Rating: 
Summary: Excellent, practical, dog's eye view.
Review: This book was recommended by a professional trainer. We knew we had a poorly socialized, fearful dog, but didn't know where to start to re-educate an adult dog with an unknown history. We knew that the addition of a second, well socialized dog to the house had already done wonders for the first in terms of her confidence, but didn't know how to take the next step. This book has practical methods to identify and fix the root cause. On the other hand, if you think dogs are just furry people, you're going to have a hard time reading this book, because it will slap you upside the head on every page.
Rating: 
Summary: Great information, if only one could find it
Review: As other reviewers have said, the information in this book is fascinating. Jean Donaldson has written a brilliant textbook on operant conditioning, as well as what would have been a very useful training guide. The rub is that without an index, or even a detailed table of contents, if you want to find a behavior or a solution, or, for that matter, anything else, the only way to do it is to thumb through the entire book. The other day I was trying to find some interesting information I had seen in the book about the plusses and minuses of adding a second dog. I paged through the entire book, and found no chapter or section with the right heading. Then I went back and practically reread the entire first hundred pages until I found it buried in a section called "Alone Training." To add insult to injury, later in the book I found a statement to the effect that "this has already been covered in 'Alone Training.'" Aha! But where imight that be? You guessed it. The only way to find it is to page through the entire book, once again, to find the applicable section. I will go this far: In order for this book to be useful, as opposed to interesting, the reader would have to spend a few days (at least) making an index. Better yet, scan the entire book into a word recognition application so as to enable searches of the contents. But who is going to bother to do that?...
Rating:
Summary: If you're a dog owner you should read this book.
Review: This book helped change my dogs’ (and my family’s) life. We (unknowingly) adopted an aggressive dog from rescue and ended up foster parenting (and ultimately keeping) a shy puppy. We had absolutely no idea about the whole socialization process and how (positive) obedience training can actually increase a dog’s self-confidence and help make them a happier dog. The passage, “Undersocialized dogs are not only dangerous but under chronic stress…That’s not a fun way to be. There are health implications for dogs that are under chronic stress,“ really hit home for me and made me realize just how crucial it was to get my two dogs out in the world, in addition to receiving some formal training (for both them and me!). If you’re getting a puppy read this book and implement some of its strategies. If you have a “problem” dog read this book NOW before it is too late. Your dog will thank you for it and your home will be a much easier and happier place to be - for everyone. Beth I. Skinner
Rating:
Summary: Best Practical Guide for Helping with Dog Behavior Problems
Review: I have two dogs I adopted from the dog pound. One had serious abuse related problems from previous owners. She was about 3 years old when I adopted her. The other had a serious separation anxiety and barking problem. He was 10 years old at adoption time. The author's advice when directly followed worked wonders with both dogs. Of course you must have patience and kindness in the process. With consistent application my dogs are now the best dogs in the buidling. I live in a downtown highrise and everyone thinks they are expensive pure breds raised from puppyhood dogs. I have read several other books on the topic, but I must say this book was the one that truly helped me to help my dogs and me be happy good neighbors.
Rating:
Summary: It will change the way you think about training your dog
Review: Before this book was recommended to me by my vet, I had my puppy enrolled in a 'classical' training class with choke chains, leash 'pops' and the like. This book does an excellent job of explaning what works (operant conditioning) and what doesn't ('classic' training with choke collars) and WHY. Please -- do your dog a favor. Buy and read this book BEFORE you choose an obedience class and a training method. It's well worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: Figuring the right approach while my dog faces death
Review: I have found the reviews to this book very telling. Let me say up front, I have not read this book. But I am using a behaviorist from the most reputable vetrinary school in this region. Since my initial consultation, my dog has attacked me numerous times, biting me two times severely. He challenges me constantly. I am medicating my dog with Paxil, although there are no efficacy studies for aggressive dogs. The trainer who called all this stuff a "fad" in his review of this book is voicing my fears when I started this "non-violent" technique. If my dog could laugh, he would laugh at me when I drag him to his quiet room after he attacks me. Maybe for some dogs, the new "non-violent" approach works, but for highly aggressive dogs, I believe this approach might be very dangerous to the owner and fatal to the dog. And I am sick of trainers dismissing the other techniques as dated, or cruel, or medievel.
Rating:
Summary: WAKE UP CALL!
Review: What a wake up call for dog lovers! Explodes the "lassie myth" -"to please." Deconstructs the painful, abusive things we do to our dogs becuase we think they "understand" Explains how the world looks according to dogs. Relates their genetic legacy as hunters and scavengers to behavior that we see from them as out domestic household pets. Best reading for a seasoned dog owner and the novice, urges owners to "teach and understand" vs. being punitive. A great combination of scientific fact and intellectual role reversal. Walk a mile in this book and never look at your dog the same. As a training professional this is the first book to read and recommend. slot@california.com
Rating:
Summary: A great book.
Review: This book dramatically changed my relationship with my labrador retriever. Training her used to seem like a battle of the wills, and now it is more like a game we play together. This may not be the definitive book on dog training, but it will change the way you think about your dog.
Rating:
Summary: Should be required before people are allowed dogs!
Review: This book was recommended to me by a trusted trainer after my rescue cattledog bit my mother-in-law. I chose to order it from the library instead of rushing out to buy it...my mistake. That dog bit again (perfectly predictable--there really is NO such thing as an "unprovoked" bite) and I chose to re-home her because I did not have the dog-experience to keep her safe. I'm telling you this cautionary tale to emphasize that Culture Clash WILL teach you how to help your dog adapt to living with humans. Jean Donaldson has the dog's best interest at heart, and her advice shoots from the hip. If you prefer your dog advice sugar-coated for easier swallowing, keep reading about "alpha rolls"; if you're ready for reality, buy this book. One warning: get a second copy now, because you'll want to loan it to friends!
Rating:
Summary: A must-read for all dog-lovers, trainers, and plain ol' owne
Review: This book is hands down one of the best ways to a better relationship with your dog. A little advanced for the average owner, but OH SO helpful. I had read all the Carol Lea Benjamin books, and I think they are great. I do a lot of rescue though, and slip/nylon collars on the rescues was not my cup of tea. So many of the dogs come thin and so food/love motivated, so I thought it was time to start with food. My, oh my, I'll never go back. I have read some of the reviews that allude to Jean being holier-than-thou in her approach. I think you need to read the book again, and rethink the title. She is indeed challenging many of our notions about dogs-- like wanting to please us always. I had already figured out that my dog was out for #1. He likes me and all, but when push comes to shove, he wants what HE wants when HE wants it-- especially attention. And that makes him no less of a dog. I think Jean is simply passionate about what she has come to believe to be true through research. OH-- THE CHAPTERS ON DOGS AND KIDS-- WOW!
| 
