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Zak George's Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog: Proven Solutions to the Most Common Training Problems for All Ages, Breeds, and Mixes
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224 pages, Spiral-bound
Published July 9, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 12, 2019
After reading The Art of Raising a Puppy, I would describe Zak George’s training approach as the slow, ethical alternative. I appreciate Zak’s message about inside out training, as opposed to outside in—training that teaches a dog to think and choose to act a certain way, rather than training that forces a dog to act a certain way. He gives very thorough information on teaching basic obedience skills and how to break these lessons into tiny steps that will build the dog’s ability to concentrate and perform. I have been passively watching and studying dog trainers and their different approaches for a while, but many aspects of his methodology were new to me. His Youtube videos are a great complement (though there is a lot of repetition, so his longtime followers might not feel this book is as revolutionary as I did), showing exactly how he creates his “primary” (controlled setting) and “secondary” (mimics a real-life scenario) training sessions to truly train a dog from the inside out.
This guide made sense to me, and I definitely felt the author’s approach was much more humane than shock collars, prong collars, slip collars, leash snapping, and alpha rolls.
My only concern is that this method sounds like it takes a fair bit of time, and Zak encourages the reader not to rush training and not to expect a well-behaved, free ranging dog before a year or more of thorough training. I found that almost discouraging. According to the author, a solid game of fetch might take *three months* to teach. The kind of training Zak recommends seems impractical for many people who might not want to devote a year of their lives to teaching sit, stay, and watch-me before they can enjoy a dog park. Nearly all of his solutions to behavioral problems involve going back to the basic steps of obedience & socialization. I’m not sure if this is what makes Zak’s approach great, or if this is its pitfall. I guess I will find out when I have a chance to try out Zak’s methods on my dog!
This guide made sense to me, and I definitely felt the author’s approach was much more humane than shock collars, prong collars, slip collars, leash snapping, and alpha rolls.
My only concern is that this method sounds like it takes a fair bit of time, and Zak encourages the reader not to rush training and not to expect a well-behaved, free ranging dog before a year or more of thorough training. I found that almost discouraging. According to the author, a solid game of fetch might take *three months* to teach. The kind of training Zak recommends seems impractical for many people who might not want to devote a year of their lives to teaching sit, stay, and watch-me before they can enjoy a dog park. Nearly all of his solutions to behavioral problems involve going back to the basic steps of obedience & socialization. I’m not sure if this is what makes Zak’s approach great, or if this is its pitfall. I guess I will find out when I have a chance to try out Zak’s methods on my dog!
June 10, 2021
I have just gotten a new puppy and needed to refresh my skills in raising a fur child (my oldest one is 9). I read countless articles and watched multiple videos, but I couldn’t be happier that I came across this book! First of all, it promotes positive, ethical methods instead of dominance methods which are obsolete and of which I personally strongly disapprove from a purely moral point of view. It’s written in a clear, accessible manner which not only gives you tools for raising a well-behaved dog but helps you understand the psychology behind certain issues and how to better address them. It’s basically a step-by-step training guide which will teach you how to teach your dog everything starting with such basic commands like sit and stay to more complicated stuff, such as desensitizing your pup to certain fears such as fireworks, other dogs and people, and - what’s most important - help you create a strong bond with your dog for the rest of your lives together. A must-read for all dog lovers!
April 24, 2020
He is quite idealistic. E.g. Aggressive behavior chapter doesn't have any advice if aggression is towards you.
January 22, 2021
**Audiobook**
My partner and I recently added a labradoodle puppy to our family, and this was the #1 most-recommended dog training resource by any friends with dogs of their own. This book focuses exclusively on training (whereas Zak's other books, which we also own, addresses general care in addition to training), and we learned so many tips that we are eager to put into practice. I like that Zak focuses on positive reinforcement and "inside-out" training — that is, shaping behavior around what dogs are naturally inclined to want to do. Zak covers everything from basic commands to leash training and keeping your dog focused in unfamiliar settings, which will all be important for raising our pup in a busy city neighborhood. I'm so glad we discovered Zak right from the start, but I would recommend this book for owners and dogs of any age!
My partner and I recently added a labradoodle puppy to our family, and this was the #1 most-recommended dog training resource by any friends with dogs of their own. This book focuses exclusively on training (whereas Zak's other books, which we also own, addresses general care in addition to training), and we learned so many tips that we are eager to put into practice. I like that Zak focuses on positive reinforcement and "inside-out" training — that is, shaping behavior around what dogs are naturally inclined to want to do. Zak covers everything from basic commands to leash training and keeping your dog focused in unfamiliar settings, which will all be important for raising our pup in a busy city neighborhood. I'm so glad we discovered Zak right from the start, but I would recommend this book for owners and dogs of any age!
December 1, 2023
Plenty of great tips to help with dog training! We've got a new, 6 month old, rescue on Thursday, and a lot of the tips and tricks worked really well for him!
I especially love how it's positive reinforcement method, so rewarding all the things you like instead of punishing "wrong" behaviour.
I especially love how it's positive reinforcement method, so rewarding all the things you like instead of punishing "wrong" behaviour.
September 19, 2021
I can't speak to how much of this guide overlaps with his first book, but I do know that I love Zak George and his positive, ethical approach to training! We have found his videos and this book extremely helpful in learning to teach our literal 60 pound puppy.
June 14, 2021
Great book. Pratical and smart. I suggest it to everybody, who had a dog already (like me), and who didn't.
August 3, 2019
I love Zak, but I think I learned more from his Youtube videos and his first book from this one. This one mostly feels like repeated information from his last book.
But I mean, it's still great information, so there's that.
But I mean, it's still great information, so there's that.
March 27, 2021
Overall helpful and enjoyed the formulaic approach. Each chapter addressed a separate training issue that started from basic to complex as the book progressed. Within each chapter the organization followed the pattern: why is this behavior occurring, how can the dog be in a best place to avoid the issue, what basic learning strategies will be most useful (sit, look at me, stay), and how to specifically train for the behavior in primary, “surprise primary,” and secondary training environments.
All training was 100% positive, and the take-home is to 1) wear your dog out by exercise in the morning, preferably be teaching fetch, 2) reward rate should match learning level- early and often for new behaviors, intermittent for learned behaviors to keep things spicy, 3) dogs in a pack need to be trained individually 4) to learn a new behavior it will take weeks-months of persistence. Set backs are normal 5) establishing a good bond with the dog is key, with your trust any behavior can eventually be learned.
Zack read the book so it was quirky and light. He mentioned plenty of his YouTube videos that will serve as helpful reminders. Listening to the book was useful and worthwhile, but navigating to specific chapters is key for future use.
All training was 100% positive, and the take-home is to 1) wear your dog out by exercise in the morning, preferably be teaching fetch, 2) reward rate should match learning level- early and often for new behaviors, intermittent for learned behaviors to keep things spicy, 3) dogs in a pack need to be trained individually 4) to learn a new behavior it will take weeks-months of persistence. Set backs are normal 5) establishing a good bond with the dog is key, with your trust any behavior can eventually be learned.
Zack read the book so it was quirky and light. He mentioned plenty of his YouTube videos that will serve as helpful reminders. Listening to the book was useful and worthwhile, but navigating to specific chapters is key for future use.
June 23, 2020
- it is clear Zak George knows about Cesar Millan and disagree with his method, lots of reference to why dominance doesn’t work and references to Cesar’s view on never letting your dog out first and claim the space
- having said that, I think they are more aligned then they realised, because some of their fundamentals are similar
- so far I found this book more informative because I like to know the ‘why’s before I know the ‘how’s
- I like that this is broken down by each issue, easy to reference
- I don’t mind the constant reference to his YouTube video, which is a criticism for his first book, with many people saying ‘just watch YouTube’. Because as I said, I like to know why, then how, then reinforce it with a visual guide from YouTube. I guess this depends on your learning preference. Plus I don’t mind the lack of pics, since, again, can watch it on YouTube
- I do appreciate that he is debunking the ‘quick fix’ that is on offer in training community, I have always been skeptical about learning something new in 30 days etc. I’ve never learned a language in 30 days, and for dogs to understand our command it is like learning a whole new language to them. So I can appreciate him setting my expectations appropriately
- having said that, it is clear Zak expects a lot of commitment from you to train the dog. The biggest of which is time and energy. Not everyone can adhere with that standard. Then again, maybe that means you should either get a low energy dog or none at all...?
- Zak’s enthusiastic ‘energy’ (damn you Cesar) really comes through with the book. I wouldn’t want to have this on Audible because it is a bit too hyper for me. But you can tell he is passionate about this
- the part that I am not so clear on is are dogs similar to wolves or not. At the start Zak made some compelling arguments that dogs are so domesticated they bear no resemblance to wolves. Then we go into chapters regarding eating their own poop and suddenly this is a trait from their wolf genes. It seems like a minor point except this is what drives the difference between Cesar and Zak’s training, since wolves do discipline their offsprings. So are they still sharing traits with wolves or not?
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I have skim read the rest of the trouble shooting chapters as they are more applicable once I get my dog. For now they look like useful advice, but I suppose the real test will be how well the pup behave once I try the methods.
I do believe pups are what we teach it, somewhat like children. Although if it is a very naughty pup I will end up having to blame myself as Zak repeatedly tells us it is our responsibility and imply that if his methods don't work it is because we are rushing it or not doing it well enough.
Feels a bit like a diet book that blames the dieter for not sticking to a regime that might be nigh on impossible...
Having said all that, I am definitely a convert.
- having said that, I think they are more aligned then they realised, because some of their fundamentals are similar
- so far I found this book more informative because I like to know the ‘why’s before I know the ‘how’s
- I like that this is broken down by each issue, easy to reference
- I don’t mind the constant reference to his YouTube video, which is a criticism for his first book, with many people saying ‘just watch YouTube’. Because as I said, I like to know why, then how, then reinforce it with a visual guide from YouTube. I guess this depends on your learning preference. Plus I don’t mind the lack of pics, since, again, can watch it on YouTube
- I do appreciate that he is debunking the ‘quick fix’ that is on offer in training community, I have always been skeptical about learning something new in 30 days etc. I’ve never learned a language in 30 days, and for dogs to understand our command it is like learning a whole new language to them. So I can appreciate him setting my expectations appropriately
- having said that, it is clear Zak expects a lot of commitment from you to train the dog. The biggest of which is time and energy. Not everyone can adhere with that standard. Then again, maybe that means you should either get a low energy dog or none at all...?
- Zak’s enthusiastic ‘energy’ (damn you Cesar) really comes through with the book. I wouldn’t want to have this on Audible because it is a bit too hyper for me. But you can tell he is passionate about this
- the part that I am not so clear on is are dogs similar to wolves or not. At the start Zak made some compelling arguments that dogs are so domesticated they bear no resemblance to wolves. Then we go into chapters regarding eating their own poop and suddenly this is a trait from their wolf genes. It seems like a minor point except this is what drives the difference between Cesar and Zak’s training, since wolves do discipline their offsprings. So are they still sharing traits with wolves or not?
-----
I have skim read the rest of the trouble shooting chapters as they are more applicable once I get my dog. For now they look like useful advice, but I suppose the real test will be how well the pup behave once I try the methods.
I do believe pups are what we teach it, somewhat like children. Although if it is a very naughty pup I will end up having to blame myself as Zak repeatedly tells us it is our responsibility and imply that if his methods don't work it is because we are rushing it or not doing it well enough.
Feels a bit like a diet book that blames the dieter for not sticking to a regime that might be nigh on impossible...
Having said all that, I am definitely a convert.
March 10, 2021
I’ve read both Zak George’s books now. Both are easy reads, and once you tune into his method, it’s easy to follow and even anticipate the advice. His optimism that most problems are fixable (given considerable commitment of time and effort!) is infectious.
However, a little like watching his videos, the underlying theory as to what makes his methods work is left rather implicit (though less so than with his first book). He is such a natural animal trainer and I think this leads him to omit explanation of important elements such as timing, and care not to reinforce the wrong behaviours (e.g. by endlessly repeating a verbal cue, thus conditioning only an intermittent response at best to ever more exasperated instructions!). He is unconsciously competent in these aspects and leaves behind those of us who are all too conscious of their incompetence!
The books I’ve read by jean Donaldson and Sophia Yin (especially ‘How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves’) are better at explaining conditioning theory. I suspect unpicking the important ingredients and then executing the advice very carefully would be necessary to achieve the success that Zak George so confidently expects.
However, a little like watching his videos, the underlying theory as to what makes his methods work is left rather implicit (though less so than with his first book). He is such a natural animal trainer and I think this leads him to omit explanation of important elements such as timing, and care not to reinforce the wrong behaviours (e.g. by endlessly repeating a verbal cue, thus conditioning only an intermittent response at best to ever more exasperated instructions!). He is unconsciously competent in these aspects and leaves behind those of us who are all too conscious of their incompetence!
The books I’ve read by jean Donaldson and Sophia Yin (especially ‘How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves’) are better at explaining conditioning theory. I suspect unpicking the important ingredients and then executing the advice very carefully would be necessary to achieve the success that Zak George so confidently expects.
January 10, 2020
I really enjoyed listening to this audible book. I came across Zak's training methods from random youtube videos searching. So far I have found his way of teaching dogs not to pulling leash most effective compared with other training methods such as Cesar's slip lead method. I have noticed my extremely prone to pulling westie starting not pulling the leash, walking right beside me (heeling it is!) and paying attention to me. Overall this is a great book to read/listen if you really would like to build a positive relationship with your dogs while training him/her at the same time. I think Zak's dog training method is solid because it really not only teaches a dog to behave but also teaches him/her to think. The training period may be longer following Zak's methods, but you will find that everything just worth it.
No more shock collar, prong collar or any other collars that cause your dogs to feel pain, please! CAUSING YOUR DOGS TO FEEL PAIN IS NOT THE PURPOSE OF DOG TRAINING.
No more shock collar, prong collar or any other collars that cause your dogs to feel pain, please! CAUSING YOUR DOGS TO FEEL PAIN IS NOT THE PURPOSE OF DOG TRAINING.
July 24, 2022
Great quick reference book to the teachings of Zak George's training method. While there are step by step guides to addressing undesirable behaviors as well as a brief outline as to why our canine companions behave in such manners there is some desire for more information. The brief nature of the book is, I believe, by design making it a quick read and jumping in point for all common issues and the beginning of training your pet.
You will not get every nuanced bit of information that goes into training your dog, but you will get a plan to start training and helping your dog with undesirable behavior. Just following the book would be enough to have a well trained and adjusted dog, I believe. Zak stresses that these are not quick fixes and really helps manage your expectations on training times. All dogs are different, which he emphasizes.
Great positive reinforcement reference guide. You could certainly read this and start training your dog in a happy, friendly, and healthy manner.
You will not get every nuanced bit of information that goes into training your dog, but you will get a plan to start training and helping your dog with undesirable behavior. Just following the book would be enough to have a well trained and adjusted dog, I believe. Zak stresses that these are not quick fixes and really helps manage your expectations on training times. All dogs are different, which he emphasizes.
Great positive reinforcement reference guide. You could certainly read this and start training your dog in a happy, friendly, and healthy manner.
October 12, 2020
We have had our puppy for 3.5 months now, and I have now read both of Zak George's books. I highly highly recommend reading both. His training is working very very well for my wife and I, and the biggest thing I'd say about actually reading the books versus watching the videos is that it really teaches you how to think about your relationship with your dog, and the theory of training across a variety of topics, as in, how to train in small increments, or steps, and how to gradually change 1 variable at a time, to make progress in different environments and situations. I am excited to continue using Zak George's training methodology, and to continue learning as a dog owner.
You're the man Zak!
You're the man Zak!
June 20, 2020
I got a ton out of the first book in this series Zak George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love without watching the frequently referenced YouTube videos. This book, however, felt much more reliant on sending you to videos to truly understand the content. I really like George's overall training style and enthusiasm, though, so I'll give it 4 stars.
October 12, 2020
Out of the several dog training books I've read recently this is probably the most overall useful. This combined with Zak's Youtube channel I think are the best online resources when it comes to training a new puppy/dog. I appreciated the step-by-step breakdown of how to train or counter condition to prevent or correct behavioural issues. I wish there was more on crate training and teaching a puppy to be comfortable alone (as that's what I'm currently having the most difficulty with). There is no quick fixes in this book. Zak's positive reinforcement "inside out" training approach requires incredible levels of patience and constant repetition and consistency over long amounts of time.
August 19, 2019
3.5 stars.
I began reading this one before his Dog Training Revolution (DTR) book. Since I'm preparing for life with a puppy, and don't know what, if any, her training problems will be, I switched to Zak's other title. That one is much more helpful for new puppy owners, and I found it quite useful.
This book contains much of the same information he presents in the DTR title, though he expounds upon training issues. I like the advice and how Zak gives it, though I will wait on reading more of this until and unless I have a specific training issue.
I began reading this one before his Dog Training Revolution (DTR) book. Since I'm preparing for life with a puppy, and don't know what, if any, her training problems will be, I switched to Zak's other title. That one is much more helpful for new puppy owners, and I found it quite useful.
This book contains much of the same information he presents in the DTR title, though he expounds upon training issues. I like the advice and how Zak gives it, though I will wait on reading more of this until and unless I have a specific training issue.
January 11, 2021
3.5 stars.I got tired of hearing how playing fetch and exercise could help with all sorts of behavioural issues. It's pretty impossible to play fetch for 30 min a day when you live in an apartment without a yard. Also, the advice would probably work with puppies or older dogs without serious issues, but not for rescue dogs like mine or dogs that are not food or play motivated. Also, the author kept referring to his YouTube videos. I felt like I should just go to his YouTube channel instead of spending the time to listen to the audio book.
July 29, 2021
Having read his first book, and only having a new puppy, I found much of this book repeating stuff from the first book and/or not really relevant to my situation. I think it will be a great reference tool if we come across some of the other behaviours mentioned here, but I think for new puppy owners, I'd recommend sticking with his first book and YouTube videos rather than reading this one as well. This book feels like it would be more appropriate for anyone adopting an older dog with some training modification required.
October 23, 2024
I can't testify to the effectiveness of the methods that Zak George promotes in this book, because I haven't had time to put them into practice. But I can say that Zak instills a sense of hope through his words that we don't have to just endure a dog's bad behaviors. Through work and dedication we can help our dogs to behave well. I can't wait to try a few of his suggestions. The book is readable with solid steps to follow along with suggestions to look for his YouTube channel with more video assistance. Four stars.
August 25, 2019
Exceptionally written with a relatable, easy to read format. Anyone who has a dog can pick this book and either skim for the contents that they are looking for or read from start to finish. Tricks and behaviors are easy to understand and practice. The book itself is very insighful when it comes to understanding dogs and their psychology. While the book is upbeat, it's also realistic and promises results only if dog owners are responsible and consistent.
April 7, 2021
I found this book to be very helpful and informative.
Zak sections off the book into the basics and issues. The basics are used with trying to help with issues, such as barking. He explains why dogs might do certain things and would even cite studies. He also broke down the training into steps and explained thoroughly so it would be easy to understand and follow.
Initially, I picked up this book since I thought it might have a section on crate training (as I’m crate training my puppy of 9 months and was looking for a way to make it easier on him). Even though I didn’t find what I was looking for in the book, I found it useful for addressing other issues, like separation anxiety.
I feel like I should’ve picked up the book when my pup was younger, but I found it helpful nonetheless.
Zak sections off the book into the basics and issues. The basics are used with trying to help with issues, such as barking. He explains why dogs might do certain things and would even cite studies. He also broke down the training into steps and explained thoroughly so it would be easy to understand and follow.
Initially, I picked up this book since I thought it might have a section on crate training (as I’m crate training my puppy of 9 months and was looking for a way to make it easier on him). Even though I didn’t find what I was looking for in the book, I found it useful for addressing other issues, like separation anxiety.
I feel like I should’ve picked up the book when my pup was younger, but I found it helpful nonetheless.
April 26, 2021
There was nothing really wrong with this book, it just didn't work for me in this format. There's a lot of interesting information on dog training, but the step-by-step instructions aren't practical for me personally when trying to train my dog. I can't always visualize what exactly I'm supposed to do. I will definitely check out his YouTube videos, because I like his attitude towards dog training. If you are somebody who is better at visualizing that I am, this may be the perfect book for you.
February 28, 2022
Very helpful read about dog training, starting with the basics, the most essential commands, and then issues by chapter - i.e. chewing, pulling on leash, potty training issues. Each chapter has step by step training directions, as well as names of specific Zak George dog training videos on Youtube. I wanted to read this book because I like his positive (rewards/praise based) training, and I plan to try some of the ideas with my new rescue dog.
January 30, 2020
Really enjoyed it, had our new puppy for 2 weeks now and just reading all the good advice has made me feel alot more confident about training and feel like I have more realistic expectations of ages and stages too. Will keep referring back to all the training tips as we need to work through different issues.
June 12, 2020
Zak’s approach to training is much what you hear today. Simply put exercise em and feed em. There are definitely some good tips and tricks, however, he is definitely more impactful on YouTube. In the book I had a difficult visualizing what he was talking about and would have loved some pictures to break up the monotony.
February 15, 2021
The best dog trainer ever!
The second Zak George’ book dwell into particularities of dog training, which is very helpful. I have read this book in full and now intend to use it as a reminder of proper techniques. Well-detailed step-by-step author’ instructions help ver much. Thanks a lot for the dogs training revolution!
The second Zak George’ book dwell into particularities of dog training, which is very helpful. I have read this book in full and now intend to use it as a reminder of proper techniques. Well-detailed step-by-step author’ instructions help ver much. Thanks a lot for the dogs training revolution!
October 29, 2022
Extremely helpful read when we are first having our puppy. The information to start training a certain trick and to troubleshoot training are so helpful, I’ve got plenty of pages marked to return to. Having read two other books and one by George, this one has the most concise training tips and actually spells out the different steps to teach these skills.
April 25, 2024
This is the second book by Zak that I have listened to. Because of that, a lot of the information was rudimentary and I have progressed passed it as a trainer. He remains staunchly positive-reinforcement absolutist. While I prefer a more nuance, him reading the audiobook does instill a level of "you can do it." I would recommend this for new owners.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews