Dog Talk: Training Your Dog Through A Canine Point Of View: Amazon.ca: John Ross, Barbara McKinney, Jocelyn Sandor, Cathrin Cammett, James Parker: Books

Product Description

From Library Journal

Trainer, radio host, and author Ross based his teaching methods on the theory that dogs learn through behavior. If it is agreeable to them as they are doing it, they will repeat it; if it is disagreeable, they will avoid it. In easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions Ross and coauthor McKinney show owners how to apply this theory when training. They also discuss canine breed characteristics, capabilities, and limitations. Dog Talk is for all dog owners who want happy, obedient, well-mannered pets without attending training classes or without the perfection required for show competition. Recommended for most libraries.
- Helen Sondrol, Lincoln Univ. Lib., Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Dog Talk is a refreshingly thorough training manual. This book gets my highest praise."--Connie Jankowski, Dog Fancy

"No home with a dog should be without a copy of Dog Talk."--Dr. Michael W. Fox, author of Understanding Your Dog

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Inside This Book (Learn More)

First Sentence
A well-trained dog is a dog that a person lives with four up to fifteen years and loves and enjoys. Read the first page

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Customer Reviews

17 Reviews

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Average Customer Review

4.8 out of 5 stars (17 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars This dog trainer uses it religiously, May 25 2004

By

The Pooch Professor (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dog Talk: Training Your Dog Through A Canine Point Of View (Hardcover)

I've read a LOT of dog training books over the years, from the earliest Koehler (traditional trainer) to the latest "fad" titles like "Positive Puppy Training Works" by Joel Walton. John Ross's book really boils down the basics to brass tacks, and makes it easier for the layperson to understand. I don't use a text for my classes, but if I did, this would be it.

The thing I like best about this book is John's balanced approach. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn that dogs, since they can't learn our language, need for us to communicate in ways that are meaningful to them. Balanced training is just better communication, period. Dogs understand it, so they learn faster. The "positive only" folks out there want you to think all corrections are going to ruin your relationship with your dog, but that is simply not so. Humane, effective corrections are a part of teaching dogs, and if you train the right way, you don't need them very often. Ross explains how to train the right way, with praise, rewards, and yes, corrections if needed. He's not afraid to tell it like it is. I find this refreshing, and I know--it works.

I do agree that there is no substitute for a good training class, including this book. Use them together (you do have to do your homework) and you will end up with a really well-behaved dog. Since training never ends, the book will give you something to refer back to to keep Fido in excellent form long after the class is over.

You owe it to your dog to communicate with him in a language he understands. "Dog Talk" will show you how.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on the market, Jan 3 2004

By

Mike "mikhail2" (Edmonton, AB, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dog Talk: Training Your Dog Through A Canine Point Of View (Hardcover)

I bought this book (amongst others) 8 years ago when I got my first dog. After reading all of the dog books I could lay my hands on, I decided to try this one. I followed it religiously and it worked like a dream. As a result, both my dogs are amazingly well trained and behaved. By the time they were six months old they both responded to spoken commands as well as hand signals. I can leave food out on the table without fear they will eat it when I'm not in the room, leave them in a down stay for as long as I need and take them for walks without being dragged. They even go pee on command! Neither one of them took or needed obedience training.

Fair warning though, it does require time and effort. It isn't enough to try it once and give up if it doesn't work right away. If that is your approach then you should probably look for professional help.

Also, while the book gives you excellent ideas and methods, it is not a cookbook. You can't simply follow the instructions exactly and expect it to work perfectly for every dog.

Dogs all have their own personality and likes and dislikes. While one of my dogs will do rolls until the cows come home, the other hates doing even one. The book requires creativity and sensitivity on the part of the owner. If you don't have those qualities, it's probably best to find a pro who does.

I've loaned this book to a dozen people since I got it. Just about every one of them loved it and used it to either train their dog or rid their dog of a bad habit. If you are the type of person who likes working with your dog and wants to teach him to do more than just 'sit', this is the book for you!

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Resource for Training, Dec 15 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Dog Talk: Training Your Dog Through A Canine Point Of View (Hardcover)

I purchased this book back in 1993 when I and my dog participated in a class with the author. The book has everything that was covered in class and more. By practicing with the methods outlined in the book, it transformed my dog from a pain-in-the-neck to an excellent companion. We recently got a new puppy, and we are going to be using "Dog Talk" again.

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Most recent customer reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Boy howdy, dogs don't listen...
This book is full of great ideas and concepts. I purchased the title based on average customer review, and really grasped the concepts within. Read more

Published on Aug 27 2002 by James Q. Manning

5.0 out of 5 stars Bridging the Inter-Species Communication Gap
John Ross is vastly under-rated and under-cited; at least it seems that way with other trainers I've spoken with on the East Coast of the USA. Read more

Published on Dec 19 2001 by Elizabeth Shelton