Learn to Train Your Dog with Progressive Humane Methods that Are Compatible with Your Busy Schedule Author and noted Seattle dog trainer Cristine Dahl has created this revolutionary step-by-step manual to teach dog owners how they can humanely and easily train their dogs to change problem behaviors. The book is organized by individual problem scenarios. Every sort of bad behavior is addressed, whether it's if the dog compulsively digs all around your garden or if it likes to steal your shoes or if it jumps on every guest the minute they walk in the door. For each problem scenario, Dahl explains the reasons for such behavior, and then gives simply phrased instructions on how to resolve it and alter the dog's behavior for future scenarios. Her methods are humane (unlike Cesar Millan, she's approved by the SPCA) and simple, perfect for the hobbyist dog owner. What truly makes Dahl's book revolutionary is that it is the first Learning Theory book designed and written in step-by-step fashion making it an accessible tool for all dog owners. In the past twenty years, there has been a revolution in the way dogs are trained by professionals. Prior and still much to today, dogs were trained in what is referred to as the traditional/military method, named as such as its original application was for training dogs during times of war. Using dog's genetic similarities to wolves, it incorporated pack and dominance theories, using techniques such as positive reinforcement and punishment to instill the concept in dogs' minds that their owner-humans are the "Alphas" in the house. Oftentimes, though, traditional training methods involved physical techniques including hitting the dog, or using tools that range from squirt bottles to choke chains and shock collars. In addition, traditional training methods take time--a lot of it. (There's reason the monks of New Skete are successful as trainers, that's all they do, day in day out.) More progressive training methods have since evolved based on the studies of animal behaviorists, most notably the Learning Theory method. This method looks at the reasons why the dog behaves as it does, and seeks humane ways to revise the dog's behavior. It examines dog's behavior in terms of stimulus and response, thus allowing ease in getting the dog to learn to change its behavior. Given its humane instruction, it is the training method preferred by the SPCA. Though strongly recommended by animal health and welfare experts, Learning Theory has had a hard time reaching a large audience. This is primarily due to the fact that though there have been books written on this method, they have almost entirely focused on explanations of the theories behind the method. To date, there hasn't been an easy-to-read step-by-step manual to teach owners how to train their dogs. Until now. In addition to the step-by-step instructions, the book features an introductory section explaining the reasons behind Cristine's training methods, a list of sources and tools for new dog owners, line art illustrations, and an index to help reference behaviors. Specialized instructions are also given for puppies and senior dogs. Advanced methods are also presented for extreme problematic behaviors. Award-winning author Jean Donaldson, one of the most-highly regarded practitioners of Learning Theory and the founder/director of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers (considered the "Harvard of dog training"), will be endorsing the book with a foreword.