Understanding and Handling Dog Aggression [Paperback]

Barbara Sykes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 8, 2001

An aggressive dog, whether large or small, baring its teeth and growling can be a terrifying sight. Dogs, like children, require boundaries and sound training in order for them to grow into sociable, well-mannered adults with a healthy respect for their fellow beings. Here, the author explains how to recognise an indomitable spirit and undestand the causes of hostility in dogs. She advises owners how to educate their dog sympathetically to subdue its aggression in favour of respect. The author is an experienced dog trainer and her common-sense approach to behavioural problems in dogs is shown in this book by the taming of Craig.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Barbara Sykes is a member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers and regularly gives talks on dog behaviour. Previous books for Crowood include: Training the Sheep Dog [with Thomas Longton], Understanding Border Collies and most recently Understanding Your Dog.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Crowood Press (November 8, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861264623
• ISBN-13: 978-1861264626
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,759,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a very informative book on dog aggresion, July 18, 2008

By 

Alex (NJ USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Understanding and Handling Dog Aggression (Paperback)

I bought this book because our Australian shepherd puppy (rescued at 3 months old, now 9 months old) has very strong dog-dog aggression. Or you can call it nervous plus predator aggression. I saw a reference to this book on one of the border collie websites and decided to give it a try since aussies and border collies are both herding breeds. However, the book should be good for any breed (not surprisingly since they are all dogs). I have read a few other books on dog aggression and this is the one that I like most so far. You will have to read other books as well but this one has put everything in perspective for me. It is a relatively short book, which is good because it is better to read the whole book instead of browsing through it. The author has a very good concept, which is basically shared by other trainers I have talked to or taken lessons from. I have started applying her methods to my dog and hopefully it will work - too early to say. But everything makes perfect sense and it is also common sense. The author gives some nice study cases as examples that illustrate her point well. The beginning of the book is a bit messy and not very informative if you have already spent some time thinking and dealing with your dog aggression, but the rest of the book is wonderful. There are no harsh methods but no "clicking" either.

There are many good points - one of the best is that a dog can be good in obedience/agility but has no good manners and no respect for her owner. So this book is about getting your dog's respect back and not how to train her to heel etc. If the dog respects you the logic is that when there is a problem (other dog), the dog will stay behind you (physically and mentally) and listen to you.

2.0 out of 5 stars Understanding and Handling dog aggression, May 22, 2011

By 

Bonnie L. Stapleton "Goldenre" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Understanding and Handling Dog Aggression (Paperback)

I read tons of dog training books. I have lots waiting to be read and Today when I got this book out I was so disappointed this is a book all about the pack leader mentality, not all positive training. If I would have been more aware I would not of purchased this book! Definitely a step back.