Training dogs can be difficult and frustrating for first timers, and even some veterans. Why is this? Why doesn’t one type of command work for all dogs? Well, as any owner can tell you, dogs have their own personalities, and if you don’t take the time to tweak your training methods to fit their personality, progress will be slow going. Kate Perry and Yvonne Conza combined their brain power and wrote Training for Both Ends of the Leash, a wonderful book published by Avery that will help you, and your dog, get the results you need.
The book starts with an example of how dogs reason differently than humans, and that miscommunication can be lethal to a dog if the owner is not aware of these differences. Kate explains that dogs rely on four different drives for survival: pack, prey, flight, and fight. These drives are what dogs use to make their decisions. Being aware of how these drives affect your dog can drastically change how you implement your training methods.
The book moves on to give key definitions on what your dog’s body language could mean. Some are obvious, such as a dog’s tail between its legs meaning it’s afraid. Some are not so obvious, such as darting eyes meaning it’s nervous. Kate goes on to list some stressors, both inside and outside, that could affect your dog’s behavior.
Throughout the rest of the book, the different personalities that a dog could have are explained in detail, as well as how to work with each one. Stages of development are gone over step-by-step to help owners be aware of what to expect.
This in-depth look at dogs is a phenomenal tool for owners who either have trouble with their pets, or would like to begin training dogs. Most, if not all, questions are answered, and readers will walk away feeling 100% more confident in how to handle their beloved pets.
You can find Training for Both Ends of the Leash at any of Tulsa’s local book stores: Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and Gardners.
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