The Dog Trainer's Complete Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Pet

October 15, 2011

Certified professional dog trainer Benal covers the range of good and bad canine behaviors, and her book will lend confidence to inexperienced dog guardians. Her informal, conversational tone and realistic, frank advice make for mostly entertaining reading, similar to her website (dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips.com). With chapters covering everything from socialization to polite leash walking to stuff dogs do that annoys and worries people, Benal's book gets to the heart of frustrating issues and breaks them into manageable chunks. Frequent "Quick and Dirty Tips" are practical and well placed. Experienced owners and fledging trainers will appreciate how Benal incorporates the science behind dog training in her "Notes and Sources" sections and introduces many key resources. VERDICT Recommended for readers thinking about getting a dog, though the book lacks the specifics and illustrations expected in a complete guide. Better illustrated guides include Bruce Fogle's New Dog: Choosing Wisely and Ensuring a Happily Ever After.--Kristine Alpi, North Carolina State Univ. Libs., Raleigh

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.