A practical and proven approach. 21 Days to Train Your Dog is a practical guide to ensuring a stress-free canine-human relationship. This book shows how any dog can be taught the basics of obedience training in just three weeks. The training approach -- called the Leadership Program -- explains why dogs must fit happily at the bottom of the family hierarchy and why problems arise when that place is in question. In other words, "treat a dog like a human and it will treat you like a dog." While this approach recognizes that puppies are naturally easier to train, it enables the training of mature dogs as well. 21 Days to Train Your Dog focuses on the everyday basics of good doggy conduct: Not pulling on the leash - Not jumping on others - Returning when called - Sitting still on command. Accessible text and clearly illustrated step-by-step photographs and diagrams explain the techniques. Easy exercises are designed to take about five minutes, three times a day. Training exercises rely primarily on positive rewards and compulsion techniques for difficult dogs are also provided. Topics include: Differences in canine and human perception - Recognizing manipulative behavior in dogs - How hand signals reinforce vocal commands - The best training aids to use (collar, leash, harness, whistle) - Managing rewards to motivate your dog. 21 Days to Train Your Dog is the perfect training reference for both first-time and longtime pet owners. As the author points out, well-trained dogs are welcomed into the world at large because their behavior can be controlled. But how do we learn to control our dogs and to teach them to behave in a manner that makes them good canine citizens? Tennant, a longtime dog trainer, emphasizes that training is a preventive measure--a dog that consistently obeys commands and knows its place in the hierarchy is a dog that can be fully trusted. The first step of his training program, the Leadership Program, teaches the owner how to become the dominant member of the family pack. When leadership has been established, it is much easier to teach a dog the standard commands (sit, stay, come, heel). The author starts his section on specific training techniques with advice on the psychology of puppies. The final sections outline the schedule for the author's 21-day training plan and offer details on the training of specific behaviors. This very nice introduction to dog training, well illustrated with clear photos, belongs in all collections. Nancy Bent Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Packed with photos and step-by-step pictures of "how to's" for the various training techniques. (Lara Cummings E-Streams ) If every dog came with an instruction manual, it would be 21 Days to Train Your Dog -- a clear, well-reasoned, easy-to-follow training guide that is informative for both new and seasoned dog owners. ( Pet Business Magazine ) This very nice introduction to dog training, well illustrated with clear photos, belongs in all collections... An excellent choice for teens with newly acquired dogs. (Nancy Bent Booklist 2004-12-15) Colorful attractive guide... well-structured improvement program... Written in plain and accessible language, this well-organized guide is recommended for all general collections. (Kevin Beach VOYA ) Colin Tennant , an expert in dog and general pet care and behavior, is the author of Breaking Bad Habits in Dogs . In addition to writing numerous articles for magazines, he produces pet-related television and video programming. Chapter One Introduction At Man's Side Dogs are such a familiar part of our world that most people simply take them for granted and forget about the extraordinary bond that exists between dog and owner, a bond that has made us want to domesticate and share our homes with this unique creature for as long as we can remember. Picture the scene -- owner and dog may be playing a game on the living room floor. Upon hearing the doorbell, owner and dog sit up alertly -- both want to investigate who might be at the door. If the visitor is invited inside, while the owner is busy being a good host, the dog is often excited and keen to meet the guest. Both dog and owner greet a known visitor very differently from a casual one, and this in itself demonstrates how this animal not only fits into the human family pack, but takes such an active part in the lifestyle of the family. What other domesticated animal behaves in this way? What other animal takes such an interest in us and to such a great degree? What other animal responds to our physical and vocal language, and our mood changes with such sensitivity and understanding? None. The dog is King in fitting snugly into our lives no matter what circumstances we may live in. Whether you are rich or live a very humble existence, a dog accepts who you are and makes the best of it. Of course, like recalcitrant children in even the most close-knit of families, sometimes dogs w