Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training

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!

I think this is a great book for all dog owners, but especially owners of 'difficult' dogs. My dog is very sensitive and at any type of punishment or reprimand he turns his head away and becomes deaf. On the other hand, he loves treats and I can just see the wheels in his brain whirring away when I use clicker training. Pam's book really inspired me to get down and train my dog, and I enjoy training sessions more now because I see results faster. Positive methods of training make it a win-win situation - you are happy because you get a well-behaved doggie, and your doggie is happy because he gets yummy treats and your approval

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!

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.

Control freaks will hate this book! But pet owners who want a well mannered, well adjusted dog will find this book terrific, easy to follow, and practical. Science has given us a way to communicate with dogs without causing pain and stress. Learning shouldn't hurt, and Dennison guides the reader step-by-step through positive ways to build a strong working relationship void of force and intimidation. How well do the techniques Dennison shares work? ... The same operant techniques I used to teach my dogs are outlined in Dennison's book, and they work superbly, quickly, and effectively. Even better, the dog and human enjoy the learning process together, so learing becomes a dance of joy rather than a war of wills. It's FUN to teach dogs this way, and it works so well for behavior problems, such as barking, jumping up on people, or rushing through the door. Without having to commit to long, grueling training sessions, Dennison shares how to catch your dog doing it right, set the dog up for success, and to do this in short, fun sessions--such as when a TV commercial comes on, or when you're preparing dinner, or even going to the bathroom! If still not convinced... read this story on another website "The Story of the Vomiting Comet," an essay on the journey from juvenile delinquincy to National Service Dog of the Year. Having trained in a more traditional manner most of my life, "crossing over" to the positive reinforcement training methods Dennison presents, ended up saving my dog's life and changing my life forever. I can't praise it highly enough, and hope readers will join me in finding out just why this type of training is so much fun and so very, very effective.