Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog

by Kenneth Martin, Debbie Martin

Ideal for puppies and dogs of all ages, this book is a must-have resource for dog trainers, puppy socialization class instructors, and dog parents.

Whether you are raising a new puppy or have an adolescent or adult dog, Puppy Start Right can help solve many common nuisance behaviors. Puppy Start Right is a positive approach to problem-solving, prevention, and training—without the use of punishment.

Foundation training exercises are perfect for the household companion dog or the future star in competitive dog sports. Exercises include teaching your dog to focus and offer attention, targeting behaviors including a place or bed cue, the recall, sits and downs (stay cues), loose-leash walking, and the "bring," "drop it," and "leave it" cues. Enjoy step-by-step instructions with corresponding photos!

Topics

* Developmental Stages
* Canine Communication
* Domestication
* Socialization
* Problem-solving and Prevention
* House Training
* Introduction to Training
* Foundation Training Exercises

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2012

About the author

Kenneth Martin was born in Belfast in 1939. He grew up in Bangor, Co. Down, where he was adopted into a poor family. He began work on his first novel, Aubade, at the age of sixteen, and when it was accepted for publication by Chapman and Hall with an advance of £100, he moved to London. Aubade, published the day after Martin turned eighteen in 1957, was a modest success, selling well enough to run into a second printing in 1958 and was also published in America. Martin followed his debut with two more novels, Waiting for the Sky to Fall (1959) and A Matter of Time (1960), but the reviews of these novels were largely disappointing, and Martin turned from fiction to journalism. He moved to the United States in 1970 and earned degrees from Columbia University, the University of Minnesota, and San Francisco State University. In 1977 he became an American citizen. He returned to fiction writing in 1989, publishing Billy’s Brother with Gay Men’s Press, which also reissued Aubade as part of its Gay Modern Classics series. A fifth novel, The Tin Islands, followed in 1996. Kenneth Martin lives and works as a psychotherapist in San Francisco.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate that this book takes the time to discuss behavior, development, and dog training myths such as "dogs are wolves." It also warns against training "aids" such as prong collars and electric (shock - don't let anyone tell you "it's not worse than static") collars. They even introduce positive and negative punishment and positive and negative reinforcement and the best methods to use in training. (Hint, don't hurt/punish your dog if you want a trusting companion.) There's a large section in the back on how to train various commands and behaviors, with easy step by step guides on how to get the desired behaviors, with different methods and their pros and cons discussed. In general, a nice reference guide for someone wanting to learn about basic behavior or someone bringing their first or their fiftieth dog.

[Annamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise

This is a generally excellent puppy book without a lot of outdated mythology found in others and with clear outlines of force-free, fear-free methods of getting a puppy off on the best paw. There are many topics that certainly could benefit from more detail to help a novice learner, but the most salient information is comprehensively addressed.

[DilanAc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this is an excellent puppy training book. I learned a lot about positive reinforcement and what not to do with your dog. At times, it felt a bit repetitive so for that I took away a star but I look forward to getting started with the techniques

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a fantastic read for new puppy or adult dog owners. This is a book I wish I would’ve read at the beginning of my journey with my dog. Will certainly be doing a reread and referencing it later on when we add another dog.

[Sigo Paolini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the best on this topic. Puppy and I just finished the Puppy Start program and have moved onto Pryor's kindergarten school.......great stuff alas puppy is doing better than me. I have some work ahead of me.

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

All about the puppies!

Overall good book about raising your puppy. Good info for intro of an older dog to your home too. Especially like the step by step training basics at the end of the book.

[Mary Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I've read others, but found this one this most helpful. Readable, clear, makes raising a puppy seem do-able.

[Lucky Christi · Rating 2 out of 5]

information seems dated

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal foundational dog training book. Best for puppies, new-to-clicker dog trainers, or new dog owners. Almost entirely clicker / shaping focused; also covers lures if needed.

[Jonathan Pevarnek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book walking through some of the foundational skills to teach a puppy. The authors do a good job diving into the reasons/science behind their recommendations.

[Megan Bergstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read

This book is a quick, easy read and is extremely helpful information for new puppy owners! I highly recommend for all family members to read.