ASPCA Complete Dog Training Manual

A profusely illustrated, step-by-step guide to all aspects of dog training shows owners how to establish a routine and implement commands, explores the relative trainability of various breeds, and gives instruction on coaxing pets out of bad habits.

YA-Everything an owner needs to know is here, from a general discussion of canine mentality and temperament to detailed instructions for beginning and advanced training. Fogle's message is that kind, patient, and consistent teaching results in a well-trained, safe, and happy dog. The text is clearly worded, and the instructions are easy to follow. The photographs are ample, appealing, and well chosen to illustrate techniques or advice. An excellent companion to Fogle's ASPCA Complete Dog Care Manual (Dorling Kindersley, 1993).
Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

First published in Great Britain, this photogenic twin of the author's ASPCA Complete Dog Care Manual illustrates the differences between American and British approaches to dog training. Whereas classic American trainers like the Monks of New Skete focus on the psychology of dog/human interactions, Fogle briskly marches the reader through no-nonsense training procedures as each spread of his book is devoted to a different practical concern (e.g., "Early Learning," "Basic Equipment," "Assessing Temperament," "Fear Biting"). His techniques, which emphasize positive reinforcement and patience, are solid and clearly explained, with none of the hand-holding found in most other "complete" manuals. Woe betide the typical novice who needs immediate help with a typically rambunctious puppy--the information here, organized in bytes and paired with photos in the typical Dorling Kindersley style, will be difficult to assimilate, and the techniques are not quite as easy to implement as the text suggests (witness the six-step program to control a dog's barking). However, dog owners with some grasp of training fundamentals will find this presentation convenient and (with 350 photographs) handsome.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.