GOOD OWNERS, GREAT DOGS, A book review.
Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, Warner Books.
I have never done a book review. This book is a 1992 version. There may be a more current edition or Kilcommons has updated under a different title. There are a lot of books out all being published by some "expert" in some aspect of animal training or introverted psychology. This book is full of practical common sense people-dog scenarios that explain what is going on. This book comes from the dog's point of view or understanding if you will. This book and available CD are enough so you get the picture before the dog does. It is always better for the adult to be in control. I like this book as it does not make excuses for a specific breed. You can not do that to an "X X" does not apply. The path to training explains how to be in charge. The basis for training relies heavily on positive reinforcement and being able to stay one step ahead of the dog.
The book subtitle is "A Training Manual for Humans and Their Canine Companions". Instructional texts about dog training need to train the owner first. Once we learn how a dog's mind works or anticipate behavior the dog will learn what we expect from them. Dogs learn with their instincts, if we use the right techniques based on knowledge of their inner workings.
Brian Kilcommons received his training from the late dog training legend Barbara Woodhouse. Her reputation of being stubborn was balanced by Brian's effectiveness in training with positive results.
Good Owners, Great Dogs offers outstanding advice on choosing the right dog for you, your family, and choosing the right source for getting a dog. Most importantly, it is a reference text you will want for training now and for problem solving in the future.
In Part 1, (Required Reading): You need to understand your inner reasons for wanting or getting a dog. He lays the groundwork, and explains the reasoning behind training methods he employs. One must read this first, before trying to start training methods.
Part 2 describes intense training in puppyhood.
Part 3 describes care of the adult dog.
Part 4: Simple but effective methods of solving most behavior problems. One of the things I like about Kilcommons is he gives you a short list of plausible things to do for a problem. In the case of an aggressive dog his last option is get help. He also will tell you when you are "over Dogged" and some dogs are not worth the bite to success ratio. Reading, understanding and comprehension are the building blocks of experience that train the dog. Kilcommons understands some people have a difficult time "reading a dog" and diligently tries to steer people away from harm.
His methods are simple. Kilcommons points out a dog responds to three tones of voice: their whine is our "praise" tone of voice; their bark is our "command" tone of voice and their growl is a "correction" tone of voice from humans.
His explanation of the pack mentality for dogs helps us humans to "see" what he is talking about. Kilcommons uses "Structure and Direction" to show your dog who's boss without being macho. He writes: "Dogs adore and respect a leader who is decisive and fair." Kilcommons encourages obedience classes for additional guidance and socialization with other people and animals. The rules dogs must live by are different. They have two cultures to survive in.
A vital part of his methodology involves "Action vs. Reaction". Instead of correcting a dog after he has done a bad thing, learn to anticipate it. He even suggests setting up the condition you wish to redirect. This allows you to correct bad behavior after he thinks of it but before he acts on it. This way the correction is connected to the concept of thinking about improper behavior. (Sort of explains why we thought Mom had eyes in the back of her head doesn't it)
Kilcommons may shock you with his frankness, but some dog owners need that shock to see the reality of bad behavior. He alludes to the fact that even though you can buy a dog does not mean you should own a dog. Some people are not animal people however much they wish to be one.
The importance of this book for dog parents is you will enjoy a well mannered pet. You will enjoy your pet more if they are under voice control. A pet trained in the basics of obedience knows their place in the family. They want to be a member of the team. Trained dogs are less likely to try to establish themselves as the leader, or use aggression to get his way. If you are not specifically telling a dog "NO" you are telling it "YES". Dogs want to know what the limits are. Brian Kilcommons has produced a reference text for every dog owner. This is a must have reference book.
For more information about a specific case, consult your veterinarian.