Customer Reviews

Bad Dogs Need It: Good Dogs Deserve It: An Encyclopedia of Behavior Problems and Training Solutions

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

If you don't believe in physically reprimanding your dog under any circumstances ... then this is not your book ...

But if like us, you believe that perhaps, there may not be such great divide between new and older training methods, as many are wont to have us believe - and you are prepared to keep a reasonably open mind ... then give this book a try ... there is much to learn here ...

This is very much a reading book, but the writing is well done, humorous and light. The author writes convincingly in a conversational manner but without excess and remains focused on the primary purpose of the book - teaching us how to teach our doggies ...

Content-wise, the book is substantial and covers a wide range of behavioural & training topics, from (a) how to teach the basic commands, (b) how to deal with common problems, from excessive barking, jumping, biting & aggression, to (c) training the doggie for the obedience ring.

Remarkably, all the above is accomplished in a comfortable & complete manner. At no time does it seem that Mr. Terrel is dealing with or rushing the reader through any issue in a superficial manner. Nor were we left with the impression of impossible complexibility. The book is well balanced and there is always much to appreciate & consider.

Characteristically, an issue or problem is identified or discussed, the author then provides a series of possible alternative training methods, some his own, others which he has read or heard of, and may or may not have tried. Where appropriate Mr. Terrell presents his caveats and recommendations in reasonable detail, explaining how and why a particular training method might or might not work. The author explains that no one training method is suitable for all dogs.

Many training manuals simply suggests a method for training or eradicating a problem, but stops there, and does not tell us what to do, when it doesn't work! This book offers multiple options, which we find particularly useful (and we are free to choose what we think best for us & our dogs). This adds the much-appreciated dimension of flexibility.

Structurally, book is reasonably well indexed, and makes it easy for a more experienced trainer (or those wishing only to address a particular issue) to read selectively without need to plough through all the pages; adding value and making the book a good reference source.

Yes, Mr. Terrel is not adverse to 'paddling' the dog, but it must be said that the author does represent this (often most sensitive) aspect of training carefully and only advocates physical handling or reprimand within very limited boundaries & within the context of the severity of the problem faced by the trainer.

Nevertheless and while we are ourselves not particularly convinced that physical reprimand is the answer ... that does not detract from the value of the book as a whole. We take the approach that we don't have to agree with all that Mr. Terrel writes, to appreciate he has much experience, from which we can (albeit selectively) learn. Whenever physical reprimand is suggested, we substitute the physical reprimand with another form of acceptable reprimand such as low growls, withholding of attention, temporary confinement etc etc ...

Good training manual.

I enjoyed the introduction, but the chapter on how to reprimand left me cold. I am quite disturbed by his "paddling" suggestions. I am thoroughly against hitting dogs so I suppose I'm one of the "80%" who, in his opinion, are not firm enough with their dogs. It seemed obvious to me that after his "reprimand" the dogs obeyed because they were afraid of him. This is not the relationship I want with my animals. This book was a mistake.

After purveying what seems to be countless resources in the specialty of dog training and obedience, I have found exactly what I was looking for in this book. As an AKC Certified trainer, I am very pleased with both the format and steady stream of experience based solutions this book contains. Mr. Terrell clearly exhibits a solid knowledge and understanding of canine obedience and show training. While many authors simply offer re-hashed cookie cutter solutions, Mr. Terrell provides a wide variety of solutions with multiple angles to multiple canine obedience problems - a very unique approach that I have found to be quite effective in my daily dealings with the dogs and owners I am personally responsible to. I highly recommend this book to any dog owner seeking to know and understand all canines.

Nick Terrell is to dog training what Dr. James Dobson is to parenting. His no-nonsense, common-sense, and sometimes, controversial approach to training brings results. His is the book I reach for most when dealing with the day-in, day-out delimas with my dogs because it covers everything from chewing problems to feeding situations to basic obedience. Terrell's years of successful experience with dogs is evident in his home-spun, folksy writing. He's less impressed with dog training trends and more focused on helping owners raise companionable dogs. How refreshing!

This book is a phenomenal collection of dog training solutions. I looked at nine other books in book stores, pet stores and online and could find nothing to compare with "Bad Dogs Need It...Good Dogs Deserve It". It truly is an encyclopedia of solutions. If you are serious about changing your dogs behavior regarding even one problem, don't bother with any book but this one. It is a masterpiece. This man clearly loves dogs and understands how they learn.

I have tried many of the tips in the book and find them to be very effective. Better yet, the book is an entertaining read. Nick writes like he is talking to his best friend and his wry sense of humor comes through in every page. I have given this book to friends who didn't even have a dog! They enjoyed it too.

I became acquainted with Nick Terrell and his dog Rudy several years ago. Nick and Rudy were a team. When Nick went to the store, so did Rudy. Why Rudy even went to church with Nick at times. He was without a doubt one of the best behaved dogs around. Rudy would go out and get the mail from the mailman and bring it to Nick. He would lay under the table when Nick was eating dinner, knowing that he would get his treat when Nick was done. They were indeed a loving pair. Nick has a special kindness in his heart for dogs. His eyes just twinkle when he is working with a dog. When I went out and bought a German Shepherd, I knew I wanted him to behave like Rudy. When Baron and I began our training, I was amazed at what Baron would do for Nick. Nick had a strong demanding voice when commanding Baron to do something and this sweet little happy voice when he was happy with the dog. It was amazing to see how the dog responded to him. After our lesson we would go home and I would practice with Baron only as long as I had his attention. Nick had told me to stop each day when Baron became bored with the whole thing. In no time flat Baron was heeling, sitting, staying and behaving beautiful. Thanks to Nick and his training, I learned in a firm but loving way how to control my dog. I will forever be grateful to Nick. Nick's book is simple to understand and there are several answers to each behavior question....let's face it, what works with one dog doesn't necessarily work with another dog. I highly recommend this book!

I have a Golden Retriever pup who is very active and stubborn. After having a very difficult time training her to behave, I bought this book and am amazed at how much better she's minding. I found out I was doing things all wrong!! Terrell makes training easy because he gives you several choices to make in a particular situation. If one doesn't work, try another. In the end, you will find you've succeeded with one of his suggestions. Thank you Mr. Terrell for a great training guide!

This is without a doubt the worst book that I have ever read. This man must be a dog hater. I have never in my many years of dog training ever heard such rubbish. It should be banned from your list. It doesn't deserve one star.