If you are considering getting a dog or are at your wits end in trying to get your present dog to become a behaved household member, then read on.... September gives great insights into why a dog acts like it does and how to effectively use those thought processes to train acceptable behavior. Her entire approach is summed up in the title... "Dogs love to please" their masters; we just need to show them how to please us. To make things easier, little 'tricks' are shared throughout the text. (Have a dog that doesn't want to sit? Then use the "Jelly Spot" that is presented in the book.)
She also provides valuable information on non-verbal training. For example, humans love to play tug-of-war with a puppy. To us it's merely a game, but to the puppy, it's a test of who will be dominant. Ms. Morn suggests alternative games that will strengthen your relationship with your puppy and not be competative.
Even though serious concepts are presented, the book is quite easy to both read and understand (I use it with children in our county 4H program). Many subjects are covered from obedience, potty training, crate training, and aggression, to name just a few. Also, a good number of illustrations (sometimes humorous) are presented to make various points.
Perhaps the best reference that I can give is what the book has done in my own life. I was previously training dogs using 'negative reinforcement' but felt that there was somehow a better way. After reading one of the early editions of her book, I applied the principles to my own dog Mika, a rough tri-Collie. The difference in her attitude became the difference between night and day! From September's method of training, Mika now has many titles/certificates in such areas as obedience, temperament, therapy and others. She is also an "Instructor Dog", going with me into the ring and providing the example of correct behavior.
Training people and dogs has now become a passion for me; thanks to her book, I have progressed to advanced obedience instructor (teaching public obedience courses) and am the head advisor of a 4H club that specializes in dogs and pet therapy. I have incorporated her principles into the classes that I teach and, after working with several hundred students, have concluded that they enjoy both a higher rate of success and a closer bond between themselves and their dogs.
I tell people that the "Bible" changed my life the first time and "Dogs Love to Please..." changed it the second time. If you want to change the lives of both yourself and your dog, then this book is for you.
