Dog Training For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets))

This friendly guide shows you how to select the right training method for your dog, based on his unique personality, to reach your desired goals. Whether you want to teach Buddy to sit or master retrieving, you'll get expert training tips and techniques for you and your dog — to ensure a mutually respectful relationship with your four-legged friend.

• Concentrate on canines — discover why your dog acts the way she does, understand her nutritional needs, and ready yourself for the task of training your dog

• Prep for your pup — prepare your home for your puppy's arrival, discover the importance of socialization, and get started on housetraining

• Put your best paw forward — teach basic commands like Sit, Stay, and Down, and get the scoop on how to deal with doggie don'ts like chewing, digging, and excessive barking

• Take training to the next level — get involved in organized dog activities and competitions, where you'll both show off impressive tricks like retrieving, figure 8s, and much more

Open the book and find:

• Step-by-step instructions for teaching your dog basic commands

• Helpful advice on crate training

• Safe ways to address aggression and separation anxiety

• Tips for teaching Buddy to behave himself around people and other dogs

• Techniques to keep your senior dog feeling young

• Health issues that can interfere with training

• Experts to turn to for training help

Learn to:

• Use positive reinforcement as an effective teaching tool

• Select the gear you need for training success

• Teach the basics including Sit, Stay, and Down

• Eliminate unwanted behavior

If you read this book you will become someone who can control their dog and have a happy, obedient canine companion.


Gets right to the point   November 10, 2006
Toshiro (Southern Cal)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Like so many of the books in the for dummies series it is well written and just gets down to business. The approach taken with this book is a nonviolent approach to training with training being enjoyed by both man (or woman) and beast. I have been training my Shiba Inu puppy based on this book for the last two months now and have had good results.


FANTASTIC   February 20, 2007
Casey J (Deerfield Beach, FL United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have had dogs my whole life, but when I got my new puppy, I decided to read this book. I think its FANTASTIC. It taught me A LOT... I found new ways to train my dog that I had never thought of. I think anyone that owns a dog should get this book. Its great.


Great Book   November 2, 2006
S. LAMONTAGNE (Eastern Pennsylvania)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This book is a great addition to anyone who has a dog behavior shelf in their library. The Volhards are among the best trainers with years of experience. This volume breaks down techniques for basic training to simple lessons that can be used to reinforce any obedience classes a person might attend.


After reading this book, neither you nor your dog will be a "dummy."   April 3, 2008
Rocco B. Rubino (Ohio)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I was searching for a resource written in "plain English" that would help me understand my dog from the inside out.

Dog Training for Dummies has given me some keen insight into my pet's psychology. I absolutely love the concept of "postive training" as this method will undoubtly ensure a positive bonding experience with my dog.

Jack and Wendy Volhard have written a training manual that should be given to each new puppy owner. This resource has de-mystified the concept of dog training for me and has encouraged me to challenge my dog to be the best canine citizen he can be. This is, of course, for his good and well being as well as for ours.