Ten Natural Steps to Training the Family Dog

Book excerpt: If you are an average dog owner looking for answers to your dog-training needs, then it's time to take the Ten Natural Steps to Training the Family Dog. Whether you've finally taken the plunge and adopted a puppy or dog, but have no idea how to train it or make it a member of your family, or whether you have a dog that has been unruly for months or years, this is the book for you! Thousands of people just like you have gone to Matthew Duffy, a 30-year veteran dog trainer, for help. And just as they were able to take control of their dog using Matthew's techniques in Ten Natural Steps to Training the Family Dog, you will too! This straightforward book, which is centered around positive reinforcement, teaches you the techniques and step-by-step instruction you need to effectively and quickly train your dog. The training techniques outlined in the book apply equally well to all breed types and ages. In Ten Natural Steps to Training the Family Dog, Matthew teaches you: •how to transform a rambunctious dog into a composed family member without the use of negative emotion; •how to develop self-control in your dog without the use of formal commands; •how to manage your dog's behavior when challenged by distractions; •how to teach the five basic formal commands, step by step; •how to better understand the way your dog thinks; and •the basic principles of shaping your dogs behavior. A Message from Matthew “The head of the average family I deal with often falls short on enough time to comfortably manage all the aspects of pack living: too little time for the kids and spouse, even less time for himself or herself, and next to no time for the dog. In our amped-up American lifestyle, we have so much on our daily plate that there is little room left for any additional challenge, like owning a dog. How sad it would be to miss out on such a rewarding and ancient relationship. This has been my job over the past three decades: helping families minimize the challenge of dog ownership so that it fits on their daily plate. Honestly, with a few environmental controls and the right kind of relationship development, anyone can enjoy a canine companion as the first breeders intended: an animal uniquely developed to live among people.”