After You Get Your Puppy

This is a book I read cover to cover and took many reference notes. It deals with understanding the new puppy and preparing him for socialization with people, vets and other pets. With the skills taught in the book, the puppy can grow into a well-trained adolescent and into a well-mannered adult.

Funny, straight-forward, and full of brilliant advice so intuitive it seems obvious once you've heard it, this book will change your relationship to your dog. I have one dog I "trained" before I read Dr. Dunbar, and one I trained after, and the difference between the experiences was night and day. You'll be forever grateful that you read this book, whether you already have a dog or, ideally, if you're thinking of getting one.

I have read other wonderful books by Dr. Dunbar, but this one takes the biscuit! Whether you are a first time puppy parent or seasoned dog lover, this book will provide you with tons of useful and up to date information on how to raise and live with your canine best friend. Personally, the advice on throwing out the dog food bowl and replacing it with stuffed chew toys saved my relationship (not to mention my furniture) with my new little guy. What a clever idea! A very refreshing look at dog training, this book stand out in a field where the books often parrot tired, out-dated advice. How lovely to see Dr. Dunbar thinking outside of the box!

If everyone who obtained a puppy read, and followed the advice in this book, there would be far less ill mannered pets and more owners would be happy with the dogs they have raised!I raise Rottweilers and Shiba Inu and this book is mandatory reading for all my puppy buyers!

What can I say, but "bravo" on another great series of books, "Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy". It goes without saying that Ian is a mentor to me and many others! Through his straight-forward and honest teachings, I've evolved as trainer. He's unique, original and confident enough to continue to evolve himself. His other books and video series are a "must have" for any serious trainers. I met Ian about 15 years ago at a workshop and then at APDT conferences. To say that he has guided me and is a valued mentor is not enough. He wrote the foreword for my book, Train Your Dog, Change Your Life, encouraged and challenged me! Without Ian, I would never have gotten this published. He encouraged me! He believed in my idea and gave me the confidence to just "do it". The basis of my book comes from the seeds that he planted, blossoming with my own wisdom and style. He launches sparks that ignite your brain waves ... he encourages open-mindedness. In the process, we learn about ourselves. For that I'm forever grateful and STRONGLY RECOMMEND any of his books and videos. For the novice, these two small paperbacks will guide you before you get your pup, then take you into basics training after you get your pup. They will "wake you up" and teach you how reward based behavior training is the "only way" and especially with pups. Maureen Ross, MA, NCC, CPDT, Director of Dog Talk & TheraPet, ...