Review: EVERYONE who is getting or has a puppy NEEDS this
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 8, 2014
Understanding and teaching these fundamentals are so important in a life-long healthy relationship of dog and owner/family.  They are truly the foundations of a peaceful pet who wants nothing more than to please their owner.  Puppies are so keen to learn, that 15 minutes 2-3 times a day will make life harmonious in the long-run.This was a very easy read and the step-by-step instructions are thorough and simple to understand.  Well written, and covers the essentials: Sit, Come, Stay, Down, Heel, House training, Crate training, Leash training, and a few advanced training techniques as well.  Learning these can prevent dangerous incidents, such as running into the street thinking they are playing a game of chase with you.  You will feel your heart in your stomach, if this happens.Mr. Schnoodle is 1 1/2yrs old now, and pretty set in his ways, but he is still easy to work with and I implemented most of these key commands when he was smaller (thankfully).  However, I still found some of this very useful in understanding where I've gone wrong with a couple of things.  For example, walking on a leash, heal, and socialization.One of the worst products that I started out with is the 16ft retractable leash that allowed him to run all over the place, bark at folks and other dogs, intimidate squirrels, etc....these are now issues that I have to correct as a "not so small" puppy now.  So point being, the FOUNDATION is important from the beginning!This is sooo helpful for newbies, as many dogs end up in shelters because the puppy is later uncontrollable, abandoned, or abused.  PLEASE DON'T BE ONE OF THEM, take the time to be a responsible pet owner and your dog will be your most loyal friend for life!