Good Owners, Great Dogs

Rating:
Summary: Understanding Your Dog (s)
Review: I purchased this book after attending a seminar held by Brian Kilcommons in November of 1997. I have two shepherd crosses and our female was our "special needs" dog in that she displayed some very anti social behaviour, due to fear. Brian's book confirmed my view on dog training in that he does not use physical punishment in training your dog. I wouldn't raise my hand to another adult, child or animal for any reason. He provided excellent suggestions, insight into behaviour, along with interesting and helpful "case studies". I have read numerous books on dog training and the minute I see any mention of training a dog using physical punishment, aggressive behaviour on the owner's part, confinement in an area as punishment for any length of time, etc. I have no use for the book. Brian's book, in addition to being a must for all dog owners, I recommend it to anyone who has a dog, is also an interesting book just to read. Thanks very much Brian. We have too beautiful dogs and they are very well behaved and our "special needs" little darling has replaced her special needs with needs such as all the love, care and attention we can give them.

Rating:
Summary: From Wau! to Wow!
Review: To me the book was an interesting example for the US-American approach (I'm German). It's great, the fun-fair-firm motto can't be emphasized too often! Fun! The book shows in every example, how you should adjust your human viewpoint to that of your dog's and not to that of your nerves, even if that's not what we normally do..I loved the example stories, but then I generally want explications. If you want a three step advice, you might have to check the index, but it's all there. Brian Kilcommon treats all dogs fair, I've noticed in other books, that some authors could not refrain from ridiculing small breeds or s.th. The fotos, in my opinion, really reveal that that man loves dogs and is serious about what he tells you because he lives it. I'm going to push this book into the hands of all dog owners I know! With the heartfelt wish, that one dog, whose only wish is his/her owners happiness might be treated better, with more fun to both sides!

Rating:
Summary: Kilcommons does Woodhouse proud!
Review: Brian Kilcommons has written a how-to masterpiece on commonsense dog training! He does Barbara Woodhouse proud by carrying on her no-nonsense approach to living and working with animals. My copy of his book is so well used that I can nearly quote entire passages! I have loaned it out to several family members, and will probably have to buy a new copy, because my brother doesn't want to give it up! The only time that this book isn't effective, is when the reader refuses to follow the simple instructions given. I am sold on his methods, and wish that I had stumbled upon this understanding of dog behavior 15 years ago. It would have enabled us to keep 2 or 3 "impossible" pets! This is a MUST READ for anyone who considers themself a dog lover, but has had trouble training a dog. We couldn't live with our dogs without it!

Rating:
Summary: A genuinely great owner's manual
Review: It would be difficult for me to overestimate how valuable this book has been in raising my dog. The book is laden with great advice, and tells the reader not only what one should do and when, but also what one should *not* do -- plus why one should or shouldn't do all these things. By following the advice in this book, I was not only able to pick out a great dog for myself, but with some common-sense adjustments for my own situation I was able to raise him to be a wonderful, happy, well-behaved and very bright dog. I am forever getting complimented on how terrific my dog is, and I credit this great book for my success.

Rating:
Summary: better before got puppy
Review: I fell in love with this book before my puppy came. Unfortunately once my puppy arrived I did not find it as helpful. There is too little talk about parents who work full time and what to do when problems arise from this. Also when trying to solve a problem there is just one solution. What if that doesn't work? In frusteration I also bought The Art of Raising a Puppy and Mother Knows Best. I think a combonation of all of these will be better. No one book will help solve all problems.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book Every Dog Owner Should Have
Review: I recommend this book to all my friends. I have refered to the book on many occasions for many reasons. Every new pet owner should own this book.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!!!!!!
Review: I read this book in one night... after 2 months of doing all the wrong things with our puppy. In less than 3 days, she is following basic commands AND has settled down tremendously. It is as if she was replaced in the middle of the night. This book gives easy, practical guides to everything you need to know about your new friend... I just wish I would have gotten it before I went through 2 months of chewing/biting/ puppy ruling the house..... She has improved so much in these three days, I am now excited about the possibilities with her in the next few weeks and for the rest of her life!

Rating:
Summary: A "MUST HAVE" FOR DOG OWNERS
Review: I have learned an incredible amount from this book! With a very self-assured Shih Tzu puppy, you have to be able to think on your feet! I borrowed this book from the library and after only a few days, my little dust mop is behaving so much better and, I believe, feeling more secure about her place in our "pack". I am ordering the book today because, otherwise, the public library would be missing a dog/human training book!!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I'm quite a book nut and after having gotten my dog I must have 10 or 12 different kinds of books on his breed and training. tHis is by far the best book I have read. For the first time I am applying what I have read! In the space of a week my dog (Brutus) is already behaving better and wil l hopefully be a much more civilized companion! THank you Brian Kilcommons!

Rating:
Summary: This is the best training book I've read
Review: Brian Kilcommons has done an excellent job of giving solid training advice to new dog owners. This book is geared towards those who would like their dogs to become solid, well-behaved household members. The book is well-written and easy to understand.