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Train Your Dog Positively: Understand Your Dog and Solve Common Behavior Problems Including Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking, Aggression, Housetraining, Leash Pulling, and More!
Victoria Stilwell, the world's best-known positive reinforcement dog trainer and star of the hit Animal Planet TV show, It's Me or the Dog , explains how to use her force-free, scientifically-backed training methods to solve common canine behavior problems.In her third book, renowned dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell provides a comprehensive toolbox designed to help dog owners overcome the most persistent, annoying and dangerous behavior problems in their dogs. Far from being merely another dog training manual, however, it also serves as an easily accessible yet scientifically sound roadmap for understanding where our dogs come from, how they experience the world and what we need to teach them most effectively. Train Your DogPositively is the definitive must-read book for all dog lovers who are committed to giving their canine companion the best chance to succeed by harnessing the power of force-free training techniques.With this upbeat, proven guide, Victoria addresses the main problem behaviors that have dog owners wringing their hands in desperation, from submissive urination to separation anxiety to leash aggression to jumping up on visitors. Just like she does in her TV shows, Victoria helps owners actually change the way their dog thinks, feels, and learns. Using her time-tested and scientifically-backed brand of positive reinforcement training methodology, Stilwell not only helps us understand once and for all why outdated and dangerous punishment-based methods are so flawed, but also how and why to replace them with more effective and long-lasting positive solutions that create a bond between man and dog based on mutual trust, respect and love.Chapters Part I. The The Way Dogs Developed, How They Learn, and What We Need to Understand ThemPart II. Behavioral Training Solutions
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
268 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 9, 2013
I began reading Train Your Dog Positively on a plane, appreciating its well-written, scientifically backed explanation of dog psychology mixed with anecdotes about Stilwell's own dogs and client dogs.
On page 51, I had to nudge my boyfriend to take off his earphones and listen to this:
"When we pet a dog lovingly, for example, the warmth and happiness we feel comes from a release into the bloodstream of oxytocin — a “bonding” hormone that has a powerful effect on dogs and humans. Dr. Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg, a doctor and professor of physiology and a pioneer in the study of oxytocin, studied this hormone release by taking blood samples from dogs and their owners before and during a petting session. When owners stroked their dogs, they had a release of oxytocin similar to what mothers experience while nursing babies.
"Interestingly, petting also triggered a burst of oxytocin in the dogs themselves. Miho Nagasawah, of the Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology at Azabu University in Japan, showed that even eye contact between a dog and human causes an increase in oxytocin. This interaction between our two species has a powerful physiological effect on both of us, promoting feelings of love and attachment while lowering blood pressure and heart rate, soothing pain, and lessening stress."
Oh my god, yes. Forget eye contact, I feel releases of oxytocin just by saying my dogs’ names!
Cross-posted from http://karineumeyer.com/2013/08/28/se...
On page 51, I had to nudge my boyfriend to take off his earphones and listen to this:
"When we pet a dog lovingly, for example, the warmth and happiness we feel comes from a release into the bloodstream of oxytocin — a “bonding” hormone that has a powerful effect on dogs and humans. Dr. Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg, a doctor and professor of physiology and a pioneer in the study of oxytocin, studied this hormone release by taking blood samples from dogs and their owners before and during a petting session. When owners stroked their dogs, they had a release of oxytocin similar to what mothers experience while nursing babies.
"Interestingly, petting also triggered a burst of oxytocin in the dogs themselves. Miho Nagasawah, of the Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology at Azabu University in Japan, showed that even eye contact between a dog and human causes an increase in oxytocin. This interaction between our two species has a powerful physiological effect on both of us, promoting feelings of love and attachment while lowering blood pressure and heart rate, soothing pain, and lessening stress."
Oh my god, yes. Forget eye contact, I feel releases of oxytocin just by saying my dogs’ names!
Cross-posted from http://karineumeyer.com/2013/08/28/se...
April 20, 2019
A must read for anyone who has a dog or works with dogs. Stilwell outlines not only methods for solving behavioral problems, but explains the importance of addressing the underlying emotional issues or motivations for those behaviors. The book debunks the outdated training methods focusing on dominance and punitive measures, and instead makes the convincing case, both philosophically and backed by sound scientific research, that positive training leads to happier dogs and healthier human-canine relationships.
June 5, 2018
Stilwell makes it seem easy, but experience tells me otherwise. This book is nonetheless full of common sense and helpful hints.
August 14, 2018
Wonderful information, but mediocre writing with a flare for the dramatic. If the book is an accurate sample size, the author has saved more marriages than she can count at a roughly 2:1 ratio of dogs trained to marriages saved. That aside, the techniques seem to produce good results with my two pups, and training is way more fun. Highly recommend the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
Getting new puppy for the first time in about 19 years. Need to brush off puppy training and handling. Some good tips and information. Got this through BookBub link for 2.99 or less.
April 8, 2019
Great puppy training information. I don’t know if I’m up for this challenge, but the info is helping me try!
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January 6, 2021-i got this book hoping for help with my dogs leash reactivity
-it was a very small section, about 10 pages, most of which described negative consequences of an example dog where positive training had not been used. i did page thru the rest of the book but there wasnt anything i hadnt heard or read before.
-a more accurate explanation for a dogs aggressive behavior is that a dog that has not been taught how to function successfully in a domestic environment will behave the only way they know how. they may use aggression to control access to food, space, furniture, or other things that provide comfort or pleasure, but this is most likely done out of fear that they will lose access to these resources than because they want to be 'above' everyone else in the household.
-when a dog aggresses, he surpasses his threshold, causing his limbic system (the emotional brain) to take over as he prepares for fight or flight. when this occurs, the cerebral cortex (thinking brain) is inhibited, explaining why it is so hard to get a reactive dogs attention and encourage him to learn. while he is aggressing, he is incapable of rational thought.
-only when a dog is in a calmer state can he begin to learn again.
-the secret to successfully treating aggression is to never put your dog in a situation where he goes beyond his stress threshold.
-dr steven hamilton and dr karen overall found that dogs with aggression problems have levels of neurotransmitters and stress hormones similar to those of dogs that suffer from fear and anxiety.
-leash reactivity and aggression are exacerbated by a dog feeling restrained and unable to act naturally in social situations. in normal circumstances an unleashed dog could put space between himself and a fear source. but leashed, he is unable to increase distance. his only option is to react aggressively in the hope that the fear source will go away, bringing him profound relief.
-the more success he has with his aggressive display, the more he will use it in similar situations.
-teach the dog to look at and take cues from the owner, while gaining confidence in different environments.
-if a dog didnt have exposure to other dogs when they were young, they may not understand canine language which can put them on the defensive when then encounter another dog.
-not all dogs that lunge on the leash are necessarily displaying aggression - some are simply acting out of pure frustration. many dogs that are highly reactive on leash, but as soon as the leash relaxes or they have freedom, they greet other dogs and people appropriately and invite play.
-if you have a social yet frustrated dog, simply turn and walk him away from the source until he is calm and the leash is loose.
-the brains circuits for aggression are separate from those for play so playing with your dog near other dogs engages their play drive and shuts off any fear. ...(i'm not sure i buy into this one) gradually reduce the distance between the dogs while keeping your dog comfortable. if at any point they react negatively, quietly walk them away, wait until they're in a state that allows learning again, then repeat the process. this helps them associate the sight of other dogs wtih positive things.
-the key to changing the way a dog behaves is to change how they feel.
-it was a very small section, about 10 pages, most of which described negative consequences of an example dog where positive training had not been used. i did page thru the rest of the book but there wasnt anything i hadnt heard or read before.
-a more accurate explanation for a dogs aggressive behavior is that a dog that has not been taught how to function successfully in a domestic environment will behave the only way they know how. they may use aggression to control access to food, space, furniture, or other things that provide comfort or pleasure, but this is most likely done out of fear that they will lose access to these resources than because they want to be 'above' everyone else in the household.
-when a dog aggresses, he surpasses his threshold, causing his limbic system (the emotional brain) to take over as he prepares for fight or flight. when this occurs, the cerebral cortex (thinking brain) is inhibited, explaining why it is so hard to get a reactive dogs attention and encourage him to learn. while he is aggressing, he is incapable of rational thought.
-only when a dog is in a calmer state can he begin to learn again.
-the secret to successfully treating aggression is to never put your dog in a situation where he goes beyond his stress threshold.
-dr steven hamilton and dr karen overall found that dogs with aggression problems have levels of neurotransmitters and stress hormones similar to those of dogs that suffer from fear and anxiety.
-leash reactivity and aggression are exacerbated by a dog feeling restrained and unable to act naturally in social situations. in normal circumstances an unleashed dog could put space between himself and a fear source. but leashed, he is unable to increase distance. his only option is to react aggressively in the hope that the fear source will go away, bringing him profound relief.
-the more success he has with his aggressive display, the more he will use it in similar situations.
-teach the dog to look at and take cues from the owner, while gaining confidence in different environments.
-if a dog didnt have exposure to other dogs when they were young, they may not understand canine language which can put them on the defensive when then encounter another dog.
-not all dogs that lunge on the leash are necessarily displaying aggression - some are simply acting out of pure frustration. many dogs that are highly reactive on leash, but as soon as the leash relaxes or they have freedom, they greet other dogs and people appropriately and invite play.
-if you have a social yet frustrated dog, simply turn and walk him away from the source until he is calm and the leash is loose.
-the brains circuits for aggression are separate from those for play so playing with your dog near other dogs engages their play drive and shuts off any fear. ...(i'm not sure i buy into this one) gradually reduce the distance between the dogs while keeping your dog comfortable. if at any point they react negatively, quietly walk them away, wait until they're in a state that allows learning again, then repeat the process. this helps them associate the sight of other dogs wtih positive things.
-the key to changing the way a dog behaves is to change how they feel.
January 21, 2021
I only wish I had read this book years ago and not six years into owning a dog! Still, it's never to educate oneself about the relationship we have with our dog(s).
While I did enjoy reading this book cover to cover, some sections felt somewhat repetitive, at some point quite literally. For instance, Victoria mentions how chained-up dogs often end up as bait for dog fights several times throughout this book using the same wording. This makes the book seem like it's meant to be more of a reference book for someone to quickly flick through and get to the topic they are interested in and receive all relevant information without reading any of the preceding or succeeding chapters (which of course makes a lot of sense for a dog training book!).
Nevertheless, there is a lot of sense in what Victoria tells us here about dog training and I very much enjoyed seeing some of the cases from her TV show reappear in this book. There is a lot of theory mentioned in this book, which again makes sense because it helps us understand why dogs behave a certain way (or do not) and why positive and rewarding training methods should always be used instead of punitive ones.
While I did enjoy reading this book cover to cover, some sections felt somewhat repetitive, at some point quite literally. For instance, Victoria mentions how chained-up dogs often end up as bait for dog fights several times throughout this book using the same wording. This makes the book seem like it's meant to be more of a reference book for someone to quickly flick through and get to the topic they are interested in and receive all relevant information without reading any of the preceding or succeeding chapters (which of course makes a lot of sense for a dog training book!).
Nevertheless, there is a lot of sense in what Victoria tells us here about dog training and I very much enjoyed seeing some of the cases from her TV show reappear in this book. There is a lot of theory mentioned in this book, which again makes sense because it helps us understand why dogs behave a certain way (or do not) and why positive and rewarding training methods should always be used instead of punitive ones.
January 17, 2021
I checked this out of the library with a whole bunch of other dog training books. This one was the only one that felt right especially for my newly adopted puppy that I was trying to make fall in love with his forever home. I loved the ways Victoria helps me believe that I can teach through positivity only. If I am patient and consistent, my puppy can be taught and be obedient through relationship building techniques, rather than a domination mentality. I don't need shock collars and I don't need to force things like crating.. I can use desensitizing techniques that help the dog understand that I always come back, the crate is a good place, etc. I love that this book teaches about how dogs communicate their feelings to us. These were exactly what I was looking for in dog training. There was quite a bit in the book about refuting domination from which I felt a little scolded even though I already agreed. But overall, the book was entertaining, thorough and great at explaining techniques and creativity involved to teach a dog with positivity.
June 24, 2018
I had no idea until we got our puppy how much it is like having a newborn baby and then a hyperactive toddler in the house! The sleepless nights, the mayhem but more to the point the tonne of unwanted advice people give you! Being a dog novice I found it hard to sift through the internet advice but some of it I instinctively rejected. I chose a dog training school that sounded like it was driven by a genuine love of dogs and it was great way of starting me down the right track as they very much used a positive approach. Eventually I found my way to Victoria Stillwell and her books and it has made me feel a great sense of relief to realise I instinctively rejected advice that is infact potentially damaging.
September 11, 2018
zzzzzzzzzzz Huh! That was a Freudian slip! Still, it's apt. I liked Victoria Stilwell's TV show, "It's Me Or The Dog". I thought she showed herself to be a decent trainer with some good suggestions.
I cannot recommend this book, however. Too much effort is put into convincing the reader that other training methods are inhumane, ineffective, or brutal. There is no need to critique other training methods (after all, I am reading YOUR book), just lay out your plan and get on with it.
The descriptive library blurb says, in part, "now she's revealing her scientifically proven behavioral training secrets for you to use at home." Rubbish.
I cannot recommend this book, however. Too much effort is put into convincing the reader that other training methods are inhumane, ineffective, or brutal. There is no need to critique other training methods (after all, I am reading YOUR book), just lay out your plan and get on with it.
The descriptive library blurb says, in part, "now she's revealing her scientifically proven behavioral training secrets for you to use at home." Rubbish.
May 4, 2021
The intro really turned me off because Stilwell spent far too much time condemning other training methods - so much so that I almost put the book down! However, I did ended up finishing it and learned some helpful techniques. The biggest take away for me was realizing that "aggressive" dogs are often just fearful, and that to work with them you have to be very compassionate and take things slowly, easing them into their stressor inch by inch without overwhelming them to the point where they can't learn and their aggressive/defensive behaviour gets reinforced.
March 25, 2019
Positivity All The Way
I love this book and its concepts. Stilwell walks the reader through scenarios, encourages patience, and understanding the mind of a dog. Our canine companions deserve to have healthy, happy, relationships with their human families. This can be achieved through the de-bunking of dominance theory, and the encouragement of understanding how dogs communicate. I highly recommend this book.
I love this book and its concepts. Stilwell walks the reader through scenarios, encourages patience, and understanding the mind of a dog. Our canine companions deserve to have healthy, happy, relationships with their human families. This can be achieved through the de-bunking of dominance theory, and the encouragement of understanding how dogs communicate. I highly recommend this book.
October 21, 2022
It has lots of examples of her personal experiences and what she did in those cases to teach things to a dog. I feel that it gives hope to any dog owner that there is a solution to their problem out there. In each of the problems addressed it gave realistic expectations of how long it would take to curb the behavior or eliminate it. It went over that a dog is not trying to be in charge they are just being impulsive as most animals are.
April 1, 2024
New to training a puppy... This has interesting for for thought, especially for the older dog owner who hasn't heard much about this "positive" approach to dog training. Like raising kids, seems the best approach is to spend a good bit of time developing knowledge of, and relationship with, the subject... Then use as much as positive/punitive as required to get them to understand how they'll live their best life with you in your home.
October 31, 2017
Pretty good. I think I am looking for more of a "how to" with steps but this was still worth the read. I respect V. Stilwell's explanation of dog behavior and feel like it helps me with my pup. There is an obvious difference in how my pup behaves when I am patient and positive with her vs when I am impatient.
May 12, 2022
A little disappointing at the end when the section on controlling barking was so short with only one example. The book also got really repetitive with the author constantly telling us that punishment is bad throughout the whole book. Otherwise I did really like how straightforward the book was with it's information.
March 31, 2023
I needed a book like this, most of the conditions she talks about my dog is ok. She spends quite a bit of time taking about various conditions and issues with dogs. But at the end what worked for me was the need for patience and training, which will come handy as this is a forever endeavor of training for a dog owner.
April 30, 2021
I already knew a lot of this from my glut of research on dog training, but it's really valuable information and broken down into a comprehensive way that works as an intro to dog psychology. It isn't as much of a step-by-step as I was hoping for, but it was still really good.
September 21, 2021
Must read for dog owners. The dog is your friend, and most loyal mate, is always there for you. - that's when the training is successful and you give your dog your time and stimulus. EG off lead walking every day.
April 24, 2022
It’s a good book, but it wasn’t great for what I was looking for....
Victoria Stilwell does a lot for the Positive Reinforcement community. This was more of a “discussion” book rather than a training book.
Victoria Stilwell does a lot for the Positive Reinforcement community. This was more of a “discussion” book rather than a training book.
May 23, 2017
Great Information
This book outlines so many aspects of building a relationship with your dog, not just making them do things you ask.
This book outlines so many aspects of building a relationship with your dog, not just making them do things you ask.
October 15, 2017
Simple, kind, deals with basic training as well as problem-solving. Helped me understand the dog's point of view.
November 13, 2017
Excellent book for training dogs based on science and compassion. I highly recommend this one for anyone training a puppy or trying to train and adult dog, heck, any dog.
March 4, 2018
Great information, and love the idea of using positivity and positive reinforcement to train your new family member!
January 26, 2019
Very basic
The training in this book is very basic . It really does not address the issues for a very active dog . Unless you are new to training, skip this one
The training in this book is very basic . It really does not address the issues for a very active dog . Unless you are new to training, skip this one
March 1, 2019
Excellent. Clear, no nonsense advice for dog owners
November 16, 2020
A great introduction to positive training methods.
December 6, 2020
Very little practical advice. Finally at 80 percent into the book, I found useful training guidance. The bulk of the book felt like self promotion. Better dog training books out there.
March 19, 2021
Very helpful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews