Terrier-centric Dog Training: From Tenacious to Tremendous (Dogwise Training Manual) Paperback – August 9, 2012

A couple months ago we rescued a dog, which we later came to learn is a terrier mix. Never have I owned such a head-strong, energetic dog before. It didn't help that we were told he was an adult, but came to find out that he was only 4-5 months old. So add puppyhood to that equation and we were faced with something we hadn't bargained for. After searching dog training books and videos, I just wasn't seeing anything that helped me harness and deal with the wild creature that entered our lives. Until I found this book. The author understands the terrier mind. And thanks to her I now understand terriers a little better. To be honest, the prospect of raising one is a bit scary... and way more of a challenge and commitment than planned, but it is better to know what you face and how to deal with it than to remain frustrated wondering what is wrong with this darn dog. The answer --- nothing is wrong with him. He's just being a terrier. If you are having trouble with your terrier, I highly recommend this book.

I am only part way (though much skipping around) into this book. However, I'm greatful to finally find a resource to help me understand and be proactive with a rescue terrier (mix) breed that I've never encountered before.Since childhood there have been Hunting breeds in my life. Hounds, Setters, Spanials,etc. Also GSD, dashhounds, and the good old fashioned Mutt. As an adult I raised herding dogs, English Sheepdogs, and a Border Collie.In later in life a adopted a Miniature Schnauzer.Until I rescued a Yorkie/MinPin mix, I had never experienced such an independent, non affectionate, willful, stubborn, highly reactive dog. An eye opener. Through trial and error I began to realize unless I made training into a fun game, she wanted Nothing to do with it.I was bewildered. So I dug into resources and found Dawn's book.....at last! I'm not crazy. These goofy, smart, agile, highly alert, very protective little bundles require a way of their own in becoming the Best Dog You Ever Had

Gives a lot of insight into the nature of a terrier and why they behave like they do. Lots fo good realistic and practical training advice. Really helped me understand my dog and get a sense of what was normal instinctive behavior.

I love that this book doesn't excuse bad behavior because your dog is a terrier. It simply lets you know you are going to have to be very diligent in your training and really patient with your pup.This book was really helpful and it specifically addressed how to deal with many of the less desirable yet common terrier behaviors. Barking, over reactivity, prey drive, etc. It clearly walks you through the steps you will take with your dog to control these behaviors using only positive reinforcement. I say "control" and not "eliminate" because you can never train away a killer instinct. But you can keep it under control and give it (to take from Cesar Millan) rules, boundaries, and limitations.It's set up simply so that you can skip right to your problem if you don't want the back story on terriers, thought I really recommend you read it even if you know what terriers were bred for. I already knew what terriers were bred for and that they were really high energy when we got our pup. But this really helped me understand him and his actions on a deeper level. "High energy" doesn't tell you the same thing as "bred to stalk, chase, catch, kill, and guess what that looks like when you put it on a leash?"That said, when you are dealing with a fixated, reactive dog, and like me, you are new to training, this book is not going to solve all your problems cleanly and tie them up with little bow. I'm also seeking outside help from a professional trainer and it's still tough work.This book covers a lot of issues and if you are lucky, it might be all you need. But if you are still having trouble, it's okay to get more help. It also addresses how to find quality help for your dog! What to look for in classes and how to spot unsafe environments.If you're looking for a book that combines what a terrier is, why he behaves the way he does and how to teach him to control those behaviors that are unsafe and bothersome, then this is a great choice!

This book helped me understand my terrier mix much better but it was too wordy. The author seemed to think that since we brought a terrier into our home we should rearrange our lives to match the terriers life and desires, instead of training the terrier to fit into our life. She also suggested several time that if we weren't willing to give up an awful lot, we shouldn't be terrier owners. I hope she's running a home for all the terriers she's telling people they should get rid of because they aren't suitable owners, otherwise, I hope she can recommend a good terrier rescue, because she sure makes it sounds like all terrier owners have set themselves up for failure. Before, I totally rework my whole life (very stressful in my opinion), and get rid of the dog, I'm going to try a different book by some other author who focuses a bit more on training my dog and a bit less on changing my me, my family, and our entire lives.

The author certainly understands - and is so respectful of terriers. My little guy is 18 months old and very sweet and affectionate, a great protector, but also wild when he encounters other dogs, squirrels, the neighbors - this book is perfect and he is learning very quickly. He is still very headstrong when distracted, so that is our next hurdle, but with this book, I know we can do it! I highly recommend this book to anyone with a terrier.