Product Description

Applying revolutionary techniques to puppy rearing and training, a comprehensive guide for owners offers advice on choosing the right breed, leash and collar procedures, selecting equipment, and educating children.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #766372 in Books
• Published on: 1996-03-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 260 pages

Amazon.com Review
This should be a prerequisite for any potential puppy owner. Authors John Ross and Barbara McKinney provide essential information on the preparation and selection of your puppy, as well as the best way to care for and train your new pet. Puppy Preschool traces the puppy development process from birth through the age of 18 months. In this thorough guide, the authors--dog training experts--explain all the details of making the most of your puppy experience. Sections include "Ten Best Breeds for the Home," "Safe (and Fun) Toys," and "Introducing Basic Obedience Commands." Also included are chapters on health and grooming, housebreaking, and preventing unwanted chewing. Full of photographs and written by obvious dog lovers, this easy-to- follow, straightforward instruction book gives potential puppy owners a lot to consider before purchasing a furry little friend for the family.

From Library Journal
If everyone who thought of getting a dog would read this book first, there would probably be fewer dogs surrendered to or euthanized in animal shelters across the country. Although Puppy Preschool is packed with practical, thought-provoking advice, particularly for the first-time dog owner, repeat owners will find many jewels of wisdom as well. The underlying premise of dog-training experts Ross and McKinney is that you should always train from the canine point of view. In the first chapter, which is critical to puppy-rearing success, they outline their underlying training philosophy and consider who should own a dog. In succeeding chapters, they cover choosing the right puppy (including finding and evaluating puppies, the ten best breeds, and ten problem breeds), puppy development, bonding and socializing, housebreaking, basic commands, and puppy manners. Highly recommended for pet care collections.
Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P. L., Wis.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Most training books are geared for puppies over four months old. Professional dog trainers Ross and McKinney believe in starting earlier--at eight weeks--when many puppies are first brought home. Their preschool training focuses on such basics as controlling mouthing (chewing or nipping at hands or clothes), acquainting the puppy with a collar and leash, and getting it accustomed to being handled. The key here is consistent, repeated behavior. Even before a puppy becomes part of a family, readers will find advice on where to buy it, what characteristics to look for, and the 10 best breeds for pets (with cautions about an additional 10). An overview of puppy life from birth to two years old helps owners anticipate what to expect as their animal develops. The authors stress the importance of verbal commands. Certain expressions of praise and correction will make it easier for a dog's mind to comprehend the trainer's words. The point: good habits learned very early can lead to a lifetime of well-behaved canine companionship. Jennifer Henderson

Customer Reviews

Excellent common-sense advice
We read this book before getting our first dog and it made a HUGE difference for our family in understanding what to expect with a new puppy. Now, eighteen months later, we have a well-behaved dog who has been a pleasure to have in our home. All of this without the usual trauma that most people talk about when detailing their attempts to change an incontient puppy into a well-behaved young adult dog. The techniques listed in the book worked well for us. I strongly recommend this book to any first time dog owner. We plan to give it as "new puppy welcoming gift" to new dog owners...

Best Puppy Book Ever!
Easy to read, sensible, accurate, and gentle methods fully explained. Don't get a puppy until you read this book. Details on effective housebreaking, expectations you should have for your "baby", what NOT to do with the pup, and how to be the benevolent leader of your dog. This is by far the best out of ten or so books I have read on puppy/dog training.

A good book for understanding puppy psychology
This is a good foundation book for the novice puppy owner. I definately recommend reading this book BEFORE you bring your new puppy home. It's not a book to read if you have an older puppy with dominance or other problems. The idea behind this book is to prevent unwanted beahavior with positive reinforcement. If you have behavior problems you should address spend your money on a lesson with an experienced trainer and not books.

There is one area where I don't agree with the author - using a choke collar. Choke collars are not humane and there are much more effective ways of training your puppy. I am also not crazy about the section on good dogs and bad dogs.