Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 Great addition to any dog lover's library May 28, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I am a dog owner with a strong interest in dog training and animal behavior and have read many excellent books on those subjects - but I find Turid Rugaas to have a very unique voice. The author believes that dogs are dogs and in our arrogance as humans we have lost sight of that fact; we humans try to train away every natural instinct a dog has and have no tolerance for 'failure' or 'disobediance'. In this book, instead of attacking barking as a training problem to be solved she reminds us that barking is a natural form of communication for dogs and provides tips for how we can listen to what they are trying to tell us. There are, of course, suggestions and methods provided for how to curb excessive or problem barking (and how to determine what problem/excessive barking really is), but essentially her message is, "less shouting, more tolerance and listen!". Another great thing about her books is that they are simple, clear and concise. The average dog owner can read through them quickly and start using the techniques right away.
Lots of insight in a small package May 14, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
As with other of Turid Rugaas's books, this might seem like too a short book to be of much value. Once you carefully read the book, and start watching your dog, you will begin to appreciate Ms. Rugaas's deep wisdom and understand of all things canine.
After having no success with bark collars, penny cans, and spray bottles - all the standard trainer suggestions - I started using these suggestions. I admit my dog has not stopped barking entirely, I don't want him to, but he is barking much less. Plus I understand now why he is barking and how to change perceptions and break the cycle.
Great April 25, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
As usual Turid writes a great, informative, easy to read book with lots of pertainent information.
Not just about barking April 23, 2008
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
With every book she releases, my admiration for Turid Rugaas grows. Turid is a role model for others in the dog world to follow - her compassion for dogs and reminder to try to understand their perspective, rather than always imposing our needs, is so important. (For example, imposing our need for quiet by using shock collars rather than understanding that the dog is upset/frustrated/loney.)
In "Barking," Rugaas focuses on an age-old topic. Yet, she does so in such a straight-forward, enlightened and enlighting way that even people who have read a myriad of behavior books can benefit. Her emphasis is on the mental state of the dog, and on how to view and address the underlying source of the barking. Sure, others have taken this approach, but Rugaas's presentation is so simple and plain spoken that I recommend her book above all others on the subject - and to *anyone* who wants insight into this form of canine communication, not just to those who have a barking "problem."
A deep understanding April 16, 2008
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
I also read a great many dog books, and this is one of the best. Rugaas' descriptions are deceptively simple, and might appear to be nothing new. However, they portray barking as a language we simply don't speak, rather than as a problem to be solved.
Rugaas does provide solutions as well as descriptions and common causes for each type of barking.
This book is well worth the read, and for those of us who are dog trainers by profession or avocation, worth several reads over time. At the price, well worth it, and far better than many books at triple the price.
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