"The Philadelphia Inquirer's" reviewer called the previous edition ". . . the best canine behavior-correction book I've ever read". This new, slightly larger edition is even better, with information on how dog owners can test their pet's IQ and instructions for teaching a dog to respond to 20 basic words. Full-color photos throughout help to clarify training details.

Your Dog Will Thank You! (its worth every penny)

Review Date: December 24, 2003

Reviewer: Monica, Palm Beach, FL

If you really want to learn to communicate with your dog, this is an excellent book! I agree 100% with the other positive reviews in every way. When I bought this book, I had never trained a dog before. I was not only AMAZED at how quickly I was able to find a common language with my dog, but also at how many of the classic "A-ha!" moments that my dog and I mutually shared. With this book as my guide, my dog not only obtained her Canine Good Citizen Certification, but is now also a fully trained and liscenced Therapy Dog--a great honor and accomplishment and one step down from a working Service Dog! With a common language we are able to communicate wonderfully. Also, many of the commands can be combined to string along a fully functioning sentence which is always fun! I am often asked where I had my dog professionally trained and people are always impressed that I did it all myself. With a reasonable amount of intelligence, patience, and creativity, anyone can teach their dog the basic commands. True, the author is no comedian, but who cares. FYI, some of the more advanced commands (such as 'jump') may at first seem 'ridiculous', but I have found when I need to tell my dog that I need her to get up into a car, or onto the scale at the vet, or even just to jump up on the bed to say goodmorning (which she knows she must have permission to do) its a lifesaver. I also can't live without the command 'leave it' (invaluable!) and if you are a puppy owner, the communication 'bells' worked so well for me that housetraining took under 2 weeks! My dog still uses the windchime I have hung on my back door to tell me that she needs to go outside--something I don't always pick up on if I am on the computer. I can't say enough good things about this book!

Best Dog Training Book I've Seen

Review Date: November 15, 2000

Reviewer: Chris Fox, Seattle, Wa USA

Uses a simple and extremely effective system of vocabulary to get you to understand how to train your dog. Correct expectations are set, with clear instructions on how to meet the goals you want to acheive with your dog. I've tried and tested this method with spectacular results. My dog is totally on voice control even in the presence of other dogs--the leash has been relegated to a merely legal and not a practical necessity. The best thing about this book is that you are taught how to help your dog succeed, and it really works if you stick to it.

Simple - easy - powerful... get it!

Review Date: July 15, 2003

Reviewer: C. Pearson, Walla Walla, WA United States

This book is the best book I've seen on training a dog to be a great citizen of your home. It's not for the show dog/agility/retentive dog people so humorously portrayed in "Best in Show." This book teaches you, in order, the vocabulary you need to completely control your dog by voice command. This system keeps your dog from becoming confused by different people telling it to do different things in different ways with different expectations. It is absolutely amazing what you can do with your dog once you have taught it the "Twenty Magic Words" vocabulary that this book teaches. Don't discount this books short length or seemingly simple language. It's a book about talking to dogs! Of course the vocabulary is simple. If I had to choose only one book on dog training, this would be it. Highly recommended.

The best book to train and have a great dog.

Review Date: September 4, 2003

Reviewer: Taffyrn, Colorado

This book promotes a consistant training program for everyone in the fmaily. You see results quickly if you are consistant with your dog. This book is also very effective in its use of positive reinforcement. I never hesitate to recommend it to a friend.

Dogs CAN learn

Review Date: March 11, 2008

Reviewer: J. Blake, OH

The book teaches many different commands at a few different levels, and as long as you have patience and are consistent with your dog, it really works. My wife and I have a stubborn mini-pin that's notorious for his rebellion, but after working with him for a few weeks using the commands and methods in this book he's become a well-behave gentledog. It's an easy read and makes it pretty easy to jump right in and start with your dog so I recommend it only if you will make a commitment to do the work. You and your dog will be much happier for it.