What’s This Book All About?

“Secrets to Dog Training” presents a detailed look at how to both prevent and deal with the more common problem behaviour that dogs can exhibit. I’ve owned dogs for most of my life. Every one has come with built-in problems. I wish I’d known the information in this book years ago.  The level of knowledge and detail contained within the pages of this book is really wonderful.

Not only that, but the information at hand is actually reliable. Daniel Stevens, who wrote it, is a seasoned professional dog trainer and you can relax in the knowledge that all the tips and advice included are tried and true, coming from real-life experience. There’s also a straight-talking, easy to follow 30-minute video which you can download. The video provides real-life examples of doggy bad behaviour and solutions to change.

What Does The Book Cover?

There’s an impressive range of information packed into this guide. It starts off with necessary advice to the new and would be dog-owner (how to choose a puppy or dog, the best places to get one from, breed information, dog-proofing your home and garden; the first vet visit, house training) and then moves on to behaviour problems (aggression, dominance, chewing, digging, excessive barking, separation anxiety, and so forth), obedience commands, dog health problems (allergies, fleas, heatstroke, and so on), and advanced commands and tricks. It even covers getting your dog and cat to live together.

The video gives a great insight into a need to have an Alpha in its pack. How the dog will take that role if you don’t and how you can assume the role of Alpha pack leader. It gives quick steps to stop bad behaviours such as escaping right through to pulling on the leash when out for a walk. These solutions are so simple you can start using them with your dog straight away.

Particularly Good Parts

Have you heard of “dog whispering”? It’s a method of dog training based on a philosophy of clear communication and mutual respect. It’s been popularised in recent years by Cesar Millan (“The Dog Whisperer” on TV), and is becoming increasingly well-known as an alternative and humane method for disciplining and training your dog. “Secrets to Dog Training” has dedicated an entire section to dog whispering: Daniel Stevens explains the background of the technique, how to use voice and body language to your best advantage, and how to use the technique to calmly, assertively, and effectively correct and train your dog. Step-by-set instructions are included for the common commands (sit, down, come, stay, quiet, etc).

It makes for interesting reading – and, after trying out the basics on my own recalcitrant tyke, I was amazed at how effective the techniques suggested are. Highly recommended!

And There are Freebies!

There’s just something about getting something for nothing. And, I’m happy to report that “Secrets to Dog Training” includes a number of free extras that are actually very useful.

The book itself costs £27.95 including VAT. For this price, you get a complete and detailed manual on training your dog, preventing and handling behaviour problems, and a load of general-knowledge tips and advice.

You also get four bonus books, dealing respectively with advanced housetraining; a detailed study on resolving dog aggression; advice on how to groom your dog (including information on coat care for specific breeds, dental care, and nail-clipping). There’s even advice on how to begin training your dog for security work, should you wish to do so.

And, as I said, there’s a bonus 30-minute video which takes a no-fuss approach to practical solutions for dog obedience issues.

If all that doesn’t solve your problems controlling your dog’s behaviour you can get a personalised consultation with a member of the Kingdom of Pets team. If you’ve got an issue with your dog with which you’d like some individual advice, you can send them an email and receive a personalised, thorough reply packed with expert advice and practical tips.

In Summary

Altogether, I’m pretty impressed with this package. I’ve owned dogs much of my life and have read a library of books on the subject. I would have thought that I was as well prepared as most to handle the quirks and caprices of my canine friends.

Now I think before reading this book I was, perhaps, a trifle more complacent than knowledgeable – I’ve learned more since reading this manual than I’ve picked up in all those years of contact with dogs.

Several of the techniques presented have a refreshingly common-sense, down-to-earth approach to dog training. Dog Whispering, and others require a little more effort but show some pretty dramatic results. I like the way that more than one training technique is offered, allowing the reader to pick and choose the techniques that best suit themselves and their individual dogs.

I recommend this package to anyone who owns, or is thinking about owning, a dog. You don’t need to have a “problem pet” for the manual to be of assistance: there’s information included that’ll be useful to any and all dog owners.