Puppy Training (SC)

Training is the first concern of every new puppy owner, and this Smart Owner’s Guide Puppy Training offers 176 pages of concise guidance to get every owner and puppy on the right track. Puppy Training begins with “Part 1: House-Training,” written by long-time Dog Fancy contributor Bardi McLennan. This section discusses everything the owner needs to know to start off with the puppy in the home, getting him acclimated to the new environment, and teaching him the basic principles of house-training. A detailed chapter titled “The Doggie Den” discusses how to crate-train a puppy and the best ways to use (and not use) a dog crate. The second part of the book, written by award-winning dog trainer and author Miriam Fields-Babineau, is dedicated to “Obedience Training.” In this section of the book, the author discusses canine communication, good manners, and socialization. The basic cues are explained, beginning with walking on a loose leash, and progressing to sit, down, stay, come, and stand. Each lesson is broken down into steps and illustrated by photography to assist the owner. A chapter on advanced training coaches the owner on how to work with his or her dog off leash, adding distance and distractions, and more. Critical to the success of every puppy owner is solving potential behavioral issues, and the book offers solutions to various problems, including jumping up, garbage picking, excessive barking, stealing food and other items, counter surfing, cat chasing, door darting, mouthing and chewing.