How weird are we?

Thanks for the recommendations. No worries on the public groping. I was in a crowd of hundreds with police everywhere, there was never any danger. He was just doing it as a distraction to try to pick my pocket, which obviously didn't work. I was upset for a couple minutes then realized how funny it actually was.

 

I'm a big fan of Patricia McConnell - although, I think she is a better behaviourist than trainer. I'm a tad extreme positive (not because I'm a born again or something, but because I honestly believe it's more effective than muddling it up with other things), and Patricia will do body blocks, which I tend to try to avoid.

I'd still recommend her books though. The other end of the leash is worth a read as a starter to anti-CM.

For practical training (rather than the theory which it assumes you know) I'd have to say Control Unleashed.

But for bite size browsing, I'd say our own Labrador Site is the best. It's all there if you look.

 

Oh forgot about control unleashed its good very good. Perfect antidote to cm

 

I enjoyed Suzanne Clothier's "Bones would rain from the sky", so much so that I also have 4 of her booklets and " The Connection Collection". Reading her books has helped me understand not only my dog but funnily enough myself better. I also have enjoyed Karen Pryor although the starting point for me was this Forum and Pippa's "The Happy Puppy" as well as "Total Recall". Now I'm addicted to reading as much as I can and furthering my understanding.

 

I'm reading this at the moment ,she's wordy which I don't mind at all but it might not be for everyone,I've had a few weeps too at some of the stories ..in a good way! I'll look up her other stuff too Claire.

Nothing to add to the rest of the other suggestions ,they are all in my collection too and I go back to them at times,I've just brought Control Unleashed away with me on holiday to go through again because I've only ever dipped in and out x

 

I agree Angela it may not be for everyone, and I'm happy to know that I'm not alone in shedding a few tears while reading the book. I must buy Control Unleashed, in fact I may put it on my Christmas list. x

 

Suzanne Clothier writes wonderful articles on her website and her Facebook page showing her puppies' development is amazing (she breeds GSDs). I discovered Relationship Centered Training from her website (and also from a TEDTalk by Ian Dunbar). And this article was an important one for me who had a puppy (now grown up and is now usually very polite around other dogs) who "just wants to say 'Hi'": http://suzanneclothier.com/he-just-wants-to-say-hi#.WBBbo2dPqLM

 

Sounds a good site might takr a look. Her book made me cry but the bits that did helped in my life and my dogs

 

@MF I read and enjoyed that yesterday, it happens to be a chapter in her book The Connection Collection. It was either do a little reading or a little ironing, guess which won.

On BBC Breakfast news on Monday the KC stated 60% of new puppy owners do absolutely no training at all with their puppies, and the problems this is causing in society. Unfortunately the local councils are reacting by blanket banning dogs from certain areas rather than addressing the irresponsible dog owners. I'm actually surprised it's 60% I think a few people were not quite truthful as in my experience it's more like 80%. I spoke to two different owners this week with Cockerpoo's and mentioned about training and both their replies were oh no I don't do that, although I may when she's a little older and likely to listen

 

Though it does depend what they were asked. Molly's the first of my dogs that I've taken to training classes and the first where I've given any thought to planned training, but in a haphazard way I taught my others some essentials- recall, lead-walking, stay. I still might have said if asked that I didn't do training.

I think I must be very lucky as the dogs I meet are all friendly and seem to have those basic skills.