Training the Best Dog Ever

Synopsis

Training the Best Dog Ever, originally published in hardcover as The Love That Dog Training Program, is a book based on love and kindness. It features a program of positive reinforcement and no-fail techniques that author Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz used to train the White House dog, Bo Obama, and each of Senator Ted Kennedy's dogs, among countless others.Training the Best Dog Ever relies on trust and treats, not choke collars; on bonding, not leash-yanking or reprimanding. The five-week training program takes only 10 to 20 minutes of practice a day and works both for puppies and for adult dogs that need to be trained out of bad habits. Illustrated with step-by-step photographs, the book covers hand-feeding; crate and potty training; and basic cues-sit, stay, come here-as well as more complex goals, such as bite inhibition and water safety. It shows how to avoid or correct typical behavior problems, including jumping, barking, and leash-pulling. Plus: how to make your dog comfortable in the world-a dog that knows how to behave in a vet's office, is at ease around strangers, and more. In other words, the best dog ever.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of Positive Reinforcement

* Explains the principles of positive reinforcement and its effectiveness in dog training.
* Example: Rewarding your dog with a treat or praise when it performs a desired behavior, such as sitting on command.

Chapter 2: Getting Started: Basic Obedience

* Provides step-by-step instructions for teaching basic obedience commands, such as "sit," "stay," and "come."
* Example: Starting with short, frequent training sessions and gradually increasing the duration and distractions.

Chapter 3: Housebreaking

* Covers techniques for housebreaking your dog, including crate training, using potty areas, and managing accidents.
* Example: Establishing a designated potty area in your yard and taking your dog out regularly, even when it doesn't seem to need it.

Chapter 4: Advanced Obedience

* Introduces more advanced obedience commands, such as "heel," "off-leash" recall, and tricks.
* Example: Teaching your dog to "heel" by walking beside you on a loose leash, even in distracting environments.

Chapter 5: Problem Behaviors

* Addresses common problem behaviors in dogs, including barking, chewing, jumping, and aggression.
* Example: Using positive reinforcement to redirect undesirable behaviors, such as providing a chew toy instead of scolding for chewing.

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting

* Offers advice for overcoming challenges and common setbacks in dog training.
* Example: Troubleshooting a dog that refuses to stay by providing a calm and safe environment, using a high-value treat, and practicing in gradually more distracting settings.

Chapter 7: Special Considerations

* Discusses training considerations for specific types of dogs, such as puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with disabilities.
* Example: Using gentle and patient techniques when training a puppy and providing additional support for a senior dog with mobility issues.

Chapter 8: The Importance of Patience and Consistency

* Emphasizes the importance of patience, consistency, and a positive attitude in dog training.
* Example: Remaining calm and consistent with training commands, even when progress seems slow, and celebrating all successes to build confidence.

Chapter 9: The Rewards of Training

* Explores the benefits of training your dog beyond obedience, including improved communication, increased bonding, and a more fulfilling life for both the dog and the owner.
* Example: The joy of having a well-behaved dog that is a trusted and loyal companion.