Customer Reviews

The Dog Trainer's Resource: The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection

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Editor Mychelle Blake has done an excellent job of assembling a variety of articles that contain information that is valuable to dog trainers at all levels of experience. The book is nicely organized, divided into sections by topic. Each topic boasts a variety of articles, some more philosophical, some more "hands on." For example, the section titled "Dog Behavior, Training and Modification" contains both a thoughtful article by Dr. Ian Dunbar on the eight criteria for effectively using punishment, along with "Assessing the Alpha Roll" by Terry Ryan; it also contains an article by Emily Keegans that offers concrete suggestions for environmental enrichment.

It is a testament to the wide scope of experience of the authors (as well as the good judgment of the editor) that articles are included that might be outside the average trainer's educational sphere. For example, an article by Dan McNally discusses protection trained dogs, while Jim Barry suggests positive methods for training hunting/retrievers. I found both of these articles fascinating. There is much "how to" to be found in the section on class tips and curriculum, and an entire section devoted to working with shelter dogs. The section on the business aspects of dog training is something that every trainer should read.

All things considered, this book is a great educational value and one that should be on the shelf of all current and aspiring trainers.
- Nicole Wilde, author So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (2nd edition) and Help for Your Fearful Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears

I'm not an APDT member but I have seen a few of the articles posted
elsewhere. This is a collection of their 'keepers' in print form.
Mycelle Blake is the editor of the book.

I found the book interesting but kept having the one reoccuring
thought - were the authors checked before the article was put in the
book if their thoughts had changed in any way from their original
article? I know that permission to print them in this format had to
have been obtained so contact with each had to occur. Not every
article needed something along these lines. The other thought that
comes to mind is when would you draw the line to say 'check to see if
they still feel this way?' Some of the articles go back to 2000 but
there are one or two as current as 2006.

For example, is Trish King still using abandonment training in
dealing with dog-dog aggression? p. 127 "Dog-Dog Aggression and
Abandonment Training, July/August 2002. After using it for a while
has she changed her thoughts on using it or its effectiveness in
dealing with dog-dog training?

Or another example, is Joan Guertin still usin a "levels" class
system? 'The "Levels" System: Adavance-at-Your-Own-Pace Classes" by
Terry Ryan and Joan Guertin, September/October 2003.

One article really popped out at me - "Recognizing Multiple, Related
Diagnoses for Treatment Success" by Karen Overall September/October
2003. The article went into discussion about thunderstorm phobia,
noise phobia and separation anxiety.

There were several other articles I found interesting, these are just
examples of what came to my mind.

This book is titled as being for "dog trainers" but is actually geared toward people who are instructing others in dog training. Some good articles, especially one by Jodi Binstead on Bach's ideas on how breeders should raise puppies. Also some good articles on shelter dogs by Sue Sternburg, but her books are more up to date and thorough. If you have a business you may find this book of use, otherwise your money is probably better spent elsewhere -- though there is that excellent acticle on puppies to consider.

This book is has a great variety of informational articles. The selection is varied just enough to give a little bit of thought-provoking information on many different subjects. This book covers all aspects of dog training; agressive dogs, the controversial subject of dog parks, business aspects, socialization, etc.
LOVE IT!

I found this collection of articles by experts to be extremely valuable. It covers the scientific aspects of animal learning and discusses the many approaches to training and running businesses related to pet training. Worth its weight in gold.

As a dog trainer this book is full of great advice. I really enjoyed reading it and getting really good tips. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone in the dog profession.

Edited by certified dog behavior consultant Mychelle E. Blake, The Dog Trainer's Resource: The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection is an anthology of 80 articles by 40 authors, all previously published by The Association of Pet Dog Trainers newsletter. Top-notch, cutting edge information on everything from puppy training to learning theory, dealing with aggression, shelter dogs, running a professional dog training business and meeting the needs of clients, and much more fill this expert-level resource. Lay people seeking to train their beloved pets will also benefit greatly from the wisdom and advice in The Dog Trainer's Resource.

I am really enjoying this book. It's chock full of good information for Dog Trainers!!