The Armchair Trainer(TM) (Dog training video)

I read one review that was not very flattering. I think the reviewer forgot the video was made to teach beginners how to train their pets. Its not a video for AKC finishing.


Sit on your .... dog training, I love it!   September 14, 2000
Lee Adamson (Oelika,AL USA)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Finally, a dog training video that I have not layed to rest on my dusty shelf! After working a 10 hour day, the last thing I want to do is to have to take my boxer Tyson out for a walk and train him. I never thought poeple could train their dog while sitting in a chair. With this video I have tought Tyson to lie down at my side while I watch T.V. (for 20 minutes)and sit at my side when I have friends over.


I'm impressed! They are behaving in just 3 days!   September 12, 2000
Laura Macland (Roswell, GA USA)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Good video! Saved me a lot of time and money by showing me how to do everything myself. My Pomeranian, Lab, and Cockapoo were following commands after just a few days! Also, some of the training aids from the video are such a relief! My lab learned to ring the little bells when he needs to go out, and with one squirt of the sour spray has learned not to bark at strangers- I would recommend this video to anyone! Terrific, fast and helpful!


Basically, An Ad for Harsh and Cruel Methods   August 27, 2000
0 out of 7 found this review helpful

I mistakenly bought this video looking for tips to help me refine training of my bright and cooperative Sheltie. It's awful, and the comments below are misleading! First, the video begins with an extended advertisement for products sold by the maker-- including muzzles, prong collars, shock collars, and bitter substances to spray in your dog's mouth if it misbehaves. Next, it violates an absolute canon of teaching obedience by not showing the viewer how to properly use a training collar or a muzzle-- and these are items that can be cruel and even kill dogs if used improperly. Then, it uses really harsh methods. Almost all of the basic commands are taught by stringing the dogs up with choke collars-- you can tell by their body language that they're uncomfortable, afraid, and do not understand. You're even told not to mind if your dog struggles and gags! It's narrated by a voice-over actor who sounds like the narrators of most cheap ads ("It Slices, It Dices"), depriving viewers of the chance to hear the tones of voice essential to commands, corrections, and praise-- not that you'd want to listen to these Gestapo trainers! If you are looking for a good training tape that will help you develop a wonderful relationship with your dog based on gentle and effective methods using positive reinforcment, try April Frost's "Training That Works for Your Dog" video instead.


Superb for beginner and senior   June 12, 2000
Dr. Alan D. Kardoff (Palm Bay, FL USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

The author, Mrs. Joan Lask has had many years experience teaching and training people how to work with dogs of all breeds and sizes. She is very lively yet has the patience of Job. The trick to training is getting the owners actively involved. Joan shows how to become a happy dog owner in an entertaining, interesting manner. Anyone who has watched her training classes in person can appreciate this film more. I am one of those so fortunate.

Joan also teaches people to become dog trainers. So, part of her thrust in the film also includes topics helpful to those who may view dog training as a vocation. The director helped Joan show various aspects of her "armchair method," in the video such as training a dog how to sit while working on the WWW.

Joan does not have the name recognition of Barbara Woodhouse yet but her techniques and skills are comparable. I highly recommend this video for the potential dog owner, those who have just acquired a pet and people encountering behavioral difficulties with their beloved dogs. This is one video that will be viewed again and again as well as kept for reference.

Dr. Alan Kardoff, Mgmtdr@hotmail.com