Reviews for Training the Hard-To-Train Dog: Effective Training Techniques for Working with Shy, Controlling, and Stubborn Dogs

The average rating for Training the Hard-To-Train Dog: Effective Training Techniques for Working with Shy, Controlling, and Stubborn Dogs based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2014-03-02 00:00:00 HUERA RODRIQUEZ This is an EXCELLENT book for anyone whose dog exhibits challenging behaviours. Everyone expects to have an obedient dog who easily does what's asked, but we are a different species and speak very different languages. When we aren't getting through to our furry friends, WE have the problem and it's best to ask for help. This book is just what you'll need. Swager cracks open the limited dominant vs. submissive model and breaks canine temperament into more helpful distinctions such as stubborn, independent, dominant, assertive, self-important, high drive, high distractive, reactive/sensitive, low impulse control and shy. When you have a clearer understanding of just where your dog lies on the spectrum, what's motivating his behaviour, you can more effectively address the training issue with practices targeting its underlying source. This book is far more readable than others I've read about challenging behaviour issues and is also easy to use as a resource. You can read all of it, or look for the sections that relate to your pet and focus there. I do recommend reading the entire section on various temperaments as the distinctions can be subtle. More so if your dog has several challenging traits combined (i.e. dominant/reactive). Two thumbs up!

Review # 2 was written on 2010-03-09 00:00:00 Surinder Rakhra Peggy Swager gives really practical advice about how to deal with specific situations with stubborn or willful dogs. She talks about different ways of dealing with various personalities of dogs and what will work the best, which I imagine is very helpful in figuring out how to work with a particular dog that may not want to do the same thing as you'd like it. One story she relays about obedience vs. affection was that one of her dogs ignored another person in the house until the person started training the dog with positive reinforcement. Affection didn't increase the dog's interest in the person, whereas training did. Dog beatings not recommended.