Simple Solutions: Obedience

By Kim Campbell Thornton and Buck Jones

A Simple Solution book for every dog owner who wants to have a well-behaved companion, Obedience by Kim Campbell Thornton is essentially a sweet and quick brush-up course on doggy manners. Exhibiting social graces in public places and good behavior around the home, your dog will be a welcome, much-loved companion thanks to Obedience. Topics covered include sitting pretty, jumping up, staying off furniture, come when called, and accepting attention from strangers. This little book is all about bonding with your dog and communicating. It concludes with The Eleven Commandments of Good Dog Ownership,” which outline what owners need to do to ensure their good canine citizens will remain so.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CompanionHouse Books
• Release date: Dec 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781620080719

Kim Campbell Thornton

Kim Campbell Thornton has been writing about dogs and cats for twenty-five years. She’s the award-winning author of more than two dozen books, including Careers With Dogs: The Comprehensive Guide to Finding Your Dream Job and The Everything Labrador Retriever Book.

Book preview

Petiquette for Pooches

Some dogs wouldn’t dream of challenging their people, while others are gunning for the top spot from the first day they walk into the house. It’s important to know your dog and to establish yourself as her leader early on in the relationship. Not by being mean or bossy to the dog, but by being consistent in all your actions so she learns to work with and respect you.

The formal training of puppy kindergarten and obedience school are only one step toward teaching your dog to become a civilized member of the family. Classroom training is important, but it isn’t enough to ensure that your dog becomes a successful member of human society.

In addition to classroom training, dogs need plenty of interaction with the world around them, a process known as socialization. Rewards, such as praise and treats, when they do the right thing (so they know to repeat those desirable behaviors); an understanding of their place in the family pack; and—as with all lessons throughout life—practice, practice, practice are key in socializing your dog.

Because every human family is different, we all have different behaviors we want to teach our dogs. Nonetheless, the obedience lessons covered here will help your dog to be welcome both in your home and in public places.

Who’s the Boss?

Teaching manners is important not only for harmonious living, but also to establish yourself