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Unleash your dog's potential
Author: Gwen Bailey
Reviewed by Lindy Margach
 Description:
From walking on a loose lead to carrying the shopping, everything you need to know to train
your dog, ensure you have a happy and contented canine companion and build a rewarding
relationship that will last a lifetime.
Contents:
The book is split into six main
chapter headings: The right dog for you, which includes advice on choosing a breed; Building
bonds, which focuses on how dogs see the world, building communication, what dogs need and how
they learn; two chapters on basic and advanced training and an invaluable section on solving
training problems and troubleshooting some of the most common training issues. Finally comes
the section on sports and fun, which includes fitness preparation and takes a look at agility,
dancing with dogs, obedience and working trials and some of the more "exotic" sports.
 Best
features: I
particularly liked the wide range of illustrations, the positive approach taken throughout and
the good breadth of breeds and sizes used to illustrate the different activities.
Could be better:
As always, I would say that the book doesn’t go far enough in
exploring and explaining the range of doggy activities and sports now available in the UK – but
then perhaps that’s an opportunity for the next volume!
Design & format:
The excellent design makes for easy reading. A 208 page
paperback with flaps, the book is laid out in a direct, easy to follow style. It is well
illustrated with 250 original cartoons and full colour photos, many taken specifically for the
book at an agility club. It is a high quality, informative and friendly book which it
achieves exactly what it sets out to do. Size: 210mm x 175mm
Overall rating:
In delivering
what it promises, I’d rate it 10 out of 10 for novice owners, but only 7 out of 10 for the
experienced dog handler.
Price:
£14.99
Value for money:
It's absolutely ideal to recommend - or give -
to someone who is interested in taking a youngster into agility or any other dog sport, as it
will help to lay the groundwork for training. It also reflects, as you would expect, all the
skills required by the Kennel Club Good Citizen Award schemes which is helpful for owners who
either can't get to or beyond the waiting lists for their local obedience training club.
About
the author...
Gwen
Bailey is a pioneer in the use of dog behaviour
therapy in training and in evaluating unwanted animals for rehoming and was the UK's first
full-time animal behaviourist.
 About
the Reviewer...
Lindy Margach is a journalist and PR
consultant who lives in Wallington, Surrey. She shares her life with three wonderful Labradors
– 8-year-old Shannon who now enjoys Any Size classes, 4-year-old Bracken (Saffron Last Chance)
and 2-year-old Ree (Katajack Guinevere) who started her agility career this spring.
Published by Dorling
Kindersley
Available from good bookshops
If you would like to comment on this product or
add your name to the Agilitynet list of reviewers,
email your name and details to Ellen Rocco at
Agilitynet today.
First published 3 June 2009
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