13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best and most useful dog raising book ever!, May 26, 2006
This review is from: Teach Yourself VISUALLY Dog Training (Paperback)
I have two silky terrors (terriers), neither of whom I raised from puppyhood. And while I love them to pieces, they definitely have issues which make them hard to trust around other people.
My prior knowledge of dog-raising and dog-training was nonexistent - these were the first canines to join our previously cats-only family. So my inclination was to raise them as I had my children, with lots of positive reinforcement and respect. I cuddled them when they were scared, delighted in their antics as they greeted me at the door, laughed when they barked at delivery men and basically turned a blind eye to those infractions I considered minor - jumping at the table, peeing on the kitchen floor, pulling me down the street by the leash, chewing the legs of the dining room chairs...
Anyway, it was all a big mistake. Suddenly the dogs were running the household -- and, most alarmingly, deciding which of our visitors were friends and which were foes. You really had to be careful because, if they didn't take an immediate liking to you, your ankles would suffer! Our veterinarian recommended that I put them on Prozac, but I didn't want to do that...
Then someone turned me on to Sarah and her teaching philosophy - lots of positive reinforcement, yes, but control, too. I got DogPerfect and, just recently, PuppyPerfect, and learned from her that I wasn't doing my dogs any favor by not being their "leader" - in fact, I was fueling their anxieties. So with guidance from Sarah's books, I set up safe stations around our home using her patented Training and Stationing Leads, boned up on my "Doglish" and made it known to all that I was, henceforth, "Leader of the Pack."
The changes in the dogs have been remarkable - both in how calm AND how trustworthy they are. Though as with children, raising them is a never-ending process, so I was pleased to get a copy of Sarah's newest book - Teach Yourself Visually Dog Training.
While TYV is based on many of the same concepts as Sarah's earlier works, it's such a handy reference guide that I keep it out on my kitchen counter and turn to it all the time. It breaks each aspect of dog training into an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process, and gives me a place to turn for quick review or any time a new situation arises. It really is Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care for dogs!
Anyway, I can't recommend it - or her - highly enough. Thanks for all your help Sarah!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It is as if Sarah is there in the room with you, June 15, 2006
This review is from: Teach Yourself VISUALLY Dog Training (Paperback)
I am fortunate enough to live in the same area as Sarah and have had the good luck to have my 2 labradoodles trained using her methods. Sometimes all the training in the world doesn't help when you get home and have to put it to use. This book is so basic that in less than 25 seconds you can read a few lines and work on a specific behavior. The blocks in the upper left hand corner are a life saver, you can quickly turn to what you need. Now, about her "method". You know how sometimes someone points something out to you and you slap your forehead and exclaim "but that makes common sense, why didn't I think of that?" Well, that is what this book does for you, it tells you what to do in simple, clear, instructional language. It tells you why you should do something, and how to do it. Sometimes a training issue is so simple to figure out that I forget the basic approach - we all tend to overthink, rationalize etc. The training guides are so positive and encourage a healthy relationship with your dog. My older dog is 3 and even though she is well trained, I still refer to this book when certain issues pop up. Everything you could possibly need is in this book, from puppyhood to adult dogs. Having this book is like having a built in expert in my home - I don't know what I would do without it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Dog Training Book Out of 16 From a Professional Dog Trainer, August 31, 2009
This review is from: Teach Yourself VISUALLY Dog Training (Paperback)
This is the best dog training book (out of 16) I own. I train dogs professionally. I train the pack leaders, not the dog. I recommend this book to my clients because it is comprehensive, covering virtually every situation they may encounter. It can be used as a quick visual refresher, but also as a comprehensive tutorial in providing situational analysis with cross reference guidance on dog psychology, behavior, motivation, and problems.
Too many current "best sellers" are 1950's Dr. Spock child rearing oriented, geared to permissiveness and lacking in leadership skill development. Author Sarah Hodgson portrays a proper balance of understanding and firmness, similar to Cesar Millan's, The Dog Whisperer, teachings.
Your Pal, Hal (Certified Dog Trainer) in Holland, Michigan
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
