Family Dog (Hardcover)

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Key Phrases: play lessons, small breeds, Medium Breeds, Seeing Eye, Very Large Breeds (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Widely recognized as one of the great dog trainers of his time, Richard Wolters's tested techniques continue to endure. Family Dog was the first book written for any member of the family, from age six to sixty, who wants to train a dog fast. By following the book's simple instructions, anyone can have a well-trained dog in just sixteen weeks. In Family Dog Wolters teaches: * How to choose the right dog for your family and lifestyle
* The benefits of play and relaxation
* Talking with your dog-- it's not what you say, but how you say it
* All the fundamentals of training-- house-breaking, basic commands, and tricks
* Tips on grooming
* The best dog diet in the world
* First-aid and medical advice, and much more

More than 200 all-new pictures in chronological, step-by-step sequence illustrate exactly what to do with your pet in a way that takes the frustration out of training and works for all breeds and any age.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Adult; Revised edition (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525944729
• ISBN-13: 978-0525944720
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,277 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended this book many times!, March 9, 2000

By	Anne Merkel (Chelsea, MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We got a golden retriever puppy 6 years ago. My neighbor (whose dogs are beautifully trained) recommended this book, which I immediately bought and used. Many people comment on how well-behaved my dog is, and it is because I followed this book to the letter. I have been asked what training I took Ellie to, and have replied "She's home-schooled!" I have loaned out my copy many times and am happy to see it is updated, although the original was fine. I would highly recommend it for anyone getting a puppy or a new dog.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great trainer, great book!, August 13, 2001

By	chris fountain "crfount" (New Canaan, CT) - See all my reviews

I used the author's "Water Dog" to train my lab 12 years ago and will use the same techniques now with my new puppy. The focus of this book is most certainly NOT to "whip the dog into shape" but rather to produce a civilized member of the family. Wolters was not Dr. Spock, but to suggest that he was a bad trainer, "lazy and undisciplined" is to do him a gross injustice. I saw the man and his dogs in action: he clearly loved them, and they loved him. Wolters urges his readers to praise their puppy at every opportunity. Only when they deliberately misbehave, and then only when they are of an age (2)to know they are misbehaving, does he suggest a swat on the bottom. In today's politically correct society, that surely amounts to beastiality, but dogs don't read The New York Times or enroll in PETA, so you're safe. As an aside, using Wolters' books as training guides I ended up with a wonderful, obedient dog whom I never had to hit, not once, in 12 years. I (and my dog) owe Wolters a debt of gratitude.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE FOR NEW PUPPY OWNERS!, March 28, 2005

By	timslm - See all my reviews

This book was recommended to us by the breeder we bought our lab from and it turned out to be one of the best books we have read on dog training. Wolters does a great job of spelling out week by week and situation by situation what to do. It is also great because it tells how to incorporate your child into the training - and not many labs like to listen to children. It was great. Our dogs are so well behaved because we followed the routine set in this book.
Some are turned off because he does talk of physical punishment -but it really isn't neccessary if you follow the steps from the beginning. If you don't agree with that part, don't do it like we didn't. But the rest of the book is defenitely well worth it.