Customer Reviews

Fun and Games with Your Dog

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

 

 

I bought this book hoping to find imaginative games my puppy class students could use in addition to everyday games. Instead I was met by a book that talks about the three most common things everyone plays with their dogs--fetch, tug of war and ball games. The rest of the book deals mostly with variations of these three games along with a small section on agility. I did however like some of the ideas for builting simple obstacles out of everyday items. This is not a book I will recommend to my puppy class.

This book may only have about 65 pages, but it's full of color photographs and lots of suggestions for activities for your dog. There are activities for dogs to do by themselves (some of which would be excellent for averting problem behavior) and ways to spend "quality time" with your dog. Both indoor and outdoor activities are covered, as well as safety tips. This book even gives a good foundation about Agility activities! I was totally delighted. It motivates you to get up and start enjoying your dog. Aside from being a "doggie mom", I've also raised and bred Golden Retrievers for several years as well as being a dog obedience class instructor and I give this book two paws up!

I was quite disappointed with the book which focused on things every dog owner should know already (ie. Fetch, tug), etc. Even with the basic fetch and/or tug, there were no instructions given on how they should be done. There was only 1 trick in the book which was to teach the dog to hold a piece of cheese on his nose, then, on your command, throw it up in the air and catch it with his mouth. The instructions given to teach this trick were very simple and even if my dog could figure out what he was SUPPOSED to do with the cheese, I'm not sure he would be able to do it successfully. There are no scenarios given for what to do in case a trick fails. Unless you have no clue what to do with your dog this book is not useful.

There is likely much in this book that most pet owners already know. However, there are two great sections on games indoors and some outdoor stuff on agility equipment and training that are excellent. For these alone the price is worth it.

Likely there are some other books that give more extensive activities for our dogs and us, but this little one is worth its suggestions for the small price.

Indoor games, yard games and more. Very fun little booklet. Was hoping for a few newer ideas, but it gave some that I had forgotten about.

The book has good information in it, however, for the price, I expected something more comprehensive. If I were going to purchase a small book like this in a store, I wouldn't pay more than $5, not to mention the additional shipping charges.