Dr. Ian Dunbar

Yes, he sets the bar really high. But his advice is backed by systematic evidence. Check, for instance, Serpell et al's "Becoming a dog: early experience and the development of behavior". Dunbar may go a little overboard when it comes to puppy socialization ("invite 3-4 different people over every day") but he is fundamentally right: there are developmental deadlines and you'll ruin your dog if you miss them. Raising a puppy is way more work than most people realize.

This book is available either in print or as a free PDF on Dogstar Daily.

[a: Ian Dunbar|59501|Ian Dunbar|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1350927782p2/59501.jpg] is considered by many to be the father of modern dog training. His techniques are repeated by many more popular books, and some now seem so obvious as to be common sense. Of course, common sense isn't all that common, so errors still persist in many people's dog handling. Something as simple as encouraging the dog to eliminate show more prior to going on a walk so that the dog will view the walk as reward rather than holding on for as long as possible before succumbing to elimination for fear of the walk ending... it's a basic dog training fact that many have never learned.

This is a good foundation text to read and then to grow on. While his tone won't be suitable to everyone (he often frames things a bit hyperbolically, although that's understandable considering how lax many are in their training) there is still a lot of wisdom in his words that people can take to heart. This booklet pretty much provides everything you need to know, and coupled with the second booklet, I could see this being the best free primer for dog training possible to own.

I'd happily encourage this to anyone thinking of getting a dog, although I would encourage them (as this book does) to use this as a jumping-off point rather than the be-all end-all book of dog training. More knowledge rarely hurts, as long as you're coming from a good starting point and trying to train and help your dog rather than simply dominate it as so many still sadly try to do. show less

Not impressed with a book for new dog owners whos "voice" clearly believes all new owners are idiots intent to screw up their dog (even if they are Trying -by Reading this guys book!.
After reading several of Ian's books -i'm much less enthusiastic about his training methods simply because I respect myself way too much to wade through his condescention.
Not a fan.

Quick read. Very basic - the more i read Dr. Dunbar the more preachy he gets. His voice of authority was okay in the pamphlets but i have to admit some disappointment that his voice doesnt ever sound optimistic or even friendly in any if his books.
The book overall is okay. I didnt get a chance to start reading it until after my pupoy had learned everything it recommends he learn so it was a wuick read (especially considering i started skimming to a oid the constant verbal stress that any show more other way but hus way is totally wrong and will blow it for my dog...
One thing where heMs wrong though -i got my puppy at 8 weeks. He's now 16 weeks -and its been bery interesting to see when his cognitive development allowed him to begin to understand what i waa asking him to do. Puppies are not little dogs -they dont gave the cognitive capacity to assimilate our language in the begging -so expecting them to is unfair -to them and to you. Be parient -use the words but dont expect the puppy to recognize them until their brain has developed enough to support that kind if higher function. show less