This is an excellent starting point if you have a new puppy or are looking for a way to make an old dog behave better. I had to deal with both problems when I brought a new dog home. I did hire a trainer and this followed most of his guidelines, so if you need to try something on your own before going to that expense this is a good place to begin. I was looking for a little more about controlling a barking problem and this only had one reference for it. ( )

As a non-expert who wanted to learn a more loving method for modifying dog behavior, I found this to be a clear and concise guide with some very helpful methods. I volunteer with rescue dogs who have very difficult histories, and any help we can give them makes them that much more likely to be adopted. However, my personality does not gel with methods like jerking the leash or forcing submissive rollovers. I needed a different method and found Tamar's story interesting, and her approach something that I can actually do. Her insight on getting the dog to associate your commands with pleasure rather than pain helped me understand how to make the training fun for the dog, and also allows me to lavish the love upon the poor rescues that they desperately need. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a well behaved and happy dog! ( )

This book is much more than a dog training guide--Gellar tells her story of being raised in a dysfunctional family, serving in the Israeli army, and how she developed her love for dogs. Highly entertaining, well written, and much useful information. ( )

This book is a gentle approach to building a loving relationship with your dog. Many good techniques to strengthen your bond with animal best friend. ( )

I have 3 dogs and have been to obedience school twice. while I believe that traditional obedience does work I think it trains us more than it trains dogs. This book is exciting because it recognizes the considerable intelligence dogs have and builds on it. I like that she also tries to work with the dogs natural behaviors rather than against them. I've been using some of her techniques with my 1 yr old min pin and she is becoming quite the little canine citizen! I thought it was interesting and relevant how she shared her painful upbrining as an example of the effect of punitive treatment. ( )