Oh no! Not another one! How many dog-training books can one person read?

Well, I read it. And I can say with certainty that this is NOT just another dog-training book. Believe me, I've read them all. Julie Bjelland's book is one of the best, right up there with the Monks of New Skete, The Culture Clash and How Dogs Think. She's not a philosopher. She's not a canine psychologist. It's not important that wolves are in the family tree, or that if your dog precedes you out the door you can never wear your "alpha" tee-shirt again.

Her approach is simple. The steps she lays out make perfect sense. I found myself having several "Aah Haa" moments. Her background as a vet-tech and a trainer for Guide Dogs for the Blind has given her opportunities to observe both ends of the leash. She understands that a successful harmonious relationship between guardian and dog begins with human behavior.

Starting with acquiring a dog, either through adoption, rescue, fostering or purchase, Julie talks you through the first days, weeks and months. Who would have thought that the FIRST step to training is "pre-training? Julie did. She calls it "getting ready for obedience". Her advice is to take the time to look, study, and "learn" your dog. For example she warns not to use command words. You want your dog to understand what you want him to do. More importantly, you want him to succeed every time you ask him to do something. So, don't set him up for failure or confusion by telling the newly arrived dog/pup to "come", "sit" or "stay". Who'd of thought? I didn't; but now it makes perfect sense. Get to know your dog. Give him the opportunity to know you. Julie warns that you must be calm, clear, and consistent…ALWAYS. "Your dog reads you: He knows if you are hesitant and uncertain or secure and confident. A hesitant, uncertain leader isn't trusted; a secure, confident leader is valued and trusted." And trust is vital. Her first step is the time it takes for you understand your dog's mind.

Once you've come to this "understanding" the SECOND step-Training Begins-starts. Again, Julie's advice is equally simple and obvious, once you've read it. She walks you through the basic commands, how to make each session a success for your dog and you. ADVANCING YOUR TRAINING is the third step, and involves five distinct stages from on-leash practice at home to off-leash control.

This is a great book for every dog owner, whether you're a newbe or you've had dogs for years. There are tidbits here for all. It's not high-tech. On the contrary, it's a guide for achievable and purposeful goals. And, if you run into problems, need encouragement or motivation, Julie offers personal consultations via her web-site http://www.webDogTrainer.com.

Every year countless numbers of dogs are dropped off at shelters, or just "dropped off" because they're unruly, mis-behaving, or seen as a nuisance. The truth is that owners have failed these animals miserably. Puppies are cute furballs. Some owners get caught up in all that cuteness until its too late. Julie's book provides an easily implemented path to the kind of training that will make your dog a joy for you and your neighbors. So, get it.

The only thing I would add is training takes time. Training takes patience. Training takes love. If you don't have the time, the patience, or the love, don't spend the money on this book. Use it to buy a stuffed toy instead.

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