Location:Home » Dog Training » Look Inside! » Before and after Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog
Not for meJanuary 7, 2009 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
A very strange book. Firstly, it's American so we must forgive certain peculiarities that may be appropriate to its American audience. But even with this in mind it is very strange.
To give you an idea Dr Dunbar asserts that certain objectives must be achieved by certain dates, in fact the whole book is based around developmental deadlines. He says that this is critical because (and I quote) 'sadly the majority of puppies fail to live long enough to enjoy their second birthday. They suffer the terminal illness of being unwanted...' He frequently comes back to this and says that if you miss any of the developmental deadlines you are bound to confine him/her to your back yard or basement and then to a rehoming centre. At best by missing any of the developmental deadlines you will (and I quote again) 'be playing catch up for the rest of the dog's life'. He also asserts that 'fewer than 25 percent of surrendered dogs (to a rehoming centre) are adopted about half of which are returned as soon as the new owners discover their adopted adolescent's annoying problems'. The book seems to revolve around this fear that if you miss a deadline there is an 85% chance that your puppy will be put down. Patronising, strangely pedantic and not relevant to the UK.
The canine answer to Gina FordNovember 30, 2008 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Yes, I'm sure he knows his stuff. Yes, I'm sure his dogs are models of good behaviour. And yes, I'm sure he's never had to clean dog mess off the carpet. But the whole thing is written in terms of "If you don't do it my way, FAST, your dog's temperament will be ruined, he'll never be a good pet and you might as well write him off now." I was reminded very strongly of Gina Ford and her rigid-as-steel instructions on babycare. There is a lot of good advice here, but it's possible to be a little less obsessive and still bring up a lovely pet. Gwen Bailey's 'The Perfect Puppy' is a much better and less intimidating buy.
Buy this book!August 13, 2008 4 out of 5 found this review helpful
This book is really good! It's the only puppy book I bought before getting my ridgeback puppy and after applying the principles that the book outlines he is an angel. He never chewed a thing and was toilet trained within 2 weeks. Stuffing kongs and cage training are fantastic ways to ensure your puppy is happy when alone and this book covers these and many more handy hints. Buy it today if you plan to get a puppy or dog for that matter!
Brilliant for before you have your pooch!!July 6, 2008 6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Brilliant, we're getting a lab puppy in a few months and I got this to read beforehand. It is brilliant, gret tips on what to look for when picking your puppy and great tips that would never have even considered. Written by a man whom idolises his dogs-I am excited to put my new skills to the test on our lab when we get him! Great buy and so easy to read, Natalie
Highly recommended!August 28, 2007 19 out of 20 found this review helpful
I have read many, many dog books as I have undertaken several courses in canine behaviour and training. This is the book I recommend anyone getting a puppy to buy. It's easy to read, provides practical information on training and is based on positive methods. If you're thinking of getting a puppy, or have one already, this book is truly brilliant!
