SitStayFetch presents a wonderfully detailed and thorough look at how to both prevent and deal with most common problem behaviors found in dogs. As the owner of a pretty problematic pooch myself, I've spent a fair amount of time searching the Net for reliable resources on this topic, and I have to say that the level of knowledge and detail contained within this volume is unusually high for an online book.
Also, the information at hand is actually (surprise!) reliable. Written by a seasoned dog trainer, all the tips and advice included are tried and true, and come from Stevens' real-life professional experiences.
There's a pretty impressive range of information packed into this guide. It's not just the problem behaviors that are covered: the book starts off with new-owner advice (how to choose a puppy/dog, the best places to get one from, breed information, puppy/dog-proofing your home, the first vet visit, housetraining, etc) and then moves on to the more advanced stuff: behavioral problems (such as aggression, dominance, chewing, digging, excessive barking, separation anxiety, to name a few), intermediate-level obedience commands, health-related dog problems (allergies, cat/dog coexistence, fleas, heatstroke, and so on), and advanced commands and tricks.
The best bits:
As well as all that, there's a pretty impressive section on dog whispering (which, in case you haven't heard of it already, is a method of dog training based on a philosophy of clear communication and mutual respect that has been popularized in recent years by Cesar Millan "The Dog Whisperer".) This method is becoming increasingly well-known as an alternative and humane method for disciplining and training your dog. SitStayFetch has an entire section dedicated to dog whispering: Daniel Stevens details the background of the technique, how to use voice and body language to your best advantage, and how to utilize the technique to train and discipline your dog calmly, assertively, and effectively. There are also step-by-set instructions for the common commands (sit, down, come, stay, quiet, etc).
It makes for some pretty interesting reading and, after trying out the basics on my own pestiferous puppy, I was amazed at how effective the techniques suggested are. Highly recommended!
I Love Freebies (Who Doesn't?)
There's just something about getting something for nothing. And, although my inability to resist what looks like a good read may have led me into some rather disappointing purchases in the past, in this particular case I'm happy to report that SitStayFetch hasn't let me down: the freebies included with this book are not only numerous, they're actually useful(wow!)
The book itself costs $37. For this price, you get a complete and detailed manual on training your dog, preventing and handling behavioral problems, and a whole bunch of general-knowledge tips and advice.
You also get a bundle of practical freebies: four bonus books, dealing with: advanced housetraining how-to's and troubleshooting (including both the crate- and paper-training methods); a detailed study on resolving aggression in dogs; how to effectively groom your dog (including information on coat care for specific breeds, dental care, and nail-clipping how-to's); and finally, how to begin training your dog for security work.
Perhaps the best freebie of all: a personalized consultation with a member of the Kingdom of Pets team. If you've got an issue with your dog that you'd like some individual attention on, you can flick them a quick email and receive a personalized, thorough reply packed with expert advice and practical tips.
SitStayFetch: A Thumbnail Sketch
Overall, I'm really quite impressed with this package. I've owned dogs on and off my whole life, starting from when I was ten - I would have thought that I knew a thing or two about mutts.
But since reading this book, I think my pre-SitStayFetch self was (embarrassingly) perhaps a trifle more complacent than knowledgeable - I've learned more since reading this manual than I've picked up in a near-lifetime's worth of contact with dogs (do you know how to stop your dog from tugging on the leash, without using a check-chain? Well, I do now, but until I got my hands on a copy of this book, I certainly didn't!)
Several of the training methods present a refreshingly common-sense, down-to-earth approach to dog training; others, such as dog whispering, require a little more effort but yield some pretty dramatic results. I liked the way that more than one training method is detailed, to allow readers to pick and choose the methods that best suit themselves and their individual dogs.
I have no qualms in recommending this package to anyone who owns, or is thinking about owning, a dog. Whether your dog is a problem pooch or a placid puppy, you will find this information useful.
In a nutshell: highly recommended.