Do Over Dogs: Give Your Dog a Second Chance for a First Class Life (Dogwise Training Manual)

We adopted a rescue from our local shelter almost 8 mos ago. She had been there for 5 mos, and we were the only family to look at her. Her previous owners had her 4 yrs and never socialized her. In fact, all she did was live outside and have tons of babies in those 4 yrs. Since, I've never had a rescue dog before, or one with as many challenges as Moxie has, I decided to do some research and look at books online and see what I could find. I took advantage of the "look inside" and decided to give this book a try, and I'm so glad that I did. It's written so that it makes sense and isn't over your head. The advice inside makes you think "that makes sense" when it comes to certain behaviors. I highly recommend this book and think that anyone who adopts a rescue dog should have this on their shelf and at their fingertips.Moxie had never been inside a house, or ridden in a car. She hid in our house under a cabinet for a week, then would hide under our bed. To take her out, we had to take her on leash (and on a harness because she'd freak and pull out of her collar). We couldn't be in the same room with her while she ate, and she would run when she'd hear noises (microwave, tv) or see things she didn't know what were (ceiling fans, street signs, parked cars). She still likes to have her safe and quiet spot underneath the end table in her bed, but she has come so far. She has learned how to play with toys (she'd never had any), let us be in the room while she eats, and has learned that we are not going to hurt her so she comes and asks for attention (she was very uncomfortable at first with getting attention from us, so her asking to be petted and loved on...makes us very happy). She is still afraid of people she doesn't know, especially men, but we are working on that and she has gotten so much better. Just know that there are other people out there who don't have the perfectly socialized dog (I have very few friends who can relate)and that it can and does get better. She has become my 7 yr old daughters best friend, and I'm so glad we took the chance on adopting her and that we have this book to help us over the humps.

Good book. A little redundant at time: each exercise is basically go slow and ease the Dog into it. Used to look up a specific behavior it is a good read, but to read the whole book I found each situation used the same steps with different stimulants or phobias. It could also use some proofreading. Some minor errors, but a few that were significant. It was obvious what the missing word or letters were, but it only takes a couple of people to read the manuscript over and correct errors.Overall, the information was valuable and will help me with my rescue GSD.

I've accumulated many books and knowledge from different trainers and classes, but this is a one stop product. Nothing is as informative as this book for a rescue dog OR a dog raised from a puppy who needs a refresher on manners or to re-negotiate household rules. I am not exaggerating when I say that EVERY dog owner could benefit from this book.I would read it before adopting a dog, too, because it tells you what to look for in a dog that will suit your lifestyle. There are different levels of "do over dogs" that require different levels of training commitment. It explains what you are likely to encounter at different types of shelters, and why their adoption policies vary.This book really explains different types of training for different types of dogs. (For example, you can't use dominance-based training on a rescue dog who has been previously abused. You'll just end up with a terrified dog, urine-soaked carpet, and a whole new set of behavior problems.) It helped me understand my own rescue dog, know when and how I can "fix" her, and know when a different strategy is necessary. I've even been able to assist friends with behavior problems in their dogs based on knowledge from this book. Seriously, buy 2 copies so you always have one to reference and one to lend out to a friend!

I absolutely loved this book and read it in a matter of 2 days. After reading it I feel very fortunate to have ended up with the dog we have in comparison to the issues these dogs were facing. What I was hoping for was help on a mouthy dog, who obviously was never taught bite inhibition. I think this is the only issue not covered in this book when dealing with the do-over dog. This book however has shown me a completely new outlook on how to train, and since receiving it on Thursday I have seen new positive changes in how me and my adopted pup interact. My only complaint is that I wish I had bought it sooner, to apply ALLL of the introduction behaviors with my cat and dog, then maybe we wouldn't be facing the struggles we currently face with them. I am still looking for a book on dealing with dogs chasing cats, and mouthy dogs.... but every other issue I have or could have is all in this book.If you already have an adopted pet or considering a new pet (whether adopting or otherwise) I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book, BEFORE the dog comes home.

I found the "Do Over Dogs: Give Your Dog a Second Chance for a First Class Life." to be the best book of the 8 books I bought.A very informative book with excellent information and tips about training your adopted dog, who hasn't had the best care and is slightly damaged because of previous owners. I have one of those dogs and she is beginning to blossom into a wonderful little companion. She was introduced to my other dog who I have had since she was 10 weeks old. She has helped me train my shelter dog. I recommend anyone wanting to adopt a "do over" dog to read this book. You will know adopting a do over dog is the right thing to do. Both my dogs are loved and have a home forever - When they know and feel love, It is a beautiful relationship felt deep inside.BNS

Excellent advice. Our four adopted dog bites some men on occasion. I was ready to give him back to the Adoption Society and was advised they would put him down.I accept that he can't be trusted around strange men so we "manage" him and make sure he gets no opportunities. He is great for everyone else. I loved the book because it gave me hope, was all common sense and I have learned to appreciate a less than perfect dog.

We have a charity rehoming dogs and are continually frustrated with people's expectations of a rescue dog. This book offers sound, practical advice and is one that we will be recommending to people adopting a dog from us.

"Do over Dogs“ ist ein kleiner feiner Ratgeber für Menschen, die mit dem Gedanken spielen sich einen „gebrauchten“ Hund zuzulegen. Pat Miller, selbst Hundetrainerin mit jahrelanger Erfahrung Umgang mit Hunden aus Tierheimen, beschreibt ganz ehrlich die Herausforderungen, die sich stellen können, wenn man diesen Weg einschlägt.Sie gibt gute Tipps, um im Tierheim den richtigen Hund für sich auszuwählen. Und widmet sich dann Punkt für Punkt den Problemlösungen für häufig auftretenden Verhaltensweisen wie z.B. Unsicherheiten und Trennungsängste. Miller erklärt sehr einfühlsam- man merkt, dass sie aus Erfahrung spricht.Das Buch ist schnell gelesen, aber definitiv ein guter Ratgeber.

This book is full of good tips and helpful ideas. There are also guidelines to consider when choosing what sort of dog to rescue to suit your family and also be able to best rehabilitate the dog. Miller approaches training rescue dogs the same way she does other dogs...kindly and with wisdom and creativity. She tells how to discern which approach is appropriate for which dogs, and has rescued dogs herself. This is not a "Pollyanna" book: She doesn't say, "Rescue a dog and you'll all live happily ever after." What she does say is that, if you consider your own energies and abilities and time commitment before rescuing a dog, the shelter and you will be able to choose a dog that will have the best chance of success in your home. She also is very frank about the fact that sometimes no matter how hard you try, some dogs may keep some of their problems for the rest of their days, and if you can be loving and understanding and accept them the way they are, you and the dog can have a good life together. She also points out that even if you buy a good dog directly from a good breeder, if there is a mismatch between the dogs needs and skills and your needs and skills, you can sometimes end up disappointed even though both you and the dog tried hard. She points out that we all have our quirks too, so why expect our dogs to be 100% perfect.

Amazing book with an abundance of great information.

I found that it spoke to many of the problems I am having for the first time with my 4 year old Cocker Spaniel . I will try to apply many of the lessons learned. It is heartbreaking to realise that he could be one of many of the shelter dogs having difficulty being placed because of my failings.