Dog Tricks and Agility For Dummies

by Sarah Hodgson

The fun and easy way to teach a dog new tricks Dog Tricks & Agility For Dummies (previously titled Dog Tricks For Dummies ) makes trick and agility training fun for both you and your dog. You will learn to teach simple tricks, like tail wagging or barking on command to more complex tricks like fetching keys, your dog's dinner bowl, or the laundry. This hands-on guide provides the lowdown on the coolest dog tricks and offers expanded coverage on infusing the thrill of agility (whether for fun or competition) into your dog's life.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Zuzka Jakúbková]

Thorough guide to dog tricks and dog agility disciplines. Book gives very detailed description for each trick/disciplines. However, it focuses a bit too much on the force training.

[Johanna]

Meh...came to the book for agility training tips but was very put off by some of the training advice. The author touts rewards-based training/clicker training throughout the book, but also recommends leash pops, sprays, shaker cans, and other aversives, along with seriously outdated pack theory silliness, suggesting things like having your dog out in front of you will make it think it has to protect you (but then goes on to show you how to teach your dog to go out in front of you for agility), or that by having a dog sit before entering or leaving a vehicle will prevent reactive barking (😂). With that said, a lot of the training advice IS rewards-based and scientifically sound, and it does provide a great source of info for "getting your toes wet" in various dog sports. Over all, it's a bit of a mixed bag for me, which is why I give it 3*s.

[Tom]

This is the first book I can remember that I did not complete reading. I would have given it one star, but because I did not finish reading it, I assumed that it got better. The author does state that you might find this book better if you do not read it sequentially, and she is probably correct. I did read it chapter by chapter and found it boring and repetitive. I made it four chapters before my dog broke out of her cage one night and ate the book. Normally, I would be upset, but in this case, I was grateful.

If you want to teach your dog tricks save your money and search on YouTube. You will find it easier, cheaper, and more rewarding.

[Terri]

Quite a good book for dog owners. I've had my dog in agility training for years, but got this book for tips on other tricks. Am very interested in trying out the "Shhh" to stop barking at visitors. Of course, the Dummy books are easy to read, and understand, and that's all the better. If I can understand what's going on, then maybe I can communicate it to my dog.

[Shelly]

What a great all around useful and effective tool for enjoying your dog and being active with them. My boxers are learning in leaps and bounds. I really appreciate the dog's perspective that she gives, it really helps in keeping your patience.

[Thurston]

Fun, insightful and practical.
Could have used more pics/diagrams