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It can't stand alone by any means, and isn't even a very thorough training guide.Also, the book is just plain boring. Most puppy books now contain a discussion of developmental stages, though usually scaled-down since many of them pass before the puppy comes home. For those wonderful people who adopt, you will find no guidance here. Alas.).Content is not very thorough, since most time is spent discussing developmental periods. Time to stop "updating" and just let it take its place in "outdated book" history. Well, there is a temperament test in the back of the book - but note, temperament tests have been largely discounted as being poor predictors of adult behavior (some signs of extreme behavior are useful, and truly modern books will tell you which).In a bit of really horrible advice, the author says to "time out" a puppy that growls at you.
Bottom line: This book does not include many "new puppy" topics and so is not a stand-alone book. So this book is no longer unique or special in that regard.The only discussion of puppy selection is of buying from a breeder. Text-heavy with black-and-white pictures, it does nothing to hold the attention of today's visual learners. Growling is one of numerous communication signals. If you remove your dog's early warning system, you get a dog that bites "without warning." If your puppy growls at you, figure out why, and fix that issue.The book still uses outdated "alpha" terminology (wolf experts have been trying for at least a decade to get people current on the true dynamics of family packs, versus outdated notions based on stressed-out, non-family captive groupings. Because its few accurate and important points are now usually covered in more comprehensive puppy books, this one has become irrelevant.
Instead, buy Perfect Puppy-Newly Revised & Updated: How to Raise a Well-Behaved Dog - easily the best puppy book I've read.
Terrific experience but the book helps tremendously. She came to see my pups when born and always was full of encouragement and praise for my good job.
Yes, there are probably better books out there, but this one is simply basic and easy to understand. I have raised yellow labs for 15 years and this book has gone home with every new puppy owner.
She raised yellow labs for many years, as well, so her experience was and is much needed for the serious pet owner. Ms.
Rutherford was my neighbor for many years in Colorado and just the nicest person you could ever meet. I've spent alot of money buying this book and giving to my new pet families and they were just thrilled.
Don't hesitate in buying it.
I must admit, I did read it, and learned quite a few new things, especially about behavior. When I received this book, I realized it was not at all what I had been looking for. I did skip the first half of the book though, as it did not pertain to us. This book would have been great, had I bought it before I got my puppy. However, I'd had my little bundle of joy for a few weeks already, and was looking more for potty training, and training in general information. It talks about how to prepare your home for when you get a puppy, and how to introduce them to the environment. If you haven't gotten your puppy yet, this is a great first read.
The end result is a dog whose personality is well suited to his human family and environment rather than one who will be abandoned or relinquished to an animal shelter. How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With Of the many books that have been written about raising puppies, this one has truly stood the test of time. I love the fact that Rutherford's and Neil's methodology incorporates positive reinforcement only. It provides an easy to follow formula for success. Readers learn all about puppy selection as well as secrets to socializing and training that result in a successful transition from puppyhood to adulthood. Their keen understanding of canine behavior provides a solid background for what they teach. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is contemplating puppy adoption.
Very helpful book. We used the techniques in the book to help with an aggressive dominant puppy, and he is slowly improving. Persistence and patience are key to puppy training.
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