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85 of 88 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best - Applause, Applause to the Author!, May 26, 2003
This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training (The Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)
I bought this book and the book called "Good Owners, Great Dogs" by Brian Kilcommons. The Kilcommons book is very good. It is probably the best "traditional" training book there is available. Very thorough and insightful. I've raised a number of dogs in my life - well, let's say they grew up with me - the training part was more the dog training me than me training the dog. HOWEVER... This 'Idiots guide' on 'Positive Dog Training' is a breakthrough book for me. There are likely others that teach this similar method, but the organization of the book and the practical advice for "real life" won me over. The sheer logic of the book will make you question your earlier 'wisdom' especially when the author successfully identifies the results of some of your earlier training efforts. The "idiots" book is my clear winner. I bought it with skepticism, and now I'm an absolute convert. In one day, with a 9 week old puppy, day two away from mom, using cheese, lots of praise, ignoring her when she wouldn't walk, she was walking steadily beside me - no pulling forward or back. Scents and distractions aside, I was in shock. When I first put the collar and the leash on her, she acted like she was being led to slaughter. Yelping, screaming, doing flips to get away. I ignored the behavior and her, waited until she stopped. When she stopped, I praised her immediately. One more "partial episode" and that behavior stopped. After one day, she responds to my call to "come" almost every single time. In the first day - this is not normal for me... Anyway, buy three copies of this book, one for you, one for your family, and one for the neighbor that knows all the answers about training a dog.
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm an idiot and I approve this book..., April 3, 2006
This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training (The Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)
As the owner of three terriers, I was happy to find a book that endorsed positive training methods. The mere sight of pinch collars make me a little sick, but then again, I am no dog training expert, I am a regular "idiot" who purchased this book for help.
Dennison, I think, does a thorough job of explaining positive training methods and the science behind them. I like her sense of humor, ("I'd rather eat poop than come!") and the way that she breaks down training into manageable tasks. I have seen wonderful results with all three of my terriers after a very brief time.
And just for the record, I'm not sure that all of the people who reviewed this book actually read it. NOWHERE did I find an exercise that involved tying your dog up with a 6 foot leash and approaching him/her to discourage jumping. Dennison openly states that she does not believe in using leashes as a training tool unless you are teaching "come" (which requires a LONG leash and NO tying up) or loose leash walking. Perhaps this person reviewed the wrong book or simply voiced a very misguided opinion.
Secondly, training a dog with positive methods requires WORK and BRAIN POWER. It is much easier to pop a leash, yell or hit. This method is effective because you learn to communicate with your dog in their "language." I agree with the reviewer who stated that practicing positive methods strengthened their relationship with their dog. The same happened with me. So, if you'd like a healthy relationship with your dog that involves "leading" rather than "dominating" check out this book!
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20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every Dog Owner Should Read This Book!!!, January 23, 2005
This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training (The Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)
Her technique is rooted in proven psychological theories. Not only does this book introduce training that works - it also strengthens your bond with your dog in the process! Instead of fearing what will happen if they do something wrong your dog will WANT to please you! If you enjoyed this book consider subscribing to The Whole Dog Journal or read Pat Miller's books. Your dog will thank you!
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