If you don't believe in physically reprimanding your dog under any circumstances ... then this is not your book ...But if like us, you believe that perhaps, there may not be such great divide between new and older training methods, as many are wont to have us believe - and you are prepared to keep a reasonably open mind ... then give this book a try ... there is much to learn here ...
This is very much a reading book, but the writing is well done, humorous and light. The author writes convincingly in a conversational manner but without excess and remains focused on the primary purpose of the book - teaching us how to teach our doggies ...
Content-wise, the book is substantial and covers a wide range of behavioural & training topics, from (a) how to teach the basic commands, (b) how to deal with common problems, from excessive barking, jumping, biting & aggression, to (c) training the doggie for the obedience ring.
Remarkably, all the above is accomplished in a comfortable & complete manner. At no time does it seem that Mr. Terrel is dealing with or rushing the reader through any issue in a superficial manner. Nor were we left with the impression of impossible complexibility. The book is well balanced and there is always much to appreciate & consider.
Characteristically, an issue or problem is identified or discussed, the author then provides a series of possible alternative training methods, some his own, others which he has read or heard of, and may or may not have tried. Where appropriate Mr. Terrell presents his caveats and recommendations in reasonable detail, explaining how and why a particular training method might or might not work. The author explains that no one training method is suitable for all dogs.
Many training manuals simply suggests a method for training or eradicating a problem, but stops there, and does not tell us what to do, when it doesn't work! This book offers multiple options, which we find particularly useful (and we are free to choose what we think best for us & our dogs). This adds the much-appreciated dimension of flexibility.
Structurally, book is reasonably well indexed, and makes it easy for a more experienced trainer (or those wishing only to address a particular issue) to read selectively without need to plough through all the pages; adding value and making the book a good reference source.
Yes, Mr. Terrel is not adverse to 'paddling' the dog, but it must be said that the author does represent this (often most sensitive) aspect of training carefully and only advocates physical handling or reprimand within very limited boundaries & within the context of the severity of the problem faced by the trainer.
Nevertheless and while we are ourselves not particularly convinced that physical reprimand is the answer ... that does not detract from the value of the book as a whole. We take the approach that we don't have to agree with all that Mr. Terrel writes, to appreciate he has much experience, from which we can (albeit selectively) learn. Whenever physical reprimand is suggested, we substitute the physical reprimand with another form of acceptable reprimand such as low growls, withholding of attention, temporary confinement etc etc ...
Good training manual.
