Good Dog 101: Easy Lessons to Train Your Dog the Happy, Healthy Way

by Cristine Dahl

Learn the humane way to change your dog's behavior, including problems like digging, jumping, peeing, pooping, stealing, chewing, begging, biging, barking, and growling. This is a revolutionary step-by-step manual to teach dog owners how to humanely and easily train a dog. SPCA-certified author Cristine Dahl covers all aspects of training dogs, especially puppy training.

The book is organized by individual problem scenarios where every sort of bad behavior is addressed, whether it's if the dog compulsively digs all around your garden or if it likes to steal your shoes or if it jumps on every guest the minute they walk in the door. For each problem scenario, Dahl explains the reasons for such behavior, and then gives simply phrased instructions on how to resolve it and alter the dog's behavior for future scenarios. Her methods are humane (unlike Cesar Millan, she's approved by the SPCA) and simple—perfect for every dog owner.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2007

Reviews

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for dog training tips and a history of dog training!

[Glen Chern · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and I currently have three dogs ranging an age from 13 months to four years two months. At one time or another we have had as many as four dogs in our home. My wife and I do our best to follow the training methods recommended by the officer, Cristine Dahl. We agree with her, not only in methodology, but in our approach to our relationship with our dogs. We see our dogs as family and treat them as if they were our own children. I thank the author for encouraging this approach to our companion dogs. I fully recommend this book to anyone getting a puppy for the very first time one older dog. This is been a most beneficial manual to caring for and enjoying the company of our pups.

[Sarah Rigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated this book from the library so much that we ordered a copy of our own. Best part is that the author gives you "recipes" for dealing with behavioral problems. And she's occasionally funny as well. She also suggests treats, toys, and other supplies in lists at the end of the book to assist with training. The only downside is that it feels like she copied & pasted some phrases or passages over and over again, like when she's teaching a few different techniques to deal with the same problem. But overall, really invaluable. As a first-time dog owner, I really appreciated this book.

[Glen Chern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enlightening

My wife And I currently have 3 dogs.They range in age from 13 months to 4 years and 2 months...4 dogs in our home at the same time.I wanted to read this book and order to better Understand how our dogs And their behaviors. What I discovered is that We have Typical .Canines.The methods we have used to train our dogs Are consistent with the author's methods And recommendations.I fully recommend Good dog 101 to anyone giving a puppy A shelty dog or an older pup...I approve of The authors methods.

[Carol Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

I have read several books on dog training and I think this one is the best! It's very informative ,easy to understand and is packed with tons of information. Great tips and suggestions too. Highly recommend

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Method requires big time commitment.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical tips

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another very good book on positive training. This one has an introductory chapter on the history of dog training methods, and then a very clear discussion of Dahl's own philosophy of training, along with her credentials and background.

The book focuses on problem behaviors -- nuisance barking, separation anxiety, poor leash manners, humping visitors, etc. -- and how to change them. It's designed as a reference tool, rather than as something to be read from cover to cover, so there's lots of repetition. And the writing itself is pretty clunky. The advice and training tips seem great, although a few pictures would help me understand some of her suggestions better.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good explanation of author's philosophy/dog training based on the two camps currently in existence. Then, good descriptions and solutions for common dog problems, plus a list of recommended toys and supplies for both puppies and older dogs. One thing I really disliked about this book is the cut and paste method (although appropriate) in the problems section. I felt there could have been a better way to combine the problems so there wouldn't be a need to exactly reiterate what was written a few pages back.

[Christie Bettendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

While she does dismiss Cesar Millan as too militaristic, this is a good mix of a firm hand with still loving your dog for the cute, loving animal that it is.

[Cathi Isza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dahl's book. I bought this when my dog was an adult but now I have another puppy. It's invaluable. Between my breeders help and this book I have become the alpha dog.