People Pooches & Problems: Understanding, Controlling and Correcting Problem Behavior in Your Dog (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: centering spot, short tab leash, shake correction, Kevin Smith, Judy Emmert, Radical Regimen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hardened canine criminals meet their match in Evans ( The Evans Guide for Civilized City Canines ), who here outlines methods and philosophies likely to reform a rogue's gallery of aggressive, unresponsive, non-house-trained animals marauding as man's best friends. With his flexible and good-humored approach, Evans teaches how to develop proper leadership attitudes toward a dog as well as how to prevent or stamp out problems. The standout section here is the author's 20-step "Radical Regimen for Recalcitrant Rovers," which has been privately making the rounds of the nation's top trainers with impressive results. Other piquant discussions include rebuttals of folk wisdom, as in an explanation of disciplining a dog after the fact, and clear directions for using set-ups to correct very specific infractions. Some self-help-style chatter invades the book ("I'll be publicly honest with you if you will be privately honest with yourself") but does not detract from Evans's authority. Owners of even cherubic pets ought not pass up this thoroughly sound guide. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Is your dog a candidate for tough love for pooches? If so, you may want to follow Evans's RRRR "Radical Regimen for Recalcitrant Rovers," the basis for this dog obedience book. Evans, who has worked with dogs for 20 years, offers a holistic 20-step program for correcting behavioral problems. Since this is a long-term process, Evans realistically offers no "quick fixes." He says that the key to success lies in the owner being the boss or Alpha dog; otherwise, a positive dog-owner relationship cannot be achieved. Evans includes worksheets to help guide the owner through the RRRR program. If your patrons need another dog obedience book, consider this as a worthy additional purchase. Photos not seen.
- Eva Lautemann, Dekalb Coll . Lib., Clarkston, Ga.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (July 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876057830
• ISBN-13: 978-0876057834
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #860,284 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most Helpful, May 5, 1998

By A Customer

This book not only provides a nicely detailed background on the dog/human dynamic but includes a vast array of problem-solving techniques. I kept the library copy out so long that I realized I had to buy it to keep as an on-hand resource. The writer, while humane, is no stupid-romantic slob when it comes to appreciating the frustrations and problems even the most beloved dog can bring. Best of all, he puts the emphasis where it needs to be - on the owner who, unlike the dog, is able to examine her (or his) behavior and modify it to help the dog be a better citizen.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest training books I've ever read., November 13, 2002

By	Katy Willson (Washington D.C.) - See all my reviews

I've been teaching obedience classes and training and exhibiting Toy Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers in advanced obedience for about 20 years. This book is always the FIRST one I recommend to dog owners who have a dominant or spoiled or aggressive dog.

It is filled with practical, commonsense training methods that work just as well today as they did in our grandparents' days. Dog does good, he is praised and reward -- dog does bad, he is corrected. Perfectly understandable -- both by dogs and by kids.

In my opinion, the people who dislike this book are those who don't believe in negative consequences for anyone or anything. (You usually see the results of this philosophy in their spoiled children.)

"Old-fashioned," they call it. Well, it IS "old-fashioned." And it produces "old-fashioned" good behavior and respect for authority. Good old common sense is what it is, and dogs respond beautifully to it.

Yes, dogs are perfectly capable of understanding positive consequences (petting and treats) AND negative consequences (a sharp word, snap of the leash, or swat on the hind end).

Job Michael Evans' book is just terrific. I have a dozen happy, cheerful, well-behaved dogs to prove it, and as an experienced instructor and trainer, I highly recommend it.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars extremely helpful, November 5, 1999

By A Customer

As the owner of a dog with a history of biting, this book is a godsend. It's given me practical advice that works. If you have a problem dog, especially if you're considering euthanasia, buy this book and get to work. It'll give both of you a new lease on life.