Dog Gone Good: A Problem Solver for Dog Owners and Trainers of Dogs

by Gwen Bailey

Nearly all dog owners encounter behavior problems at some time during their pet's life, and this book offers sound, humane methods for coping with both major and minor difficulties. Dog trainer Gwen... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764131850
• ISBN13: 9780764131851
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: B.E.S. Publishing
• Length: 127 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.9" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Good basic book for pet owners with "problem" dogs

"Dog gone good" is a cute little book; small, well illustrated and very well written. This book comprises a series of short chapters, each giving basic information on a different canine behavioural problem: from aggression towards other dogs, aggression towards humans, predatory behaviour, and separation anxiety, to house training problems and car travel issues. The author uses a friendly conversational tone, and while she does not dumb down the topics, the book is not too technical for the average pet owner to understand. In each chapter she describes the symptoms of the behaviour problem, explains its possible causes, and then describes solutions that can be implemented. The author describes how to recognise when cases are too complicated or dangerous to treat at home, and where appropriate she suggests referral to a carefully selected professional behaviourist. "Dog gone good" is packed with attractive photographs, and each chapter includes a question-and-answer section, and at least one case study. The author obviously knows her stuff, since the suggestions are sensible and humane, and drawn from a wide variety of training methods. As appropriate for a book aimed at the general public, the methods focus on reward and/or hands-off punishment, instead of physical aversives. This book would be too basic to interest a professional behaviourist. However, for someone who is inexperienced in dealing with dog behaviour issues and who is suddenly faced with one, this book could be a great help. Using this book, even a complete novice to dog training should be able to diagnose what they are dealing with, understand its severity, and understand the issues and methods that will be involved in treatment - and will be able to make an informed decision about whether to seek professional help. Highly recommended!