How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks: The Sirius Puppy Training Manual

Traditional dog training was amazingly unawareof the developments of the behavioural sciences.Only with the appearance of problem dog therapeutistsa couple of decades ago did matters start to changein a revolutionary way as concepts from eg marinemammal training were applied in dog training (egby Karen Pryor).Unlike the traditional methods, the novel techniqueswere non-coercive, and much more humane for the dog.Dr Ian Dunbar is one of the best-known representativesof the new shcool of dog training authors. The present book is in my opinion easy and fun to read, and, even more importantly, the techniques suggestedare both fun - for dog and owner alike - and effective. On the negative side, it's rather limited in scope,which is of course to be expected. It focuses on the upbringing of the common companion pet.

I have two rambunctious beagles who both came to me later in life with pleanty of bad habits, and a few new habits I taught them that weren't so good. In just a few short days of using the techniques in this book I can already see the changes in my dogs. The constant barking at everything outside is fading, they are reliably sitting to go outside and for walks.....just amazing.The best part is nothing in this book is hard, and the dogs seem to like it. The writing is entertaining. The author has a good grip on dogs. I also appreicate his "It's never too late attitude" So many books give up on older dogs.. or just refer you to the leash correction method of dog training for older more challenging pets. This is going to be the book I loan my friends when they get new dogs, replacing some of my old favorites.

I found Ian's book to be excellent. His advice was sound - no miracle methods, just common sense. The book was different to many in that the training section made only a small part of the book. He focussed more on dog psycology - how to understand and get the most out of your dog, and how your dog can understand and get the most out of you. Training your dog after these goals have been acheived is then a lot easier, he argues. This book is best read about a month before you expect to get a puppy.

The three things I liked best about this book are Dr. Dunbar's sense of humor, the easy to read style and the amazing amount of info! I tried some of these techniques on my dog and they worked within minutes! And this after my dog and I 'failed' training school twice!