Good Dogs, Bad Habits: A Complete a to Z Guide for Solving Your Dog's Behavior Problems »

Jeanne Carlson is a professional dog trainer who for twenty years has gone into people's homes to help them understand their dogs better. She also operates a national phone consultation service, and her popular training video "Good Puppy!" has helped thousands of new puppy owners. She works in Seattle, Washington, and lives on an island with her dog, two cats, and two horses.

Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

"I love my dog, but he chews on everything, jumps on my friends, barks at my neighbors, digs up my yard, and chases my cat. When I try to walk him, he drags me down the street like I'm a sled!" Sound familiar? Wondering how to trade your dog's bad habits for good habits? You're holding the answer in your hands!

These and other common behavior problems can drive even the most caring and patient dog owner crazy. Good Dogs, Bad Habits gives you the insights and tools necessary to help your dog learn better habits. Straightforward advice, step-by-step instructions, and on-the-spot solutions will eliminate your dog's bad behavior — not just for the moment, but forever. Included are Carlson's innovative calming massage techniques, which are incorporated into the training process; these unique methods all but guarantee success.

Using a quick A-to-Z format, the authors provide solutions for such problems as:

* How to solve housebreaking difficulties that have you baffled

* What to do when your dog's barking is out of control

* How to stop your dog from destroying your shoes, furniture, or yard

* What to do if your dog is shy, nervous, or overly excitable

* How to help your children and dog get along better

So before you send Fido to the doghouse — get hold of this must-have compendium of excellent advice and watch your dog become the happiest, most mannerly, and best-behaved furry friend ever.

Contents

Introduction: Welcome to the World of Dogs

How Dogs Think and Learn

Training Your Dog

Part One: Obedience 101

Why Obedience-Train Your Dog?

A Special Problem: Aggression Toward People

What Every Good Dog Owner Must Know

Getting Started

The Collar

The Leash

Teaching the Basic Commands

Sit

Sit-Stay

Heel

Down

Down-Stay

Come

The Tools of the Trade

Your Voice and Your Hands

Your Voice

The Calming Massage

The Leash Snap

The Scruff Grip

The Shaker Can

The Spray Bottle

Part Two: Dog Problems from A to Z

Using the A-to-Z Entries

A Word About Corrections

A Note About Working with Young Puppies

The A-to-Z Entries

Index