How To Raise The Perfect Dog: Everything you need to know from puppyhood to adolescence and beyond

by Adam Spivey, Evan Norfolk

Change your life with Southend Dog Training's no b*llsh*t advice.

Getting a dog is a massive step. The first twelve months or so of a dog's life are the hardest work, but Southend Dog Training founder Adam Spivey can help. In this book, he teaches you everything you need to know to understand your dog and help you both thrive.

Adam says: My simple, straight-talking approach takes all the nonsense out of dog training and puts your dog at the centre of everything you do. You'll hear me say again and again that I like to train the dog that's in front of me, not follow a set of rules or guidelines that might not even apply to your puppy, and that's what you'll find here. Because for me, the dog always comes first.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals

106 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2023

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following Southend Dog Training on instagram for a while and I really like their no-nonsense approach. This book really focuses on training throughout the first year of a puppy's life, so I will re-read in years to come, when a new puppy is in the plans. For now, I have a reactive three-year-old rescue who has benefitted greatly from set routines. I do need to get off my ass and pick up training again though... But Adam has (through instagram and not this book) taught me the steps that come after so called "positive reinforcement" - two local trainers taught me to reward my dog every time he looks at another dog, but never said that at some point the reward needs to be delayed to when my dog looks away and up at me instead. I truly feel like that type of training set my dog and I up for failure, and we are still trying to undo the damage. Confidence and advocating for my insecure dog is key, and exactly what Adam teaches.

[Emily St Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will see how following these methods works in practice! I appreciate the clear directions/input given and will definitely consult this again when training and bringing home my pup

[Reese Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hilarious, accomplished exactly what I needed it to (basic dog training tips), and contained lots of resources I will be coming back to! Listening to the audiobook version read by a british guy cussing every other word was just icing on the cake haha!

[Klare · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great starting guide to having a dog.

[Angelica Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise and easy to understand. A must read for any dog owner.

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Raise the Perfect Dog: Everything you need to know from puppyhood and beyond.
Doggie Language
101 Dog Tricks
Brain Teasers for Dogs
Adam Spivey
While a dog is constantly learning and adapting the first year of his life is the most important when it comes to training. However, it is never too late to begin training your dog. A dog will respond to positive reinforcement much better than a scolding. Some dogs are easier to train than others but that is usually the fault of the owner. A dog wants to please his owner. He wants an owner that will lead. It is unfortunate that some owners have not learned that concept and the dog end up being the leader. Even small dogs must be trained. There are certain behaviors that small dogs are allowed to get away with because they are small again I cannot stress enough the owner must lead or the dog will.
Author Adam Spivey offers advice to dog owners. As a dog owner we should be consistent in our relationship with our 4-legged children. Our language and our body language must be concise. A dog must be mentally challenged.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone who is in the process of welcoming a puppy into their home. It would be more beneficial to read this before you actually have one and so many helpful tips to get you prepared and start off the best way.

I love the no nonsense approach and straight talking - typical Adam :)

The book is easy to follow and covers lots of different topics such as sleep, crate training, dietary advice etc etc.

I've had puppies before, but a long time ago, so wanted a refresh and get some guidance from a professional and that's exactly what I got. I'm happy to say I've followed a lot of the recommendations (not all, may I add) and the advice has really helped with my puppy settling in his new home.

Highly recommend.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Raise the Perfect Dog is a gem for dog owners. Spivey's guide is like a breath of fresh air, cutting through training complexities with practical and heart-centered advice. It's concise, interesting, and delivered in a conversational tone. From choosing the right breed to bedtime routines, it covers all the essentials. Spivey's emphasis on understanding your specific dog, not generic rules, sets this guide apart. It's a game-changer, offering insights that resonate with both seasoned and first-time dog owners. A must-have manual that speaks directly to the heart of canine companionship.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing guide

I've had dogs all my life and when I finally got my akita I thought I knew everything I needed too (how wrong I was) she was never a problem dog but there was definitely room for improvement. I now have a staffie and im bringing home a rottie puppy, after watching alot SDT videos on tiktok, I thought I'd read the book. I'm abit like a kid in school as I've made notes but I'm feeling as confident I can be that by following Adams steps, this pup will hopefully be a dream dog 😊 the book includes literally everything you need for the basics of training.

[Samantha Quan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reassuringly helpful!

I started training my French Bulldog pup from the day we brought him home. People have said again and again how stubborn and disobedient Frenchies are…I swore to myself I would prove them wrong. Since training a puppy is challenging, I doubted myself a lot, even though I have done it all before and I have seen my puppy change for the better right before my eyes. When got this book, it helped calm my doubts and set in stone the right way to train without fault. Thanks for your dedication and love Adam!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've found that it always helps to reaffirm the knowledge we've all been taught along the way. Adam's book Is good common sense training and proves quite helpful for training new puppies as well as brushing up on the skills of older pups as well. Most importantly, it gives the reader the necessary confidence when working with their dog.

I'll keep this as a solid resource and also happily recommend it to others.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Cassie Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and sharp book with really helpful tips for raising a puppy.

I follow Adam on socials and found his videos extremely helpful so thought I would grab this book. His videos on crate training were life changing!

Even though my puppy is now 18 months there is still helpful tips on training that I can implement now.

[Jake Derry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Advice, No Ego

Adam knows his stuff, compiling some of the best advice I've seen around the internet during my research in a no-nonsense and direct way. It's good to hear someone speaking in a way that trains the human, just as much as the dog.

Well worth the read if only to confirm you're on the right track and remind you it's not rocket science. 10/10

[Elly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just got my first puppy, reading this reassured me that I was doing right whilst also showing me what I can do better. Such an approach that I appreciate and have learnt and will learn from! Thank you!

[Mintaute · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for first-time dog owners. I appreciated the simplicity of the instructions, the author’s tone, and the way he explained things clearly without overthinking or overcomplicating. I only wish I had read it six months ago.

[Kaustav Saha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the to the point no bullshit approach!!

Must read for anyone who's looking to correct unwanted pup behaviours and stronger relationship with their fur babies!
Go buy!

[Jennifer M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

concise and a quick read

Good book that gets right to the point and gives things you can do right away with your dog or puppy.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pup Training

Common sense approach to dog training. Very easy to follow and implement. Started using the techniques as I read the book and they work!

[Steffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet and packed of useful tips, but not super comprehensive and could be clearer in some sections

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Honestly, you can save some money and just watch his videos because he talks about the same thing.
I wasn’t blown away from the training tricks he mentions within the book!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy read, no bullshit dog training tips. Would recommend to anyone who owns a dog and especially anyone getting a puppy

[Ryan Carbotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for anyone looking to bring a new family member home. I learned so much and feel much more prepared for our imminent pup!

[Rachreads22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful and helpful

[Melissa Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A no bs approach to dog training. A little bit weird methodology on some things and I could have done without all the cursing.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curious to see what advice and tips he had. Done all of this already!

[Courtney Kruzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and kind of amusing. I picked up a handful of useful tips, tricks, and practices that I have already been finding useful.

[Lynda Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book makes sense

I like the way Adam says it like it is. I will read it again a few times before my pup arrives in six weeks time.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, got the basics down and now I feel more confident to start working with my dog.

[PottWab Regional Library]

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[Agnes Kalivoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very good book if you are getting a puppy. I did not check the title well enough and was hoping for advice for my grown up dog but i did find some answers. I'll buy the 2nd book too.