raising a wonderful dog. The guide is based on six developmental deadlines: completing owner education and preparation, assessing a puppy's prior socialization and education, teaching errorless house-training and chewtoy-training, completing a socialization program of meeting strange dogs and people, learning bite inhibition, and continuing a program of ongoing training. In the first half of the book, Dr. Dunbar focuses on what the owner needs to know to select a great puppy. In the second half, he presents the crucial lessons the puppy must be taught during its impressionable early development — using a kind, positive approach that, over time, has been proven the most effective.
Customer Reviews:
A bit overwhelming.......2007-09-13
This book made me feel a bit overwhelmed. It has been a while since I had a puppy and a dog trainer recommended this book. Dr. Dunbar says you need your puppy to do so many things before the puppy is three to four months old ( ex. Introduce the puppy to 100 people before its three months old ). My puppy was two months old. To make myself less overwhelmed I'm taking one thing at a time and as for the people, there trickling in. I think he means well, he just comes across the wrong way.
Must read for all considering a puppy.......2007-07-20
Dogs and humans alike would benefit greatly if potential dog owners would all read this book! Lots of vital information, well presented, a good read.
Very helpful for 1st time puppy owner.......2007-06-02
I bought this book after reading several recommendations on AMAZON. The book was very informative as to painting a picture of what to expect with a new puppy. Some of Dunbar's recommendations are very unrealistic though. Such has having your dog introduced to many different people every day. Overall, I found it very useful.
Essential Help for You and Your New Puppy.......2007-05-30
I bought this book after reviewing some of the articles on the [...]website, which offers a preview of some of the key points of the book. I did read many of the reviews here and felt that the negative comments were somewhat over-reactive.
From my perspective, the book not only makes sense about how to raise a puppy, but also about how to raise a child! Why waste time trying to teach kids or dogs what is wrong, until they eventually figure out what is right? That seems really inefficient, now that I know the "lure-reward" technique. This technique lets you use the essential nature of the dog to train it to do what you want it to do: pee, chew, and poop where you want it to, for instance. Walk calmly on leash, for another. The trick is to not fall into the trap of thinking that a few weeks of short and long-term confinement is somehow cruel to the dog. Like children, dogs respond quickly to a consistent routine. It DOES require YOU to be consistent and to have discipline, and I definitely figured out where I was being lazy and too lax, and whenever I went back to the tighter crate schedule, things improved immediately. I realized that I confused a few days of successful potty events with "success" in overall training and went from confinement to total lack of restraint, so I referred to the book again and made some corrections.
Here are a couple of tips that helped make this book so useful for me. First, I had a consultation with a pet dog trainer who knew about (and recommended) Dunbar's technique. This really helped me when addressing the issues that I felt were not explained in the book (more on that later). Secondly, while I took Dunbar's stern advice as the kind of advice someone gives to people who might not pay attention...that is, I didn't take him quite so seriously. So, when he says that your dog needs to meet over 100 people in his first month (or whatever), I took that as the general message: socialize your dog as much as you possibly can. We have a really small house and we aren't hugely social, but I was surprised to find that I could make a list of 100 people pretty easily. They haven't all been over to my house, but I've been out and about and exposed my pup to a lot of different people, and I could see the change in about 2 weeks! And, I realized too that this socialization has to continue through adolescence, the difficult stage (again, think of children). I also found that "training" your dog to be OK when you are not around was particularly practical and helpful. It not only reduced my dog's anxiety, but mine as well, since it gave me a method to work with the dog to gradually introduce him to "alone" time, which will definitely be a part of his life. It also helped me to be aware of where I might be inadvertently feeding into the dog's anxious attitude when I returned home (or got him out of his crate).
The sit, lay down trick is a snap and I even successfully tried it on an adult pitbull that wouldn't lay down for its owner!
What I also found interesting was that the tips I learned in the book and shared with my other dog-owning friends helped them when it came to their adult dogs! I think that the Cesar Milan method can be quite effective, but it is based solely on dominance, and the lure-reward method can work wonderfully too in many situations (such as getting your dog to be calm when going on leash and learning to happily sit when greeting people).
Now, for some things that come to mind that I found lacking in the book. First, I happen to have a toy poodle who is bizarrely un-food motivated, and Dunbar doesn't mention that at all. I did learn from other poodle owners that this breed isn't the most food motivated one. I wish he would cover that situation in the book. So, for instance, Dunbar recommends putting all of the dog's kibble in Kong toys, yet if I put all of Buck's food in his bowl, he *still* wouldn't eat even half of it. So, if the open dish doesn't work, the Kong toy is like locking it away! And, freeze dried liver didn't work for Buck either. Advice: get those beef jerky sticks for dogs. Or try cheese. And strangely: Wheat Thins (even my cat loves them). Small bits of hot dog too. (I use this for the poop reward). Even so, all of these favorite items stuffed into a Kong toy won't work for my dog. Maybe when he gets a little older/bigger and I can try it out again, but for now I'm mystified about turning him into a chew-toy-aholic.
Secondly, I would have appreciated more information on the puppy interaction when you have a really small dog, or a really large dog. I think the problems you encounter as a dog owner do vary when you have a "non-average" sized breed. How do you keep your little dog from being completely frightened of huge dogs (and then later turning into one of those yappy jerks)? How do you keep your rambunctious, lovey Great Dane from bowling over the chihuaha? And, when you do finally take your dog to the dog park, how can you as an owner to a better job of evaluating other dogs as potential problems? Most people don't even bother to socialize their dogs, so how do you evaluate?
Finally, while I initially started asking people to offer a treat to my dog to get him to sit, I quickly learned that most every person will use a different visual method in asking the dog to sit, while only using the word "sit." So, it's really too onerous in my opinion to try to get every person to get the dog to sit, since the lure/reward technique of holding the treat over the head works, but most people don't know the signal! So, my dog dances on its hind legs while people say "sit!" and give it the treat because he's so cute. This pretty much has de-sensitized "sit" as a keyword so I quickly dropped the idea of asking people to make him "sit." What *does* work is asking people to offer the dog a treat, since then they naturally great the dog with a lowered hand, palm up, which is far less threatening to the dog and not a dominance display. I am really not going to burden every human social interaction with an instruction on the sit technique that is required. Later, when the dog learns the word itself, maybe then. I feel that in this respect, Dunbar's advice is a bit impractical.
Overall, I am very glad that I bought this book, and it's been an essential tool in my working with my puppy and understanding the nature of dogs.
Thinking about getting a puppy, get this book.......2007-05-09
I read this book twice before even getting my puppy it has been a godsend. Right now my puppy is napping quietly in his doggy den. It has great information for new dog owners and for people who have had dogs for years. The training methods are a lot different from when I had my last dog. The lure/reward way is much easier on the dog and owner. My puppy was a little undersocialized, and information in this book has really helped me to build his confidence. I highly recommend this book, get it if you are even thinking about getting a puppy. It prepared me for all the work you have to do to be a dog owner.
Book Description
In The Dog Listener Jan Fennell shares her revolutionary insight into the canine world and its instinctive language that has enabled her to bring even the most delinquent of dogs to heel. This easy-to-follow guide draws on Jan's countless case histories of problem dogs—from biters and barkers to bicycle chasers—to show how you can bridge the language barrier that separates you from your dog.
This edition includes a new 30-Day Training Guide to further incorporate Jan's powerful method into every element of pet ownership, including:
- Understanding what it means to care for a dog
- Choosing the right dog for you
- Introducing your dog to its new home
- Overcoming separation anxiety
- Walking on a leash
- Dealing with behavioral problems
- Grooming
- And much more
Customer Reviews:
Best training book ever! .......2007-10-04
This book was reccomended to me by a friend when I bought my two puppies and I had them trained before they were 3 months old. You have to remember that the tecniques in this book are a way of life and you must continue to do them at all times. You get used to it and it becomes second nature and the outcome is very rewarding. Puppies can be very frustrating to train but by using this book, I am actually enjoying the energy of my pups and they are respecting me.
7 IMPROVEMENTS.......2007-09-19
Jan Fennell deserves high accolades for this book and 30-day training manual! I have 7 dogs and after 4 weeks, the change is very noticeable. I have largely achieved the behavior I want with 7 dogs inside the home and they are much improved in the back yard. Soon I will move on to the car and the world outside. Traditional dog training classes just didn't cut the mustard - there was little if no discussion on how to have your dog look to you as its leader. I so enjoyed Jan's informative, fast-reading, couldn't-put-it-down book that I am reading it a second time. It's almost as if she could read your mind as to problems and questions we owners have with our dogs and the frustration we are faced with not knowing how to solve them. I only wish more people in the U.S. knew about Jan like they do about Cesar Millan. Maybe her time is coming!
"Must have" for any dog owner!!.......2007-07-03
This book was recommended to me by my dog trainer, and I am so glad! I use this book so much - Jan really understands dogs. She has the solution to any training issue or behavioral difficulty you can think of. It's all about thinking like a dog, and trying to relate to them in order to understand and work with them more effectively. Training is so much easier and quicker when you apply her methods! And the dogs seem happier and more relaxed, just like she says! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who owns a dog, or is thinking about buying a dog!
Effective. Helps establish foundation for training your dog!.......2007-04-16
A must read for all dog owners. Helps you to establish leadership within your "pack" using her 4 basic principals. I used this book as a building block to understand my dogs and establish an "Alpha" position within my pack. Once this is established, it makes training a lot easier. Other good books for understanding your dogs are "Other End of the Leash" and "Power of Positive Dog Training". For basic training I recommend "Clicking with Your Dogs" and Karen Pyor's "Clicker Training for Dogs."
New perspective for me!.......2007-04-03
We are expecting a new puppy later this year and I've been educating myself on being a responsible and informed owner. We always had dogs, cats, lizards, rabbits and such growing up. I didn't think about it until I read this book but several of our dogs had, shall we say some interesting habits. Jan Fennell shares a little of the common history man shares with our beloved dogs, as well as what happens in a wolf pack in the wild. I have to say that my entire perspective regarding dogs behaviour and training have changed. Now, I see people walking their dogs or rather the dogs walking their human and I understand what their relationship is all about. I can't wait for our new puppy and so look forward to a happy and healthy life for her. If you want to know and love your dog on a whole new, healthier level this is a must read.
p.s. If you haven't already, please read up on a raw diet for your dog.
Book Description
"Clicking with Your Dog" is the answer for all pet owners who want a dog to be a real partner and friend. The author's step-by-step illustrations explain the clicking process more clearly than ever before. Soon you will truly understand your dog, and, thanks to the clicker, your dog will understandd you!"
Customer Reviews:
Clicker training at a glimpse.......2007-09-26
The illustrations and the short, exact written instructions make it a wonderful handbook both for novices and experienced people who want to clicker train pets.
Insightful, Great Book.......2007-05-25
This woman really knows dogs. Her training methods really work. This book definitely changed the way I relate to my dogs, and it made training so much easier.
Very usable guide, but don't use raisins or grapes as treats!.......2007-04-11
I have read a couple of clicker training books and have also gotten advice from a clicker-savvy friend, but read this to see if it had anything more to offer me. For those who don't know, clicker training uses a marker (the clicker) to mark the exact moment your dog is doing something you want her to. It's very powerful because it sends a kind of snapshot straight to your dog of what you want. You then, of course, give some kind of reward after clicking.
I liked that this book had lots of pictures and presented the information in different ways, for people with different styles of learning. Also, the author shows that there is more than one way to teach a behavior, even within the clicker training philosophy. To me, this is where many dog training books fall short. They present one way of approaching a new task, but there are many types of dogs and many types of trainers! To be shown that shaping, luring, and just waiting for behaviors are all possible ways to succeed is very encouraging. Of course, each task must still be broken down into baby steps, and each training session must be positive.
My one and only complaint is that Ms Tillman suggests raisins and grapes in her list of possible treats to use for your dog. There is anecdotal evidence that raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. It's not necessarily proven, but why take a chance? Read this book, but skip the fruit of the vine! And have fun!
A Great Clicker Training Guide.......2007-03-22
Clicking with Your Dog is a great introduction to clicker training, and training in general. The pictures are clear and obvious. The instructions are also clear and explain the motivations of your actions and the dogs actions.
The book covers the most desired skills to teach a dog - from basic doggy etiquette to more advanced, impressive skills. I had very good results using the book as a guide while training my dogs. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.
Good Clicker training manual for the clicker-challenged.......2007-02-07
I liked this book. Instead of going too much into the theory behind clicker training, this is a practical, hands-on manual designed to teach people how to actually DO clicker training.
I found some of the tricks to need better explanations, but overall, I liked the book a lot and highly recommend it.
Customer Reviews:
Good reference book.......2007-09-11
The author dows a good job explaining ways to chilproof your dog and also gives many tips as to how to train your dog good habits in general. I just wish eveything was easy to execute.
OK, but disappointing for experienced dog owners.......2007-08-01
If you already own a dog and have given them any sort of obedience training, most of this book is either irrelevant or redundant to what you probably already know. Mr. Kilcommons essentially gives you tips on how to have a well-behaved dog, then applies those lessons to having children in the house. While these are important lessons, his approach is neither unique nor revolutionary. And this is a teeny tiny book! Barely 80 pages, I read it in less than an hour, skimming much of the early sections (choosing the right dog for you, whether to adopt a puppy or an older dog etc. - chapters completely irrelevant for someone who's trying to train the dog they already HAVE rather than the one they don't own YET.) It wasn't a bad book, but there were very few tips that I will find useful in introducing our dogs to our soon-to-arrive child.
good book that covers a variety of dog proofing topics.......2007-05-06
This is a short, easy read with good, common sense advice concerning dogs and children. The book covers how to introduce your dog to children, toddlers, babies, etc. It's worth a read for anyone who is expecting as well.
Good but not great.......2007-04-07
I thought this book was good, but not great. I liked that it had ways to introduce a dog into a family with kids, as well as introducing a new baby into the home with a dog. I felt this book was for a dog that hasn't had any, or very much formal training. My dogs are trained; I've just slacked on the follow through. Good book, just didn't work for my needs.
Bought as a gift - friend said it was EXTREMELY USEFUL.......2006-12-25
Our dogs had puppies and when we put them up for adoption we made alot of new friends. One of them because pregnant about a year after adopting OUR BABY . . . she was very concerned about her puppy baby adapting to HER baby, so I bought the book for her in addition to a few other things. She told me it was VERY helpful - because she really didn't know what to do, she had treated her puppy like a baby for so long, now she was afraid he'd hurt the baby because the baby was getting more attention than he was - that didn'thappen and she said the book was the reason.
A great investment for any DOG LOVERS who are expecting their first child since they adopted their puppy. ESPECIALLY if you "baby" your pupppy, you need to learn how to adjust him / her to the little bundle that you are about to bring into your home and pay ALL your attention too! The dog will adjust if you do the right things - but you have to start WHILE YOU ARE PREGNANT, or trying to adopt. If you implement this when you bring your baby home - the dog could get mean and hurt your baby! Don't EVER assume that YOUR DOG WON'T DO IT! There are no exceptions to what they may do, it's better to be safe than sorry.
A must have to expecting / or soon to be adopting parents with dogs!
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- If You Tame Me: Understanding Our Connection With Animals (Animals, Culture, and Society)
- Inside Rhinoceros
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- Kitten's First Full Moon
- Koi: Everything About Selection, Care, Nutrition, Diseases, Breeding, Pond Design and Maintenance, and Popular Aquatic Plants (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
- Lab 257: The Disturbing Story of the Government's Secret Plum Island Germ Laboratory
- Library Lion
- Living With Blind Dogs: A Resource Book and Training Guide for the Owners of Blind and Low-Vision Dogs, Second Edition
Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
The Art of Raising a Puppy
I & Dog
The Other End of the Leash
Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You For It. ("How to" booklets from Dog's Best Friend)
