Customer Reviews

Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Being highly involved in the dog sport world I have friends come to me for advice on their new puppy or dog. The first thing I do is recommend this book for everyone! Dunbar uses sound techniques based on the science of dog training. Even if you already have your dog, get this book.
If you are thinking of purchasing one of Caesar's books, keep in mind that he does not consider himself a dog trainer. If training your dog to live with you is what you had in mind, pick this book and not others :)

I have been a long time fan of Dr. Dunbar's work and was pleasantly surprised to see this new title to add to my collection. Very compreshensive and enjoyable. It takes the reader step by step through the first year with their puppy or adopted adult dog. Pure genius and full of useful information. I think it is his best work yet.

In anticipation of my puppy's arrival next year, I thought I would read this book after a friend's recommendation. I did and I learned so much. My current dog came to me as an adult (luckily, a very well-socialized girl & with great bite inhibition). For the inexperienced or somewhat knowledgable puppy owner, this book outlines the key factors each and every puppy should experience from learning to be alone and learning not to bite hard.
Dr. Dunbar's book is a step-by-step plan which allows you to really focus on what's important (like having a puppy that relieves itself OUTside!) and one that knows what things are OK to chew. I like the list of things to be done in specific timeframes (first 4 weeks home, first 8 weeks home). It also shows that the breeder needs to take responsibility to very early socialization so that their puppies grow up to be well adjusted and good representatives of the breed and their kennel.
This book is easy to read and accessible to most readers. This book is definitely worth the investment in time and money for a dog that will be with you for at least 10 years.

The puppy I trained using this book is now a 6 yr old and the BEST DOG in the WORLD! She is so obedient, gentle with children (even 2 year olds!)and has no "issues" at all. I have continued to use most of the training techniques that I learned with that same first pup that I learned from reading Dr Dunbar's book with great success. We no longer use a crate (with zero troubles)and she is truly a most amazing, obedient and calm dog. I have recommended (& lent out) this book to many friends and they too, have been so very happy with the end results. I have used the techniques in the book for 2 more pups with the same excellent results. For the next puppy we get? I'm re-reading this book!

I read this book while on a wait list for my puppy and referred to it often after she came home with me. I'm new to the doggy world and didn't have a clue what to do but Dr. Ian Dunbar's book explained everything in this easy to read book. He covers everything you need to know to raise a puppy. I would have never known about bite inhibition or giving my pup stuffed kongs to amuse her when I have to leave her alone if not for Dr. Dunbar. Nearly a year later, I have a socialized, well adjusted and wonderfully obedient young dog. Read this book and practice what Dr. Dunbar teaches and success will follow. Thank you Dr. Dunbar!

This book is really good, it guides the new dog owner from A to Z. I'm convinced if I had this book for my first dog I could have avoided all her current behavioral problems and make the integration of the second puppy so much easier. If you are planning to get a puppy, I recommend reading this book before you do to prepare yourself to avoid future headaches.

As a brand new dog owner, I was panicked at the idea of house training and puppy training as I waited for my 8 week old fox terrier. I read several books but only Dr. Dunbar's book really hit home. It's an easy read and to the point. My fox is now 10 months old, he is great, asks for the door to go out, sleeps all night (since the second day home). Thanks Dr.Dunbar for a great book. Highly recommended (in fact I just lent my copy to my neighbour who has a new dog.

I read this book within 3 days, it was an easy going enjoyable story, as well as an overview of what to expect from your puppy, and at what timeline. It also suggested taking puppy classes early, which I didn't do when I had dogs before. My dog is now 14 weeks old, and I have had the book for about 4 weeks. Everything I learned from the book is helping me shape her into a wonderfully well behaved social butterfly. I can take her everywhere, she loves all people and all dogs. Highly recomend it as a must read for anyone wanting to get a very young puppy.

We haven't had a dog in a long time so when we decided to get a puppy I wanted to get a refresher on crate training, chew toy training and house training. This book is going to be my puppy bible! It has excellent tips and really helps the reader understand why you see certain puppy behaviour and how to have error free training. I am certain that we'll have a very well behaved puppy if we follow the tips in this book.

I am so thankful that I purchased the book before I purchased the puppy.This book opened my eyes,although,this is not my first puppy,(I am the proud mom of a 13 year old Shih Tzu}who is still doing well,and I think I raised him well...but,I must admit that I had forgotten how much is involved when raising a puppy..almost like raising a baby.I would highly recommend this book as it is peppered with great advice,and a must read for any person who is committed to bringing an animal into their family.