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How to Train Your Dog: Transform Your Dog’s Behaviour and Strengthen Your Bond Forever

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Do you wish you could get your dog to behave better?

Southend Dog Training founder Adam Spivey can help. In this indispensable book he teaches you all you need to know to build a better connection with your dog and solve any behavioural issues with simple, proven training techniques. He won't just tell you what to do to get your dog to listen to your commands, but will also help you to understand how your dog thinks and why they might be struggling with certain things.

Here are just a few of the things How to Train Your Dog will help you
- Lead training, recall and reactivity when you're out and about
- Jumping up, excessive barking and reacting to the TV or doorbell
- Do's and don'ts for households with children and/or multiple dogs
- Chewing, biting and destructive behaviour

No matter how big or small your dog's issues, whether it's old or young, a rescue or puppy, or if you live in a multi-dog household, Adam's inimitable straight-talking approach will get you to a better place with your best friend.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2023

104 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

Adam Spivey

9 books3 followers

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5 stars
105 (47%)
4 stars
65 (29%)
3 stars
40 (18%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Sylvia.
255 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2025
This book is a very useful tool to train your dog the basics. I first saw Adam Spivey on social media and his no nonsense approach seems very effective. I will be referring to this book over and over again!
Profile Image for Syntaxx.
366 reviews
November 21, 2023
Miigweetch NetGalley and Rodale Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

​​"How to Train Your Dog" by Adam Spivey is a game-changer for dog owners seeking practical, effective solutions to behavioral challenges. As the founder of Southend Dog Training and a social media sensation in the canine training world, Spivey brings his wealth of experience to this indispensable guide. The book not only provides clear and proven training techniques but also delves into the intricacies of understanding your dog's thought processes, creating a lasting and meaningful connection.

Spivey's expertise shines through as he tackles a broad spectrum of behavioral issues, from leash training to reactivity, excessive barking, and even reactions to stimuli like the TV or doorbell. The dos and don'ts for households with children and multiple dogs add a thoughtful layer to the training process. What sets this book apart is Spivey's straightforward approach, making it accessible to dog owners of all levels of experience. Whether you have a new puppy or a senior dog, Spivey's insights and techniques are adaptable, making it a valuable resource for a diverse range of canine companions.

I highly recommend "How to Train Your Dog" to dog owners looking to deepen their bond with their furry friends while addressing behavioral challenges. Spivey's down-to-earth style and comprehensive coverage of common issues make this book suitable for anyone seeking effective, humane, and proven training methods. While the book doesn't shy away from the complexities of dog behavior, Spivey's guidance makes the training process approachable and achievable. This book earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars for its practicality, clarity, and the transformative impact it can have on the relationship between dogs and their human companions.
Profile Image for Sarah L.
115 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2024
Great educational book
If you have a dog or are considering getting one I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Angelica Rose.
5 reviews
January 25, 2025
This is book is an excellent no nonsense guide to basic commands you will need to teach your dog and also the most common issues dog owners face. It go goes into detail about how both to prevent these issues and how to deal with them if they crop up. I recommend this book for anyone who has dog, is thinking of getting a dog or anyone who works with dogs professionally. Adam Spivey makes it simple and easy to understand. His writing style is clear and concise.
Profile Image for Darlene Messenger.
278 reviews
April 24, 2024
I received this book from Rodale Books free in exchange for an unbiased review.
Generalized information is given from the founder of Southend Dog Training. Video links within the text. Foul language was unnecessary and used throughout the book.
1 review
January 14, 2024
Clear and no-nonsense advice

I love this guy and his honest approach, both here, in the book and online too. I haven’t got my dog yet but I know when I do and if any problems develop, Adam will be the first person I call.
Profile Image for Lainey.
36 reviews22 followers
March 28, 2024
I have been following the author's dog training online for a while and read his puppy book when I first got my new puppy. I got this book to see if there was anything else I could help my dog with or possibly fix. He is sadly quite reactive towards cars, bikes, strollers, basically anything moving fast.

Adam is very clear and easy to understand. He tells it like it is. And when you start following his advice and you will have a great well behaved dog. There are things in here that I am just starting to use with my dog and already I have noticed a big change. I am getting more focus on walks from my dog and less reactivity. Which is amazing. All my hard work and Adam's training advice is paying off. I recommend this to anyone who wants a bit more help with their relationship with their dog.
14 reviews
June 10, 2024
It's as if he's never met a dog

I really really dislike this book. I don't buy a book to get sworn at and called "guys" all the time. The dog training content is sometimes sound although ludicrously inappropriate for labradors (I have labradors). I don't care at all about the author's personal history except that it reveals that he may be projecting his own inadequacies onto the dogs people pay him to train. There is no doubt that "How to Train Your Dog" is a superb name for a book. It would be a wonderful book too, with entirely different content. Maybe the author should get into his beloved crate, or as he would put it, beloved "fucking" crate.
23 reviews
February 23, 2024
I have read several books on dog training in the past . Adam Spivey’s book is the best I have read. He gives no-nonsense advice which totally makes sense!
I am so happy to have read this book, and cannot wait to start working with my dogs following his advice.
297 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2024
Mr. Spivey reads the audiobook himself. He offers lots of useful advice, starting with the basics (how much exercise and what kind of food does your dog need?) and delivers it in a no-nonsense but humorous manner. A short book and well worth the read.
145 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
The only good thing I took from this book is lead walking. The rest is like "you have a problem? Put the dog in a cage". Sorry but there are other ways to solve problems than a prison sentence, the least you could do, is acknowledge that fact
140 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2025
A helpful guide, well written and not too long or intensive. Lots of useful handy hints and embedded links to videos online. I’ve already been following him online so this was useful reinforcement. Recommended. Ow to practice more with my dogs!
Profile Image for Anddie Galatian.
1 review1 follower
January 25, 2026
Read 3 dog training books today and this is the only one that gave me step-by-step practical guidance to work on my dogs behavioral issues. Anyone who is getting a dog or has a dog should read this been and try the positive reinforcement methods he suggests.
589 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2024
Great advice, training, and information on having a well trained dog and great fulfilling relationship with your dog.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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