Good Dogs, Bad Habits

"I love my dog, but he chews on everything, jumps on my friends, barks at my neighbors, digs up my yard, and chases my cat. When I try to walk him, he drags me down the street like I'm a sled!" Sound familiar? Wondering how to trade your dog's bad habits for good habits? You're holding the answer in your hands!

These and other common behavior problems can drive even the most caring and patient dog owner crazy. Good Dogs, Bad Habits gives you the insights and tools necessary to help your dog learn better habits. Straightforward advice, step-by-step instructions, and on-the-spot solutions will eliminate your dog's bad behavior -- not just for the moment, but forever. Included are Carlson's innovative calming massage techniques, which are incorporated into the training process; these unique methods all but guarantee success.

Using a quick A-to-Z format, the authors provide solutions for such problems as:

* How to solve housebreaking difficulties that have you baffled

* What to do when your dog's barking is out of control

* How to stop your dog from destroying your shoes, furniture, or yard

* What to do if your dog is shy, nervous, or overly excitable

* How to help your children and dog get along better

So before you send Fido to the doghouse -- get hold of this must-have compendium of excellent advice and watch your dog become the happiest, most mannerly, and best-behaved furry friend ever.

What I most liked about this book is that it not only explains the problem, but why the dog is doing it in the first place. This has helped me to put their training in perspective and see what they are trying to do, or think they are doing. It just helps me be a better 'alpha dog' I feel.

I can easily recommend this book to anyone with a dog or with a notion of getting a dog. This will not be money wasted.


This is THE book for dog training!   December 19, 2001
Richard Silverstein (Seattle)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

If you're getting a puppy or have a young dog who's causing problems, forget all the other dog training books you're thinking of buying. If you buy Jeanne Carlson's book you won't need any others.

In addition to buying her book & loving it, Jeanne personally trained our 2 yr. old yellow lab, Gede. Thanks to Jeanne's miraculous touch & training, Gede has grown up to be an almost perfect dog: mild tempered, calm, loving, etc.

Jeanne's book lays out every significant problem area clearly, consisely; and gives you easy to follow directions for how to correct them. She also points out the reasons for the problems & the reasons why the solutions will work in terms of your dog's psychology.

It may sound a bit silly, but Jeanne has learned to see the world through a dog's eyes & has profound empathy for the species. You can't go wrong w. Jeanne!

Richard Silverstein


Basic Obedience Training with Corrections of Bad Habits   April 5, 2001
Don Priest (Palo Alto, CA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Provides guidance and examples of basic obedience training using positive reinforcement training with variable rewards. Good basic techniques. Believes that once a dog has learned the correct command and knowingly disobeys, a verbal "no" is appropriate. Well indexed and cross referenced. 65% of the book is organized into specific problems, why your dog is doing it, what you should do or say, why the correction works and how to prevent the situation. Training methods recommend use of leash, collar, spay bottles, rattles, and lots of personal positive reinforcement techniques. A very good, stick to the facts, basic training book.


... moderately useful ...   March 19, 2001
Yeoh Siok Kee (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

As a basic training/problem solving manual, this book is okay ... first time owners will find possible solutions to a wide range of common doggie behavioural issues ...

But much of what is offered can be found even in basic dog breed books ... the various solutions suggested by this book will probably work with dogs who are reasonably socialised to begin with. If you suspect that the problem you have, might prove a little more stubborn ... then search for something more substantial ... try looking under 'Behaviour Problems, Dogs' ...