Training Your Dog: The Step-by-Step Manual (Howell reference books) [Hardcover]

Joachim Volhard (Author), Gail Tamases Fisher (Author)

Book Description

Series: Howell reference books | Publication Date: February 18, 1983

Eight carefully planned lessons teach you to apply canine/human learning patterns to train your dog simply, effectively, and permanently.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

New Successful Techniques for Dog Training!

Take eight private lessons from two of America's foremost obedience instructors and enjoy the same success achieved by the thousands of students who have attended the authors' classes and clinics. These training techniques incorporate the latest findings on canine behavior, and their instructions are based on scientific research on how people learn a new skill. Both are models of simplicity and clarity. The approach to dog training in this book differs radically from other training methods. It was developed for people who are starting out with their first dog, and for those who do not have the aptitudes of an expert trainer. It is designed to work successfully with small dogs, larger dogs, mixed breeds, purebreads, young dogs and old dogs.

The book is enhanced by 132 illustrations and detailed explanations of how dogs learn, what dogs can learn, and the best time to start training. Common sense tips on dog ownership such as housetraining, feeding, exercise and traveling with your dog are included as well as explicit and effective instructions on dealing with such annoying habits as barking, chewing, digging and jumping. It's all here?the hows and whys. Named Best Care and Training Book for 1983 by the Dog Writers' Association of America!
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

About the Author

Gail Fisher has been training dogs professionally and teaching obedience classes for 12 years. She has developed and instructed a 2-year college program teaching others to be obedience class instructors. She also taught a college course for dog breeders. She has written many articles for Off-Lead, the obedience training magazine, and Purebred Dogs, the AKC publication. She has also given many lectures and seminars.

Jack Volhard has given obedience clinics all over America, Canada and England. He has written many articles for dog publications, including Purebred Dogs?American Kennel Gazette. He is the recipient of four awards from the Dog Writers Association of America. His film Puppy Attitude Testing was named Best Film on Dogs for 1980 by the DWAA. He is an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (February 18, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087605775X
• ISBN-13: 978-0876057759
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #496,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still one of the best, November 7, 2000

By 

JN Trotter (Pittsford, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Training Your Dog: The Step-by-Step Manual (Howell reference books) (Hardcover)

This is an "old fashion" dog training method - give a command once, physically place dog in position, and if required physically hold dog in position until released. It seems harsh to some people, but it is working for me where gentler methods have failed.

I picked this book up because it is used in the 8 week obedience class I just started. I tried home obedience for 6 weeks after reading 2 or 3 "treat/praise motivational" method books (no hands on the dog), including "Teach Your New Dog Old Tricks". For MY DOG the "treat" methods were really frustrating for both of us. After weeks and countless hours of training she would sit (not on command) and look for a treat - she new she got a treat when she sat but not what "sit" meant!

After only 1 hour of class and 3 days of "homework" (about 30min to 1 hour a day) out of this book, she sits (right away), holds the sit for 1 min+ until released, holds a down for 5 min+ until released and is well on her way to heeling and holding a "down" for 30min.

If you are having trouble with the "modern" training methods, this book is a MUST. (by the way, my dog is an extremely submissive, some what timid English Springer Spaniel)

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humane Training By the Best!, January 11, 2002

By 

"alloutwarrior" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Training Your Dog: The Step-by-Step Manual (Howell reference books) (Hardcover)

Hello! I'm An obedience trainer and instructor for obedience titles at AKC Obedience trials! This book might be older than some but take my advice! This book is written by an experienced trainer and handler. Most of all, I have trained several canine's by the methods listed in this book, and they do work. I have shown canine's, and won CD tiles at AKC events by using these methods, and have documented proof! Mrs. Fisher, which is one of the authors, holds a degree in animal psychology and gives you an in depth look into the mind of the canine...The book has great details in the why's of different methods of, reading your dog, and trying to understand why he thinks the way he does! On my very first obedience trial for an Obedience title, the dog got his first Qualification for CD Title when he turned 6 months of age. By using the methods in this manual he recieved his CD Title by the time his 3rd Show rolled around. It's a very good manual for both, the beginning trainer, and experienced trainer alike!!! My highest recommendations go out on this book!!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oldie and Goodie, May 23, 2002

By 

Robin D. Hamerdinger (Jefferson City, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Training Your Dog: The Step-by-Step Manual (Howell reference books) (Hardcover)

I have trained dogs for many years (service dogs, obedience dogs, hunting dogs, people's pets) and this is always the first book I recommend. It is clear straight forward and effective. A great book for students to take home and practice with or for a new dog owner.
That is not to say there are not other ways to train, but this works. My own personal style includes food motivation especially with puppies and play training with older pups and dogs. Other favorites to read with this are Mother Knows Best and Play Training Your Dog.