Motivation

by Denise Fenzi, Deborah Jones

In this second book in the "Dog Sports Skills" series, Authors Denise Fenzi and Deb Jones take an in-depth look at the topic of motivation. They talk about what motivation is, and what it is not, along with an illuminating discussion of how a dog is unique in the animal world, and how educated trainers can use that to maximum advantage. They consider a range of options for motivating our dogs, and how a trainer can raise or lower the value of specific motivators to get the exact training effect that may be desired at a given time. Temperament is discussed as it relates to issues of motivation to help the reader understand the strong interplay between temperament, motivation and training decisions.

In addition to explaining how to use motivators in training, this book provides specific information on how to reduce their use so that you can eventually get into the competition ring!

Finally, they provide case studies - lots of them! The purpose of the case studies is both to cement what the reader has learned in the first chapters and also to help the reader understand how to analyze specific situations and make a plan to apply the concepts.

A student who reads both this book and the first book in the series will begin to develop a deeper understanding of the author's underlying philosophy and approach. Each book is more than a stand-alone resource; they are pieces of a puzzle that will eventually weave into a tapestry of concepts, thoughts and applications that create both excellence in training and a very deep respect and understanding for another living being.
This book was released August, 2104 and can be purchased within the US at:

www.thedogathlete.com. For international orders, please go to the same website and read through the international options for purchase.

Special note: This book won the prestigious Maxwell award for Book of the Year in the Category of Behavior and Training - 2014.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction

154 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

Denise Fenzi has competed in a wide range of dog sports – titling dogs in obedience (AKC and UKC), tracking (AKC and schutzhund), schutzhund (USA), mondioring (MRSA), herding (AKC), conformation(AKC) and agility (AKC). She is best known for her flashy and precise obedience work – demonstrated by two AKC OTCH dogs and perfect scores in both schutzhund and Mondio ringsport obedience.

While a successful competitor, Denise's real passion lies in training dogs; solving the problems that her own dogs and her student’s dogs present. She is a recognized expert in developing drive, motivation and focus in competition dogs, and is known internationally as an engaging speaker and an expert in no force training for sport dogs. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to train and compete with dogs using motivational methods in sports where compulsion is the norm.

In addition to training and speaking, Denise is a prolific writer. You can find her at www.denisefenzi.com where she maintains an active blog on all things related to dog training. She is also an active writer on facebook; add her as a friend or follow her there to learn more about her range of interests in addition to dog training. Finally, she recently wrote her first book with co-author, Deb Jones. That book, Dog Sports Skills Book 1: Developing Engagement and Relationship, was awarded the Dog Writers of Amercica "Book of the Year" for Behavior and Training, 2013. The second book in that series is currently being prepared for publication.

Denise thoughtfully and persistently works to break down the barriers that prevent people from obtaining a truly interactive and mutually enjoyable sport relationship with their dogs. Fenzi Academy is the culmination of her efforts; a forward step in providing progressive information to any trainer who wishes to learn.

To learn more about Denise's on-line dog training school, visit www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com

Reviews

[Aušrinė Jančauskaitė · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess this was less basic than the first one, but its still more suitable for beginners and amateurs. The tips are good, but some are outdated and produce slow results (like the one about a Labrador and cookie in the crate, there are many better ways to teach a dog impulse control and to show importance of the trainer)

Overall not a bad book, you can take lots of good insights and build a good working-sport dog trainer mindset. But if you are already in this world for a while, could be a bit boring.

[Rebecca Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot begin to describe how much this series of books is helping me grow as a trainer. I have a 4-year-old pet cattle dog we are turning into a working SAR K9 and these books have helped me evaluate my own strengths and weaknesses as his trainer and given me concrete ways to improve.

Thank you!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most helpful and most important books on dog training, this is a Must read for any serious dog sports competitor. Fenzi and Jones integrate the science and art of dog training into a book that is easy to understand, but sophisticated and quite advanced in the information conveyed.