Description
Price: $15.00
(as of Feb 28, 2025 13:44:07 UTC – Details)
Hostility is part of most normal dogs’ complex emotional make up. It’s neither good nor bad. It’s simply a natural expression of our animal companion that needs to be managed. Matthew Duffy will teach you how to calmly control this powerful tool while preserving all the pleasant expressiveness of your trusted friend. This book will forever change the way you view aggression in dogs. By exploring the eight most common hostile situations and their triggers, much of the mystery is removed from these unpleasant encounters. Through the development of canine self-control, the author smoothly transitions the reader into the positive and comfortable position of team leader. Furthermore, this book will serve as an essential reference not only for the family dog owner, but for every professional working in the canine industry.
Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 22, 2013)
Language : English
Paperback : 232 pages
ISBN-10 : 1492336718
ISBN-13 : 978-1492336716
Item Weight : 11.2 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.53 x 9 inches
Leisa –
An Excellent Exposition of Dog Agression and How to Foster Handler Preparedness and Confidence.
I felt that this book did an excellent job in the exposition of different types of aggression in dogs. Knowing the different faces of aggression helps to better understand the dog.The writing is clear and engaging. The topical matter is handled with respect toward the animal and empowerment to the handler. I would consider Duffy, ‘old school’, and that is fine with me. I believe that a dog’s actions should have consequences. And any dealing with dog aggression in any of its forms requires one to take control of the situation. Duffy specifies the proper equipment, use of equipment and proper interaction with the dog. His reminders of quick, consistent, unemotional feedback to the dog is a good mantra. And damned hard when dealing with snarling bedlam at a doorway (which I’m experiencing!).I purchased this book because I have 4 dogs, and though they have all been together for at least 6 months (and two of them together for more than 6 years), only within the last week have we had a manifestation of brutal, territorial front door management. I realize that I have to take ownership of this issue right away–and that this behavior is a failure in my leadership. Though I’m unclear of the cause of this sudden behavior, this book has been a helpful guide to provide structure to handler intervention and training (and responsibility).Duffy also states that if a dog owner brings an aggressive dog to him and is unwilling to give an extended correction, he refuses to work with the dog owner. I applaud his stance. I started out with Koehler method for my young, unmanageable pitbull (and Duffy’s methods of training are similar with leash work, non-emotional corrections, but corrections administered appropriately for the infraction and the dog’s personality), adult puppy of 8 mos that came into our lives (through an intersect of time and space on a country backroad). He had been dumped, and the reasons why he had been expunged from the lives of whomever had him was through lack of behavior shaping. He was a snapping turtle…oh it was puppy play with a big biting mouth. Regardless of good intention (puppy play) it was unacceptable. Efforts to shape this behavior more positively resulted in some very undesirable retaliations on his part. (I should ad that after 6 mos of consistent behavior shaping, he is the dog that we thought that he could be. But it has been a long road).I was not afraid to use the extended correction that Koehler outlined, and Duffy uses. I only had to use it twice, and I would not hesitate to use it again. I’m sure that clicker training and 100% positive reinforcement are good for many dogs. But to a dog that is out of control, and at an emotional energy level that there is not a clicker in the world that will rescue you from the situation. The effectiveness of the technique is such that it doesn’t have to be used often.I highly recommend both this book and his Ten Natural Steps to Training the Family Dog. Again, I think that the real value in these books is to shape the role of the handler by encourage even-tempered, consistency in the training so that the lesson is learned without the relationship being undermined. If you are looking for baiting and clicker training, look elsewhere. If you are looking for solid techniques to handle difficult dogs, you will find this to be a welcomed addition to your training library.I write this having read the book, and having a most unnerving front door episode. I thought I had managed a situation, and clearly I had not. And from that episode, I plan on getting the senior American Bulldog, who is the instigator in this mess), a muzzle.Good equipment. Proper confidence and mindset. Embracing the responsibility of creating safety for your family and for the other dogs in the pact. Consistent application of techniques. Good instruction. All foundational to dealing with these difficult issues.
George E. Clark Jr. –
Behavior modicication in real life experiences.
Interesting reading. Always good to here other approaches to improve/redirect behaviors. I liked the facts he used from his life experiences.
morning girl –
Really helpful
I only looked at this book after I had a problem & was looking for help. Everyone should read it, before they have a problem. My dog started to bite me at 6 mo old. I had done everything as I had done in the past ( no problems), read book after book – tried to be POSITIVE only – it did not work. My dog spent 9 weeks at a well known trainer , and learned to stand on a bench. I could not get any other help – dog clubs , other trainers – everyone turned us down. Then I noticed this book & ordered it. I tried to do as was explained in the book & for the first time in over a year, I started to noticed a change. I was making a little progress. Thanks to the book, I finally realized that it was not my fault ( like all the other books preach) – some dogs are more difficult. I wish I had noticed the book earlier, maybe it would not have gotten so bad – if I just would have known what to do & when & how. I did go to Mr. Duffy’s Training Center & am so glad I did. I received training as well as my dog. Thank you so much. Buy his books, visit his training center. they are well worth the price. Well written.
Denise Payne –
Buy this book and save your dog and your sanity!
One of my dogs was developing aggressive tendencies towards people and dogs. I didn’t raise him or socialize him any differently from my other dogs so I did not understand. This book explains it all. The author explains all aggressive dog behavior from the dog’s point of view. It is essential that you understand why your dog is behaving as it does before you can begin to correct it. This is the BEST book I’ve EVER read on dog behavior. As an experienced dog owner I was truly baffled by my dog’s behavior. It was so unlike any other dog I’ve owned. I was upset thinking that my wonderful, loving dog might someday bite an unsuspecting person, possibly injuring them, and causing me to put this intelligent dog down. I’m relieved to learn that I can turn this around and enjoy my dog. Thank you so much for writing the book Mr. Duffy. I urge anyone who has a dog they love and want to enjoy without fear to get this book. Pass on all the others and don’t waste your money. Get this one!
Lindy2434 –
Binding faulty
I received this book over a month ago but just now had the chance to read it. Unfortunately? I cannot read it as the pages are falling out as I try to turn them.The cut off date to get a replacement for this item was a couple of weeks ago. Extremely frustrating!
William B. –
I can easily correct my dog in a humane
I ordered this book to both understand and figure out a solution to my dogs’ dog-on-dog aggression.I spent about 15 minutes reading the section which pertained to dog-on-dog aggression.I tried a technique listed, and it immediately fixed my issue. I can easily correct my dog in a humane, safe way.I plan on reading the whole book now.
Cynthia Christiansen –
Four Stars
This book seemed a little light on resolution.
Al –
If you don’t like what your dog does
Let me save you the time of reading this book: If you don’t like what your dog does, jerk on the leash. If he still doesn’t do whatyou want, jerk harder. If that doesn’t work, then hang the dog. If he won’t go in his crate, jerk hard, jerk harder, then hang him, then force him in. Bravo. You da man! This book will make great fire kindle, that’s it. For a real book on behavior modification where the dog is not treated like an ISIS prisoner, see “Aggression in Dogs” by Brenda Aloff.
Nigel –
After reading this book I realise that my American Bulldog that owns the whole of Hampshire is quite a good, well behaved dog. Very interesting and helpful especially the ‘bag of tools’ phrase.