Essentially, this book explains how to teach a dog to walk on a leash without excessive pulling. Though it implies that there is no pulling whatsoever, the methods used would not allow a dog to walk free of a leash all together--which is my idea of a well trained "Heel" command.

To be fair, the author doesn't really suggest that a dog walk at "Heel." Although I can see her side of that argument, I had the (mistaken) impression that I would be able to better teach my dog(s) to "Heel" without any pulling on the lead and without any harsh devices. That is not the purpose of this book.

This author contends that a dog should be free to walk anywhere it wants, so long as it isn't "pulling." However, if a dog isn't pulling ever so slightly while on a leash, why have the leash at all? In truth, I believe that this book teaches a dog how to be leash trained--meaning that when they have the leash off, they are free to go wild.

At one point she brags about a time when her dog was agitated and jumping toward another dog but (supposedly) not pulling on the leash at all. My question would still be: Why have a leash if the dog knows that it can only get six feet away from you? The truth is, the dog obviously knew it had a leash on.

My goal was to teach my dog(s) to heel better and ultimately remove the leash. I work with rescue Doberman Pinschers and many of them are quite strong yet have absolutely no training. There are people--such as this author--who contend that dogs do not need devices such as choke chains or pinch collars. Being the sucker that I was, I thought perhaps the author was right and that you could somehow use positive reinforcement in all cases in order to teach a dog--one who often weighs 80-90 pounds--to heel without pulling at all.

That was not the case.

Please don't misunderstand...I'm sure the author has lots of success teaching what she teaches--with the kind of dogs she trains. However, I do not believe that a dog--especially a large dog--should be able to walk wherever it desires. And I have found that some dogs respond very well to positive reinforcement (i.e., treats) while teaching them to walk on my left side. However, I have also found that some dogs don't care what you are offering them, they want to drag you down the road after that cat that they see as prey!

Since I would rather, in those cases, use a little negative consequence (i.e., correction device such as a choke chain or even a pinch collar) to help them become adoptable, than have an uncontrollable (and unadoptable) dog, that's what I'll continue to use...because I prefer a dog that behaves even when the leash is off.

In summary, if you want your dog to behave when it's on a leash, and be able to walk in front, behind, wherever it wants--only while on a leash--than this book is for you. However, if you want your dog to obey the Heel command without any pulling, there are better methods.

All in all, it's a fair book; it's just not what I was looking for.

A third great book by Turid Rugaas. When I see a toy poodle or silky terrier pulling a 6 foot person down the street, it is a riot to behold. An easy read, plenty of photos which show the "How TO" in attaining a pleasant walking partner. The written portion explaining the photos is very easy to understand. I suggest every one contemplating buying a dog to purchase this book first. Information is a wonderful thing.

This short, readable, incredibly helpful book shows humans how to teach their dogs to walk nicely on the leash. Her method is scientifically proven to work, if you stick with the program.

Turid Rugaas is humane, kind, and a real friend to dogs. Unlike so many other authors, Rugaas doesn't believe in "leash pops" or similar methods which hurt and frighten dogs. You will feel really good about this gentle, patient, and effective method for training your dog.

Rugaas also has a WONDERFUL book and DVD called "Calming Signals", which teaches you to understand dog language. It really helped me understand my shy, traumatized rescue dog.

The author here lays out a simple, highly effective and *kind* method for teaching your dog to walk poilitely on a leash. No special collars, no beating up on your dog, no gimmicks.

It's behaviorally sound and will have you enjoying loose lead walks with your dog in a short time.

Turid Rugaas' books should be issued with all puppy packets & adoption info. Her excellent insights into dog behavior bring fresh perspectives to owners/trainers of all levels. In this book, she reveals how so many handlers accidentally reinforce their dogs' tendencies to pull.
If followed, her advice really works.