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| Good Owners, Great Dogs | 
 enlarge | Authors: Brian Kilcommons, Sarah Wilson
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Category: Book
List Price: $15.99
Buy Used: $4.33
You Save: $11.66 (73%)
New (29) Used (39) from $4.33
Avg. Customer Rating:  139 reviews
Sales Rank: 6093
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.5
ISBN: 0446675385
Dewey Decimal Number: 636.70887
EAN: 9780446675383
ASIN: 0446675385
Publication Date: September 1, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Moderate cover and corner wear, text clean.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Effective, simple, painless October 21, 2007
I recently got a new dog and am reading this book again to refresh my memory. When I got my first dog, I went to the local library and checked out all the dog-training books. I didn't know much about dogs and didn't have any preconceived notions about theories or training styles. I decided to go with this book because it seemed like the best approach--logical, not too complicated, and not unpleasant for the dog (as some reviewers here have suggested).
The authors' main concept of "correction" could really be more accurately called "distraction"--you're not punishing your dog--you're just for a split second redirecting his attention with the jingling sound of the choke chain when he does something you want him to stop doing. The authors in no way advocate choking or otherwise abusing your dog.
My dog was a 100-pound adult with no apparent training when I adopted him. Following the advice in this book, I soon had myself a well-behaved, happy dog who I was able to take anywhere (the office, beaches, hotel rooms, etc.). The authors' method for developing reliable recall in your dog was especially helpful--worked beautifully. And later my dog enjoyed learning hand-signals, with no physical aids at all. He thought training was a fun game. I did give up trying to get him to heel, because as soon as I praised him for doing it right he'd get excited and start romping ahead, and I didn't really care about heeling so I didn't pursue it. And the one behavior problem he came with that I was never able to completely eradicate was a pre-existing aggression toward male skateboarders.
So this book may not help resolve entrenched, pre-existing problems (or maybe it would have if I'd put in more effort-to be honest I didn't spend that much time trying) but it does provide a simple, humane approach to training a normal or mostly normal dog.
If you have a major dog problem I recommend the "Dog Whisperer" (Cesar Millan) books & TV show--which weren't around when I got my dog. I've heard a lot of criticism of him, too, from people who think he's cruel or wrong-headed, but as far as I can tell these opinions stem from their imaginations. Clearly they've never watched his show or read his books. I've seen 2 seasons' worth of his shows and read his first book and there's nothing remotely cruel or abusive about his approach. He also gets amazing results, even with dogs who appear to be hopeless cases.
A must-have for every dog owner!!!!! September 23, 2007
Did you ever get a dog and wish it had come with its own instruction book? THIS is the instruction book!
Brian Kilcommons is a highly experienced dog trainer who tells you everything you need to know when getting a dog. This book covers where to look for a puppy, how to select a puppy, 4 simple tests to use on puppies you are considering. The puppy's first day home, house breaking, feeding, walking, commands.
Also a great book for older dogs, it is never too late to start!
I bought this book when I bought my first dog and was desperately trying to train her. She was a perfect dog her whole life and I pulled this book out from time to time right up to when I needed the section on euthenizing my beloved friend.
Now it is required reading for my whole family because today we brought home a new puppy! I'm not worried about training her or raising her, because Brian Kilcommons is with me every step of the way!
Best One Out Ther September 17, 2007
This is the best book available. Clear, easy to understand and every training lesson is all on no more than 2 pages complete with pictures. I first got it because the San Francisco SPCA uses it in their dog training classes. I give it to all my friends when they get their first dog.
I have a great dog August 28, 2007
I got this because of my border collie. I now understand so much about him and I am very glad I got this book. It was hard to choose which book to get since there are so many out there. I researched many books before deciding on this one. If you want to understand your dog, buy this book! It helps to train and fix behaviors problems.
Perfect Dog Training Book August 25, 2007
WE used this book years ago to train our Bordeaux and are now using it to train our Boston. Really has great advice. All our friends have borrowed it for their dogs as well.
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