How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks Reviews

• Either the Pod People took my dogs or this book really works

  
  By A132W51WGK3SJP on 2001-04-18
  I have two rambunctious beagles who both came to me later in life with pleanty of bad habits, and a few new habits I taught them that weren't so good. In just a few short days of using the techniques in this book I can already see the changes in my dogs. The constant barking at everything outside is fading, they are reliably sitting to go outside and for walks.....just amazing.

  The best part is nothing in this book is hard, and the dogs seem to like it. The writing is entertaining. The author has a good grip on dogs. I also appreicate his "It's never too late attitude" So many books give up on older dogs.. or just refer you to the leash correction method of dog training for older more challenging pets.

  This is going to be the book I loan my friends when they get new dogs, replacing some of my old favorites.
  
  

• This is definitely the cornerstone of my doggie library!

  
  By on 1999-07-21
  I have just started a career in dog training and the trainer I am apprenticing with requested that I read this book.

  I had heard of Dr. Dunbar a lot over the last year or so of investigating my future career,and I was certainly impressed with his credentials. But, after reading this book I am even more impressed.

  It is a really dense book, so much so that I am going to read it again so I don't miss anything, but written in such a nice voice that it really was a joy to read.

  It covers just about everything a dog owner could want to know about living with a dog. I am not surprised that the person I am apprenticing with makes this required reading for all of her students.
  
  

• very helpful

  
  By on 2001-01-11
  What a nice change. The last time I trained a dog was atleast 15 years ago using the leash/punishment/force the dog to do what you want it to method employeed by many training schools in my area. We failed the class twice. It was a painful procedure for both me and my dog who was a very loving, affectionate animal. I think he was often wondering "why is she doing this to me?" Dunbar's method has been a much more effective tool for me. I have used this method on a boxer puppy and a pug and found it very succesful. Both dogs enjoyed learning new things and it was easy to teach them using Dunbar's method. Sit, stay, come and the few tricks I taught, they learned very quickly. My only complaint is that when I had a serious discipline problem the book did not give me much guidence. We live across from a corn field that the pug found very alluring and unfortunatly a major roadway is between our yard and the corn field. When he went past his boundries and needed some sort of correction there was no guidence. They said when a dog fails to respond and it is an important matter to discipline right away but not with excess. Period as in Dunbar does not elaborate on effective techniques that can get the job done without harming the bond between dog and owner.
  
  

• Training techniques that make sense.

  
  By A3CDU5ZWUZUWMG on 1999-04-26
  I found Ian's book to be excellent. His advice was sound - no miracle methods, just common sense. The book was different to many in that the training section made only a small part of the book. He focussed more on dog psycology - how to understand and get the most out of your dog, and how your dog can understand and get the most out of you. Training your dog after these goals have been acheived is then a lot easier, he argues. This book is best read about a month before you expect to get a puppy.
  
  

• Fun, effective, humane

  
  By on 2001-11-13
  Traditional dog training was amazingly unaware
  of the developments of the behavioural sciences.
  Only with the appearance of problem dog therapeutists
  a couple of decades ago did matters start to change
  in a revolutionary way as concepts from eg marine
  mammal training were applied in dog training (eg
  by Karen Pryor).

  Unlike the traditional methods, the novel techniques
  were non-coercive, and much more humane for the dog.
  Dr Ian Dunbar is one of the best-known representatives
  of the new shcool of dog training authors.

  The present book is in my opinion easy and fun to
  read, and, even more importantly, the techniques suggested
  are both fun - for dog and owner alike - and effective.

  On the negative side, it's rather limited in scope,
  which is of course to be expected. It focuses on the
  upbringing of the common companion pet.
  
  

• This Book is Unbelievably Good.
  By A2PWKFURHD2XUC on 1998-11-21
  The three things I liked best about this book are Dr. Dunbar's sense of humor, the easy to read style and the amazing amount of info! I tried some of these techniques on my dog and they worked within minutes! And this after my dog and I 'failed' training school twice!
  
  
• A MUST HAVE BOOK!!!
  By A3RP1I0SL7091Q on 2001-09-07
  This is a very interesting and helpful book when trying to train a new puppy as well as a mature dog. It explains how bad behavior develops and the steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place and the method to change behavior that has already occurred. This book was highly recommended by a group of people who work with Greyhound adoption, as a means to altering behavior that occurs in an older adopted dog. I used it with a great dane puppy and even when I think it may not work, I have not been dissapointed in anything the author writes. This book is hard to get and you may have to wait as it is frequently back ordered, but that just attests to its value in training your furry friend!!!
  
  
• Thank goodness
  By A3PPDHLFE4P5UA on 2002-04-25
  My standard poodle pup is 15 weeks old now. A couple weeks
  ago on our first night of obedience class, the trainer said
  to jerk the leash when she pulls. I felt this kind of correction
  was harsh, and after one week it never seemed to help. In fact
  it probably reinforeced her leash pulling behavior and made her
  neck sore.

  Then I read Dunbar's book and after just one walking session
  using his techniques, our puppy showed great improvment. It
  happened right before our eyes! Needless to say, I was
  thrilled. Now we're having a great time learning all
  sorts of new things.

  Dogs sure are smart. Are you? Get this book and read it
  (twice!).
  
  

• The very best
  By A1CJZARVAHNR7O on 1999-06-26
  I know you may think I'm a little biased because my dad wrote this book, but it really is the best book out there about dog training.
  
  
• The Very Best Dog Book!
  By on 1999-06-04
  Dr. Ian Dunbar's How To Teach A New Dog Old Tricks is the most influential dog book I have ever read. It simply overflows with down-to-earth, useful information. Dr. Dunbar created and popularized most modern day dog-friendly dog training techniques. Your dog will love you if you buy this book.
  
  
• excellent guide for raising a happy, trustworthy dog
  By on 2001-03-14
  There are lots of books out about understanding your dog's behavior, about preventing discipline problems, and about basic training for the pet dog. This book combines these principles in a format that is easy to follow and humorous. His approach is simple and old-fashioned without being at all harsh. Consistent adherence to the principles outlined in this book will allow you to raise a dog whose behavior is trustworthy enough for you to take him anywhere. Read this book before you get a puppy, and keep it handy for reference as the puppy develops. I have raised my furry best friend using Dr. Dunbar's techniques and now have a 2 year old dog who is playful and goofy but who I can trust to behave at home and in public, on-leash or off. If you buy just one book about raising a pet puppy, make it this one.
  
  
• Absolute garbage
  By on 2002-03-10
  While I agree with positive reinforcement training methods and would never resort to choke chains or pinch collars, Dunbar's book is a poorly written, smug, and pretentious mess where he tries to transcend the training manual genre and fails -- miserably. If you want a book of gripping insight and readability dealing with similar topics, get Jean Donaldson's CULTURE CLASH, and toss this one in the trash can where it belongs.
  
  
• A Must Have Book for Animal Guardians
  By on 2003-06-25
  This is a brilliant book and the foundation of a great, lifelong friendship between you and your pet. Not only does it have wonderful, pet-and-people-friendly methods for training things like sit, down, stand, leave-it, etc., but it addresses the much more important issues of teaching "temperament": being comfortable and happy around people and other animals. Learn fun ways of teaching your dog bite inhibition, friendliness to all kinds of people (including children!), and good dog-dog social skills. I read this book twice before I got my dog, and the methods worked like a charm. I refer to it constantly to review my, and my dog's, skills.
  
  
• By far the best dog training book there is!
  By on 2003-02-23
  Wow! A truly entertaining and informative book. A must have for every dog owner!
  How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks the most comprehensive book on dog training I have ever read, and I 've read dozens of them. Dr. Dunbar's unique writing style and humor keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire book. There is never a dull moment, you will find practical, useful information on every page. On behalf of dogs everywhere, thank you Dr. Dunbar.
  
  
• An OK addition to your library...
  By A2VJGGQEG1JT8S on 2004-10-14
  I recommend this book to new dog owners, as I wholeheartedly agree with most, if not all, if Dunbar's ideas and points. However, after reading many dog training books, I found it simple and mostly common sense.
  
  I would recommend the Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson over it.
  
  
• Ian Dunbar explains the science behind dog training.
  By AN3PBSK4YH4VZ on 1999-02-10
  If you are looking for a book to explain the science behind dog training, this is it! Ian has written a clear, intelligent book describing how dogs learn and how we can teach them. He has written this book in clear English that can be understood by dog owners as well as dog trainers. A must read for aspiring dog trainers.
  
  
• Good overall training book, for young and old dogs alike
  By A13Y2U7LKNKI5F on 2003-03-01
  Good overall dog training book, for young and old animals alike. Deals with bad habits, and little tricks of the trade. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).
  
  
• MY DOG MADDIE
  By on 2003-07-03
  Hi my name is Caleb Berger when I first got my dog Maddie she was fiesty.I new I had to teach her some manners.I started right awy with a firm technique, using a leash,a prong callar and firm words.she had to be taught that even tho I loved her she would have to obey.Now Maddie trust me she comes when I call.She follows me around the yard.I feed and water her all the time.Sometimes I'll spend hours with her.I want to enter her in a dog contest.I taught her sit and fetch.I admire my aunt Darge she taught me almost everything I now.I love my dog Maddie.
  
  
• Sound advice that works
  By A2RG99ULHC7XDS on 2006-04-03
  I have a lab, and originally purchased Labrador's for Dummies by Joel Walton -- since I'm not a very experienced dog owner. I was immediately impressed with how well the positive-training techniques by Joel worked. But when I went to purhcase other books, I noticed that many other authors took a much harsher stand on punishment -- and really fixated on the whole alpha dog concept. So I investigated further, and soon learned that many proponents of the "positive training" methods credited Ian Dunbar. So I knew I had to have Dunbar's book.
  
  At first, I was turned off by the wordy format, and pictures of a bearded guy from the '70s. I was worried that the book may be too philosophical, and not practical enough. But I puchased the book anyway.
  
  Man, I sure am glad that I purchased this book. The wordy passages are filled with a wealth of information. Whereas other books offer brief, simplistic instruction -- this book offers an in-depth explanation. It is a great complement to my Labrador for Dummies book.
  
  I also found his tone to be light and humorous -- and honest. It is quite easy to read, and holds my attention. But most of all -- this stuff really, really works. My dog is doing great -- I've never had such success training a dog before.
  
  
  
• Splendid!!
  By on 2001-12-30
  This book is a must for both dog owners and people owners. Mr. Dunbar is a expert in what he does. His witty style of writing and the command of his knowledge spills out in this book. One not only learns about dogs but maybe even more about himself and one's contact with the environment.
  
  
• Dunbar's not-so-positive techniques
  By AMBA2U8TH2O1I on 2008-08-24
  I was very interested in Ian Dunbar's "positive reinforcement techniques" as an alternative to more confrontational methods. I was very shocked to find out that he recommends booby-traps for effective punishent of dogs on page 72 on his book. He suggests creating a trap that drops twenty pebble-filled beer cans on your dog after the dog triggers it by taking a bacon-fat soaked bait e.g. from the trash can.
  
  Dunbar finds this kind of "effective punishment" very clever because it doesn't affect the dog-human relationship. I find suggestions like this completely inhumane. Traps like that will scare a dog out of his mind and you risk coming home to a traumatized and maybe even injured dog. Please do not fall for such outdated punishment-based training methods. The re-labeling of these methods as "reward-based" or "positive reinforcement" doesn't make them any less abusive.
  
  
• Ian Dunbar explains the science behind dog training.
  By on 1999-02-10
  If you are looking for a book to explain the science behind dog training, this is it! Ian has written a clear, intelligent book describing how dogs learn and how we can teach them. He has written this book in clear English that can be understood by dog owners as well as dog trainers. A must read for aspiring dog trainers.
  
  
• Great book if you have lots of idle friends
  By A1AH1883KT8OAP on 2008-08-13
  First let me say that this book and the more recent "Before and After Getting Your Puppy (Dunbar 2004) are virtually identical. There is a little additional material in the later volume, but in that book states that all important training MUST occur in the first 6 months of puppydom. One day later is too late. For those of us who aquired the dog when slightly past six months - well - let's just hope it's not true.
  
  That said, I think most of the training techniques in Dunbar's books are reasonably effective - but he cops out on some very important behaviors. Many older puppies and dogs have greeting behaviors that include frantic jumping, pawing and scratching and even excited nipping. If an owner and his dog are ever going to have a social life (or a uneventful walk,) it is essential that these behaviors be corrected. These behaviors are particularily challenging because they are cccurring when a dog is in a high state of agitation and far less likely to attend to, or even hear, commands.
  
  Dunbar's recommendation is to have a party (with at least twenty people) and have all those individuals repeatedly enter the house armed with treats. The dog is instructed in the proper behavior and rewarded when he/she complies. Treat and repeat until Rover gets the idea. Then have a party the following week to make sure it all stuck. Dunbar also wants you to have all these good natured dog lovers to walk around the block a number of times carrying treats so that Rover can "run into them" on his walk and be shown (again, and again, and again) how to behave. Now in theory, this is a great approach, but the truth is that most of us don't have twenty or more friends willing to spend a number of hours, two weeks in a row, assisting us in our dog training. As this is his only suggestion for correcting greeting behavior, it leaves the majority of us in the lurch with jumpy, hyperactive greeters who will no doubt drive away the friends we do have.
  
  
• A Must For New Dog Owner
  By A3S8DN9L15QSCB on 2008-01-14
  Step by step, effective, useful, reading to learn to mold your dog so that life is more fun "enjoyable" for you and your pet. Head and shoulders over other dog training books I've read.
  
  
• a laugh on each page
  By A1VPYRNZ0VLQ55 on 2008-03-10
  I enjoyed reading this book. It gets into a dog's head. It may be a little common sense at times, but not everyone has common sense. A good book to buy that combines training with dog behavior.
  
  

• The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs
• Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training
• Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog
• Doctor Dunbar's Good Little Dog Book
• The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs