Manstopper!: Training a Canine Guardian (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "At a year old, Greta was a study in curiosity..." (more)
Key Phrases: agitation whip, hard sleeve, pinch collar, German Shepherd, Johannes Grewe, Dog Logic-Companion Obedience (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This very thorough book on training a protection dog builds from understanding protection work to training, being an agitator, evaluating temperament, and more. Safety is emphasized throughout. It is fun, exciting, compelling reading, even if protection work is not a goal but simply a fascination.

From the Back Cover

If you've ever thought about training your dog for protection work, or simply if the power and grace of a canine guardian fascinates you, Manstopper! leads you through the process, emphasizing safe handling practices every step of the way.

Joel McMains, a former police officer and a professional trainer, takes you inside the mind of trainer, agitator and dog, offering an exciting, compelling look at how a canine becomes a manstopper.

Praise for Joel McMains: Manstopper!: Training a Canine Guardian

"I could not put the book down. McMains describes the dogs' instincts and drives as they pertain to training and behavior." —Dog Fancy, Connie Jankowski

"While reading his descriptions of why a dog does what he does, there were several times when I felt like smacking my forehead as the light bulb went on." —Good Dog!

"The author's keen love and kindness towards dogs comes through on every page...offers a deeper understanding of how dogs think and learn." —K9 Capers Advanced Obedience: Easier Than You Think

"McMains' emphasis is on training...for the dogs' well-being and enhancing the human...dog bond.... Like all the best training books, Advanced Obedience informs readers about their dogs." —Dog World, Donald McCaig Kennels and Kenneling

"First rate. McMains' book fascinates me. His anecdotes are wonderful." —Dog World, Donald McCaig.
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (February 4, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876051441
• ISBN-13: 978-0876051443
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 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 (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,983 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, March 15, 2002

By	"autumnatmidnite" (Bronx, NY United States) - See all my reviews

"Manstopper!" is a must read if you are interested in protection work. Overall this book was a great read. Entertaining yet informative and what I enjoyed the most was the author's obvious love for dogs that surfaced in his work with them and in his writing. It was not a how to guide for training a killer, and anyone who claims they used it as such did not heed the advice given by the author.
Not only did he warn potential manstopper owners of the financial and moral responsinility of owning protection trained dogs, he also warns about training the wrong dog for this work. This is terribly important because most owners assume any German Shepherd, Rottie, or Doberman can do protection work. If I had not bought this book I may have made a big mistake and trained my German Shepherd mix for protection. His temperment was just not right for it but I never knew until I read this.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Manstopper!, September 26, 2000

A Kid's Review

I have trained my German shep (now 17 months old) according to the author's suggestions in this book. My dog is now a wonderful companion and protector. What has amazed me is how incredibly fearless my dog is in his desire to protect me, but what a gentle and reliable companion he is around me, children and family. Mr McMain's techniques do work. I love the format, he teaches through telling about his experiences. I read the book cover to cover in one night....and I still pick it up and read sections just to make sure I am training correctly. The best proof for my dog was several weeks ago, we were in a large local pet store, my dog was in a sit stay at my feet, and out of no where a little 2 year old girl came running and threw her arms around my dog. My dog sat there and licked the little girl's face....no reason for concern. The scenarios taught in this book teach your dog to "think".....my dog has been taught through proper training when a situation demands his concern and when it does not. PS...this review format would not allow me to enter an age over 12...:)- I am am a bit older than that! Paula and "Axel"

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!!, February 7, 1999

By A Customer

Manstopper provides a detailed and comprehensive guide on training a protection dog while emphasizing safety and addressing legal issues related to such a dog. Author McMains exceeds the stereotypical how-to book by explaining how trainers can appeal to inherent canine drives and instincts. He does this with a page-turning writing style that will have you reading far into the night. If the rating system allowed giving a book more than 5 stars, I would have. I believe time will prove Manstopper to be the definitive book on training a canine guardian. If you're thinking of protection training your dog or if the subject imply interests you, this book is a must-read. In fact, it's a gold mine for any owner who simply wants to better understand her pet.