Book Review:

NORWEGIAN dog trainer Turid Rugaas is well known for her research on calming signals, and has had a huge amount of success with her dog (and horse) training systems.

This book begins with one hilarious case study and a good reason to put her methods to practice. Turid is a strong believer in the loose leash and the long leash. In her own words, "if there is nothing to pull, then you stop pulling".

Her training method can be used on any type of dog, no matter how large or small, and the steps are easy to follow and quick to get results. The illustrations in the book are also clear and leave no doubt as to what is required, so if you follow the steps with your dog.

Some of the consequences of pulling are explained, not the least a damaged neck for the dog, and some equipment to be avoided at all cost (if you one even one, then throw it away) is illustrated and an explanation given why you should never use them. Tightening harnesses, head halters, pinch or prong collars, choke chains, all are among the list of equipment that you should gather together and throw away (after making sure they are too damaged for anyone else to find and use).

Turid Rugaas has always believed in the kindest training methods being best, and founded a training school in Norway not only for the dogs but for their owners as well. She now spends most of her time travelling the world to educate people of all nations in her method.

I strongly recommend this book and personally I think it should be required reading for every dog owner. To contact the publisher for price and postage cost please e-mail Sheila Harper at the above address. - EP