I've enjoyed and learned from Ms Benjamin's books over the years, but found nothing new in this one - its all recycled material. And way too vague to be truly useful to the advanced trainer, much less the professional.


Should say "How to dominate your dog"   August 11, 1999
 36 out of 42 found this review helpful

Punishment, punishment everywhere. I recommend that you skip Carol Lea's books -- she way overemphasizes the outdated dominance model.

All of these behaviors are natural dog behaviors. We're asking them to live in a very unnatural environment with what are, to them, very unnatural rules. Skip this book and choose ones that treat dogs as dogs, not as furry humans trying to take over your world that must be dominated at all cost.

I'd pick Jean Donaldson's books or Terry Ryan's Toolbox for the Problem Dog before this kind of book any day.


Violent, aggressive approach to training   April 12, 1999
 21 out of 23 found this review helpful

There are better ways to train dogs and other animals that do not advocate "stringing the dog up" by the neck when it misbehaves. When I read this in what is a widely acclaimed book, I removed it from my recommended reading list. This jerk and puke method of training is outdated and ineffective. Operant conditioning is the way to go for long-lasting results that does not cause your dog to fear you. For dogs with an aggression problem, do NOT use Benjamin's methods or you will likely get bit!


Excellent book with some outdated advice.   January 12, 1999
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

The writing style is great-- easy to read, fun, and shining with the author's love for dogs. In general, the advice is sound too, but in several places the recommended "punishments" are harsh, violent, or simply bad training. Read and use this book by all means, but have a look at Karen Pryor's _Don't Shoot the Dog!_ to get a better handle on effective training techniques.


A truly comprehensive approach to understanding your dog!   October 26, 1998
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

This is a must-read for any dog owner! Carol Lea Benjamin did a terrific job of describing pack behavior and the unique differences between canine and human needs. She is realistic in the assumption that most households have two working adults and she allows you to explore effective options in dog-rearing without a guilty conscience. The reader walks away with the information and confidence necessary to assume the alpha role. Most significantly, Carol Lea Benjamin stresses the importance of problem identification and prevention, which makes this an essential reference for people who are rearing puppies. In my search to ensure my two Jack Russell puppies are raised properly, this is the one book I have been unable to put down. Excellent work.