How to Get Your Dog to Do What You Want: A Loving Approach to Unleashing Your Dog’s Astonishing Potential (Hardcover)
From Publishers Weekly
Pop psychology and greeting-card effusiveness thickly pad the excellent training tips in this manual. Warren Eckstein, host of a syndicated radio program called The Pet Show, and a monthly visitor to TV’s Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee, and his wife (who disappears in the first-person-singular prose) urge readers to aid their dogs in the incalculably important tasks of “image-and confidence-building” and in developing “self-esteem” and “inner strength.” It’s hard to take seriously both the admonitions against “spreading gossip” about the family pet and the suggestions that readers tape-record themselves practicing “various types of woofs” (to improve their fluency in dog-speak) and equip their homes with a “doggy gym or physical fitness center.” There’s also some tiresome name-dropping of celebrity clients and a little name-brand-dropping. But those who persevere will find helpful discussions about introducing a second pet or a new baby into the household; remedies for excessive barking and other unwanted behaviors; and sound training principles. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The Ecksteins take the newer, refreshing approach that the dog is a family member and should be treated with love and respect. The owner’s responsibility is to learn to understand his or her pet and communicate well with it. To accomplish this, the authors provide sound information on understanding a dog’s body language and emotions and goes on to state that behavior problems result from boredom (on the dog’s part). At least half of this book discusses techniques for training the “basic five” commands: heel, sit, come, down, and stay. The authors emphasize the importance of praise and consistency. However, their corrective jerk on the leash is falling in disfavor as more progressive trainers look to motivational techniques to train dogs. Also, the use of the “shake can” to startle the dog is strikingly inconsistent with the philosophy in the first part of the book. The names used throughout for the imaginary dogs-Fido, Fluffy, and Clydie Poops-are somewhat irritating. Despite its minor flaws, this book is recommended for libraries needing an inexpensive source of good information on raising dogs. (Illustrations and index not seen.)-Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Warren Eckstein brings the same caring and compassion for pets, sprinkled with some light-hearted humor to this book, that he does to his radio shows each week. This is a comprehensive and straight forwardingly written guide book for the care and training of dogs. Warren tells us that many of the problems that we encounter with our canine pets are the result of the dog simply being bored. Given the frenzied pace at which we live, our dogs are left alone for increasing periods of time. He gives us many suggestions for keeping our pets from being bored,going from the simple rotation of toys to the suggestion of an occasional canine playdate or party. He even suggests doggie makeovers and and how to give a doggie massage. I particularly liked his suggestion of using a shake can (an empty soda can filled with some coins and taped closed) as a training aid. When Fido goes yet once again to knock down the kitchen garbage pail, you have already balanced the shake can on top of it, and Fido gets a noisy surprise when the can hits the floor.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Unique Approach to Dog Training
Having listened to Warren on his radio show for awhile, I was anxious to read his book, he is a wonderful human being with an incredible insight to “doggy behavior”…
Any dog lover should grab a copy of this book. Eckstien is known for adopting pets and transforming them into not only warm,wonderful companions but movie stars, and show winners. Eckstein shares his stories in past books about how he has save dogs and cats from kill shelters and literally certain death, to become extras in tv shows and commercials. Eckstein has worked with both celebrity pet owners and appeared on celebrated tv shows, but he is most comfortable with the dogs and cats he loves. This book was very informative because it explained the mysteries of why my dog chased his tail or burrowed before he used the bathroom, and also great tips on handling, and training my pooch. I liked how he worked on rewards basis and not beating, whipping, or restraining. Overall the book is humane, sensitive to both pet owner and pet, and describes all the areas that you would want to work on with your dog.
5.0 out of 5 stars
How to Get Your Dog to Do What You Want
This is an excellent book on dog behaviour and what you can do about it. I found it well written, interesting to read and full of great information and insights.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brillant suggestions…
Mr. Eckstein has this book so filled with incredible information. Some of the info truly is coming from your dog’s perspective.