13 best dog training books

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Down: Luring Your Dog into a Down Position.

If you ever need to control your dog in an urgent safety situation, such as avoiding an aggressive dog or a distraction that makes her either fearful or overly excited, you will be grateful that the down cue is part of her repertoire.

Your dog is ready to learn down when she can sit fairly reliably. The cue takes advantage of her natural tendency to move her body to follow a lure, so it is an appropriate cue to learn after sit.

Step 1

Start at sit.

Step 2

Lure down.

Step 3

Praise, then treat last.

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Your Job As A Trainer

Guide your dog through the process of executing a new behavior, rewarding baby steps along the way. The goal of each training session is to get better results than the last time.

Consistency

Know the behavior you are looking for, and don’t be wishywashy. Use the same voice and intonation each time you give a verbal cue and enunciate clearly.

Motivation

Think about an athletic coach. Is his job merely to plan the training schedule and tape it to the locker room door? No! He inspires, motivates, and encourages! He is upbeat when you are discouraged and slaps your shoulder with a 'good job!' when you need it. You serve the same purpose for your dog. Every bit of enthusiasm you inject into your dog training will speed up his learning. And when your dog does something right use your high-pitched 'happy voice' (yes, men, you have one too) to exude your delight!

Chapter 2 Traditional Favorites

Teach It:

When shaking hands, your polite pooch raises his paw to chest height, allowing guests to shake his paw. This skill is taught for both paws.

1 Hide a treat in your right hand, low to the ground.

2 As your dog improves, raise your hand.

3 Stand up and cue your dog.

4 Hold his paw while you reward.

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How to Prepare & What to Expect

• Things you'll need
• Tips on finding a dog that is right for you
• Dog behaviors and what they mean
• Dog proofing your home

Training Lessons For a Perfect Dog

• Potty training your dog
• Not pulling on a leash
• Getting along with other household pets and dogs
• Staying calm at the vet and groomer

Basic Commands

• Down
• Speak
• Wait and Stay
• Much, much more!

Super Fun Games

• Obstacle Course
• Tug
• Muffin Pan Game
• Fetch
• Hide-and-Seek

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The Purposeful Walk

The keystone of our program is a deliberate and structured exercise we call the Purposeful Walk. During a Purposeful Walk, your dog walks at your side with her head, neck, or shoulder (depending on your and her preference) close to your left leg. As Pack Leader, you are in charge of determining the following critical factors even for your little pack of two:

• The pace or speed of the walk
• The direction we go
• Which distractions we ignore and which we engage with

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1. Building Blocks

Before you begin, check that your dog has learned the Building Blocks required for each trick. If not, follow the cross-reference to learn the Building Block trick first.

2. Cues

Simple visual and verbal cues help your dog understand what you want him to do by setting up the trick. Consistency is key!

3. Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting boxes offer help for working around any problems that might come up in training.

4. Challenge

Whenever you see the Challenge label, you’ll find one or more variations on the trick. These Challenge features will make suggestions for more advanced variations or professional polish to add to the trick.

5. Pro Tips

Professional dog trainer and author Chris Perondi offers tips for making each trick more successful based on his extensive experience.

6. Many Paths to Victory

There is always more than one way to train a dog. Alternate techniques may work better for your dog’s learning style.