I picked this book up because it is used in the 8 week obedience class I just started. I tried home obedience for 6 weeks after reading 2 or 3 "treat/praise motivational" method books (no hands on the dog), including "Teach Your New Dog Old Tricks". For MY DOG the "treat" methods were really frustrating for both of us. After weeks and countless hours of training she would sit (not on command) and look for a treat - she new she got a treat when she sat but not what "sit" meant!

After only 1 hour of class and 3 days of "homework" (about 30min to 1 hour a day) out of this book, she sits (right away), holds the sit for 1 min+ until released, holds a down for 5 min+ until released and is well on her way to heeling and holding a "down" for 30min.

If you are having trouble with the "modern" training methods, this book is a MUST. (by the way, my dog is an extremely submissive, some what timid English Springer Spaniel)

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:

Humane Training By the Best!  Jan 11, 2002

Hello! I'm An obedience trainer and instructor for obedience titles at AKC Obedience trials! This book might be older than some but take my advice! This book is written by an experienced trainer and handler. Most of all, I have trained several canine's by the methods listed in this book, and they do work. I have shown canine's, and won CD tiles at AKC events by using these methods, and have documented proof! Mrs. Fisher, which is one of the authors, holds a degree in animal psychology and gives you an in depth look into the mind of the canine...The book has great details in the why's of different methods of, reading your dog, and trying to understand why he thinks the way he does! On my very first obedience trial for an Obedience title, the dog got his first Qualification for CD Title when he turned 6 months of age. By using the methods in this manual he recieved his CD Title by the time his 3rd Show rolled around. It's a very good manual for both, the beginning trainer, and experienced trainer alike!!! My highest recommendations go out on this book!!!

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Excellent guide to understanding and training your dog.  Dec 14, 1998

I first purchased this book in 1984 on the advice of the breeder from whom we purchased a Bernese Mountain Dog. I have used this book as a guide for my past 4 dogs and still find it useful. It is an easy manual to follow and use while giving an excellent, easy to understand insights on your dog's point of view and your dog's natural instincts. It is interesting to note it has not been updated since 1983, but is still topical and fresh.

9 of 10 found the following review helpful:

Oldie and Goodie  May 24, 2002
By Robin D. Hamerdinger
I have trained dogs for many years (service dogs, obedience dogs, hunting dogs, people's pets) and this is always the first book I recommend. It is clear straight forward and effective. A great book for students to take home and practice with or for a new dog owner.
That is not to say there are not other ways to train, but this works. My own personal style includes food motivation especially with puppies and play training with older pups and dogs. Other favorites to read with this are Mother Knows Best and Play Training Your Dog.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:

AWESOME and EFFECTIVE  Jan 09, 2007
By R. Wynn
I've been trying to train my bitch Spaniel (CoCo) for a long time but she is so high-strung and independent that I've had terrible problems....until I found THIS book.

I cannot stress enough how helpful, clearly written, and effective this book is for dog owners of all ages.

The cognitive behavioral aspects delving into the intricacies of canine development ensure that owners truly understand what to expect from their dogs at each developmental stage as well as the reasons behind canine behavior - all immeasurably important issues.

This book is awesome and is THE BIBLE of how to train your dog.

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