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Customer Review: Our dogs deserve better
Behan's book is typical of many other dog training books -- he has observed dogs, seen what works for him, and assumes that it's a great method. He does make some good points. Often, I have seen some people focus on positive reinforcement as being only food rewards, and I think it's good to focus more on life rewards. For this reason, I'm giving the book 2 stars instead of just 1. However, the bottom line is that this book isn't the best way. It's clear to anyone who understands animal learning theory that Behan hasn't done the research on the science of learning. For example, he recommends physical corrections. While animals can learn from physical corrections, scientific studies overwhelmingly support positive reinforcement and non-physical punishment (such as timeouts or removing something the dog wants from his environment) as much better methods that efficiently get reliable results with few or no side effects. Some people will argue that those opposed to physical corrections are just being politically correct. I have used physical corrections. I have seen professional trainers use physical corrections properly, and I don't believe that they were abusing the dog. I don't believe that physical corrections are unethical, when used properly; I simply accept the evidence that they are less effective than positive reinforcement. As pet owners, I think we have a responsibility to them to stop choosing what people guess is best (which is what Behan does) and start choosing what has been studied and proven to be best. I'm sure these methods work for some people, but I'm just as sure that more people would benefit from the methods supported by science, and that even those who find that Behan's methods work will find that science-based methods work better (assuming the methods are used correctly). If you'd like to learn more about science-based methods, I'd recommend Karen Pryor's "Don't Shoot the Dog" -- the science behind these methods has been studied and tested since the 1940's, although it has been largely ignored by dog trainers. Another book, "How Dogs Learn" by Mary Burch and Jon Bailey, is also good for learning about the science of dog training, although I saw one inaccurate comment (the book claims that physical punishment should start off gently and be increased as necessary, but actually punishment should start off severe in order to be effective). If you're looking for detailed instructions on how to train your dog with these methods, look to Pat Miller's "The Power of Positive Dog Training."
Customer Review: The most fun & effective dog training system...PERIOD!
Throw away your dominance theories, head halters, clickers and hot dog tid-bits. Play with your dog instead; develop and channel his prey drive and use his resultant magnetized focus on you to teach everything he needs to know about living happily and safely in a human world. I am compelled to write this review after an incident that happened last night. Upon parking on my garage-way, I let my 9 month old Ridgeback puppy jump out of the car to follow me into the house. Well, I didn't notice a lab-mix dog running loose through my cul-de-sac in the neighbor's yard. Naturally, my dog starting running towards this dog to investigate. Normally, I am reluctant to call a dog that I am not 100% sure will obey the commmand, for fear of teaching and reinforcing disobedience. But, without thinking, I commanded, "Xena, Come!", and she turned out of a full sprint, and returned to me at top speed. I am still blown away. I have had many dogs and have never achieved this level of recall with any of them. And, we have not even started the formal recall training as outlined in this book. I have only just started teaching the basic obedience exercises, as my focus until now has simply been in developing and channeling her prey drive - the bond between myself and my puppy is deeper than with any other dog I have had in the past. Beware of the current trend towards '100% Positive Re-inforcement, Clicker, Head Halter' training. No dog will ever break a chase to return to it's master for a piece of hot dog! The one poor review below is unfortunate, as this reviewer clearly did not take the time to really read and understand this book, and likely has not put it's principle exercises to the test on his dog. This reviewer apparently is willing to trash the book over Mr. Behan's choice of training collars. This is very unfair - there is no 'torture' advocated in "Natural Dog Training". As Kevin states in his book, 'What collar to use in training is perhaps the most controversial subject in dogdom', and he is right. Well, I don't personally advocate the use of choke collars, but I've seen them used effectively and humanely in the hands of an experienced trainer. And pinch collars are very misunderstood and maligned, solely based upon appearance. But the pinch collar is simply the most effective and humane tool there is for not only controlling (which a head halter can do) but communicating with your dog (which a head halter does not do). Take the time to watch a dog wearing a head halter - it's body language will tell you all you need to know. Dogs HATE head collars! Be your dog's best friend and BUY THIS BOOK!


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