The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Positive Dog Training, 2nd Edition (Paperback)
Product Description
Spare the punishment and raise a happy, well-behaved dog ?
The Complete Idiot?s Guide to Positive Dog Training, Second Edition, replaces the standard punishment-based training methods that have potential consequences for puppies and limited effectiveness with older dogs. This guide demonstrates positive training methods, based on a system of rewards and encouragement, to teach basic commands and housetraining, and correct a host of problem behaviors. Readers will also learn loose-leash walking games and how to train for the American Kennel Club?s increasingly popular Canine Good Citizen test.
? Dog owners number more than 40 million in the United States, and more and more of them are giving up on punitive training methods
? One of the few dog training books that exclusively adheres to positive training methods
About the Author
Pamela Dennison, owner of Positive Motivation Dog Training, has been training dogs since 1992. After switching methods from traditional punishment-based training methods to positive training, Pam has become an expert on working with dogs with various behavioral issues. She has written a monthly column, “The Barking Lot,” and authored Bringing Light to Shadow: A Story of Recovering an Aggressive Dog.
Buy The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Positive Dog Training, 2nd Edition (Paperback) at Amazon
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
I bought this book and the book called “Good Owners, Great Dogs” by Brian Kilcommons. The Kilcommons book is very good. It is probably the best “traditional” training book there is available. Very thorough and insightful. I’ve raised a number of dogs in my life - well, let’s say they grew up with me - the training part was more the dog training me than me training the dog.
HOWEVER… This ‘Idiots guide’ on ‘Positive Dog Training’ is a breakthrough book for me. There are likely others that teach this similar method, but the organization of the book and the practical advice for “real life” won me over. The sheer logic of the book will make you question your earlier ‘wisdom’ especially when the author successfully identifies the results of some of your earlier training efforts. The “idiots” book is my clear winner. I bought it with skepticism, and now I’m an absolute convert. In one day, with a 9 week old puppy, day two away from mom, using cheese, lots of praise, ignoring her when she wouldn’t walk, she was walking steadily beside me - no pulling forward or back. Scents and distractions aside, I was in shock. When I first put the collar and the leash on her, she acted like she was being led to slaughter. Yelping, screaming, doing flips to get away. I ignored the behavior and her, waited until she stopped. When she stopped, I praised her immediately. One more “partial episode” and that behavior stopped. After one day, she responds to my call to “come” almost every single time. In the first day - this is not normal for me…
Anyway, buy three copies of this book, one for you, one for your family, and one for the neighbor that knows all the answers about training a dog.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Should have been named what I hate about Cesar Millan
She doesn’t come right out and say his name, but her first six chapters are dedicated to how his techniques are wrong.
Her technique is rooted in proven psychological theories. Not only does this book introduce training that works - it also strengthens your bond with your dog in the process! Instead of fearing what will happen if they do something wrong your dog will WANT to please you! If you enjoyed this book consider subscribing to The Whole Dog Journal or read Pat Miller’s books. Your dog will thank you!
As the owner of three terriers, I was happy to find a book that endorsed positive training methods. The mere sight of pinch collars make me a little sick, but then again, I am no dog training expert, I am a regular “idiot” who purchased this book for help.
Dennison, I think, does a thorough job of explaining positive training methods and the science behind them. I like her sense of humor, (”I’d rather eat poop than come!”) and the way that she breaks down training into manageable tasks. I have seen wonderful results with all three of my terriers after a very brief time.
And just for the record, I’m not sure that all of the people who reviewed this book actually read it. NOWHERE did I find an exercise that involved tying your dog up with a 6 foot leash and approaching him/her to discourage jumping. Dennison openly states that she does not believe in using leashes as a training tool unless you are teaching “come” (which requires a LONG leash and NO tying up) or loose leash walking. Perhaps this person reviewed the wrong book or simply voiced a very misguided opinion.
Secondly, training a dog with positive methods requires WORK and BRAIN POWER. It is much easier to pop a leash, yell or hit. This method is effective because you learn to communicate with your dog in their “language.” I agree with the reviewer who stated that practicing positive methods strengthened their relationship with their dog. The same happened with me. So, if you’d like a healthy relationship with your dog that involves “leading” rather than “dominating” check out this book!
2.0 out of 5 stars
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Pamela Dennison’s World
I found this book to be a disappointment on many levels. First, the author tries to be cute and conversational but comes off as simply annoying.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Positively Great! (yeah, I know pun city)
My family recently welcomed a wonderful Collie - Captain Jack Sparrow into our lives. From day one, I read this book, studied the techniques and the reasoning and rationale…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best positive dog training book
This is by far the best positive dog training book out there right now. It’s easy to use and works!
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good review
I had a great experience. The book was sent in a very appropriate manner.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not enough useful practical information
The author discusses positive training adnosium and yet she glosses over important points and techniques.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Some good info but overly opinionated and a little lacking
I’m rating the book 3 stars because it does have a lot of good information, but also had several things I didn’t like about it.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Psychological Argument Never Gets Down To The Bone
While I agree with the author’s emphasis on the positive, she is redundant - to the point of defensive - in stating and restating the argument.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Should be called the Herding Dog training manual
I think positive training methods can be used for all breeds of dogs but I think the author has trouble presenting her book that way.
4.0 out of 5 stars
wordy but good information
This book is very wordy with few photos so I worry that adopters won’t really read it all but those that do will find a wealth of good information.