frequently technical, would be off-putting for someone who isn't already mostly convinced that dominance is n't the way to go (calls it "stupid", etc, in a dismissive way, though later talks about why). BUT for someone who is already familiar with some positive training concepts and is mostly on board, GREAT. ( )

A revolutionary new way of understanding the relationship between humans and domestic dogs.

I read a few books on dog care and training before I adopted a 2-year-old Shih Tzu two years ago. I hadn't had a dog since elementary school so my experience was rusty. This book's explanation of dog motivation and behavior makes more sense to me, and confirms things that I've observed while living with a dog for the last two years. Dogs learn behavior through classical and operant conditioning. This happens - in both directions - whether or not the human owners are aware of it. Trainers can use these learning principles to encourage desired behavior and discourage unwanted behavior.

I had instinctively been conditioning my dog to do things in certain places or at certain times (for example, crate training) by offering positive reinforcement. Donaldson's book provides explanations and describes techniques that will help me to improve my still fairly raw skills. Now that I've read the book, I think it would help to see the training techniques in action, so I've ordered one of her DVDs.

The book is essentially self-published by Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers. The valuable content is worthy of professional editing and design to eliminate repetitiveness and make it more visually appealing. ( )

One of the better and most practical books on dog behavior and training that I have read. Gives a lot of insight into what motivates a dog vs what people think motivates them. ( )

This is the book that I give as a gift to new dog owners. Nothing else I have read, especially books by some of the more well known (as in "seen-on-TV") dog trainers has made me understand my dog better, nor has dog behavior ever been explained more clearly. ( )