Leader of the Pack [Paperback]

Nancy Baer (Author), Steve Duno (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 23, 1996

In this practical, straightforward training book by two animal behaviorists, readers will learn how to take a firm lead and the specific steps required to eliminate the aggressive attitude of their dog. Real-life examples and simple, nonconfrontational exercises in this book will help readers and their dogs live happily ever after.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (August 23, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061010197
• ISBN-13: 978-0061010194
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leader of the Pack, August 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Leader of the Pack (Paperback)

This book is something every dog owner should read! I bought it because I was having an aggression problem with one of my dogs. It not only gave me the answers I needed for that problem, but opened my eyes to many other problems I had created in all three of my dogs. I considered myself pretty knowledgable when it came to handling dogs, but this book was an eye opener. Things I thought were cute, are NOT, and that was a shock to me. This book is great if you are having problems, and great if you just want a heads up to be informed on dog behavior, as well as people behavior! With this book I realized it was really a problem with me, and not so much my dog. She was just doing what I was allowing her to do. This is a must read!!!!

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The answer to an obedience trainer/behaviorist's prayer, December 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Leader of the Pack (Paperback)

This book is the most succinct, well-written treatise in print on what is takes to own a dog. A previous review of this book criticized it because it discusses the dog's ancestry to the wolf and ignored the years of domestication of dogs. The wolf ancestry of domestic dogs cannot be ignored when owning a dog. Alot of people are not meant to be dog owners or should only own certain breeds. This book delivers critical information on behaviorism. We teach dog training using Karen Pryor's technique's of positive reinforcement, but this alone is not enough to be a successful dog owner. Owning a dog is a lot of work and owning a rottweiler is not the same as owning a golden retriever. People must understand the canine psyche and be equipped with the knowledge of how to demonstrate pack leadership over a dog, along with training, in order to have a 'good dog'. Pack leadership is needed along with the principles of positive reinforcement to elicit good canine behavior. One is not a replacement for the other. This book is required reading for the beginner dog class. It equips the students with the knowledge of canine behaviorism they need. Every dog owner should have this book. Every potential dog owner should read this book and use it to decide if they are meant to be a dog owner. It is an excellent book.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical solutions to canine dominance problems here!, March 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Leader of the Pack (Paperback)

This is the best text for owners who are having difficulty attaining leadership status with their dogs. The lessons are written in plain English while drawing on sound, non-confrontational behavioral theory.

The authors take the angle of basing each lesson on what is known about the functioning of a wolf pack. The position of dominant vs. lower-ranking wolves is explored. Who eats first? Who sleeps where? Who initiates play? Who goes through narrow passageways first?

Especially interesting to me was the explanation of how meaningful body posture and physical positioning is to dogs.

I especially recommend this book to dog trainers working with the general public or to any dog owner whose dog who perhaps has JUST BEGUN to exhibit dominant behaviors such as pulling on the leash, ignoring known commands, guarding of food or objects, or giving warning growls when disciplined.

I would not recommend this book to owners trying to correct biting problems with a dog who already has a history of fear or dominance aggression. If that is your problem, you need to ask your vet for a referral to an animal behaviorist.