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 enlarge | Author: Emma Parsons
Publisher: Sunshine Books (MA)
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $16.47
You Save: $8.48 (34%)
New (10) Used (3) from $16.47
Rating:  22 reviews
Sales Rank: 27165
Media: Paperback
Pages: 181
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 8 x 0.7
ISBN: 1890948209
Dewey Decimal Number: 636.70887
EAN: 9781890948207
ASIN: 1890948209
Publication Date: December 2004
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Showing reviews 16-20 of 22
 Valuable for owners of FEAR aggressive dogs July 1, 2005
A reader (New Zealand)
91 out of 95 found this review helpful
"Click to Calm" begins by describing the history of Emma Parson's own dog Ben. The author describes a typical puppy who started to display aggressive and pushy behaviour as he entered adolescence. Ms Parson booked a lesson with a "traditional" trainer who punished Ben severely with a prong collar, which only escalated his problem. In "Click to Calm" Ms Parsons describes the purely positive methods she used to cure Ben of this learned fear.
The author describes how to use a clicker to teach several basic "groundwork" behaviours, such as focus and recall. She suggests way that readers can use classical conditioning to improve a dogs' emotional reaction to the presence of other dogs, and describes ways to reduce aggression by clicking appropriate behaviour. There is a section on managing a multi-dog house hold, and a chapter on aggression towards humans.
My main disapointment with this book was the fact that it focuses almost entirely on fear aggressive dogs. The author does not address health issues that can lead to aggression, and spends little time discussing dogs who are rank aggressive with other dogs, or who attack small dogs out of misplaced prey drive.
I realise this focus does make sense for a "purely positive" book, since purely positive training probably does work better for dogs who would rather not be fighting as opposed to dogs who have learned to find fighting rewarding. However I do wish the promotional material had admitted that the book was mainly about fearful dogs, instead of somewhat dishonestly promising "answers for anyone facing this most challenging behaviour problem".
I would recommend this book to anyone with a FEAR aggressive dog. The theory is sensible, and the exercises are laid out in logical and easy to understand format. The author's knowledge of learning theory and experience with fear aggressive dogs would make this a valuable reference book for owners of many dogs.
 Easily Book of the Year February 15, 2005
Rob B (Deltona, FL)
36 out of 38 found this review helpful
I've been training dogs for several years now and work with many clients that have aggressive dogs. Unfortunately the number of aggression cases seems to be on the increase amongst the dog public. Fortunately Emma Parsons has come along and written a book that is easy to follow and extremely informative, regardless of the reader's training experience or knowledge.
People and trainers that are still mired in the techniques and beliefs of 20 years ago may scoff at the ideas presented, but there is a difference between a trainer with 20 years experience and a trainer with 1 year of experience repeated for 20 years. Being a professional dog trainer means keeping up on current research, technique, and theory and not holding on to the same old out-dated theories and techniques such as dominance and leash corrections because they worked "back in the day". Scientific studies have shown that dogs trained with a mechanical event marker (what we call a clicker) learn up to 4 times faster than dogs who are told "Yes" or "Good Dog!" when they do something right. As an owner and a trainer I would want to give my dog every advantage possible, especially when dealing with aggression. For some trainers to discount clicker training as a fad or only good for "some dogs" shows just how uninformed and out-of-date those people are.
Emma presents a compelling narrative history with her dog Ben and shows the mistakes that novice dog owners make. She shares in an honest manner the trainers she came across and the advice she was given, both good and bad. Working with Ben was a journey. "Click to Calm" takes the reader on that journey and shows that even a new dog owner can work through these issues with the right guidance and supervision. Emma presents simple cookie-cutter recipes to deal with aggression, written in a fashion that gets rid of the jargon that you might hear from the professional trainer, yet she still conveys the important information to get the job done.
I used to tell my clients that if there was one dog book they must own, it was Jean Donaldson's "Culture Clash". Now I tell them there are two books that they must have in their library as a dog owner and "Click to Calm" is one of those books. This isn't just a book for people with aggressive dogs. It's also a book to help everyone work with their dog to keep the dog from developing aggressive tendencies. It should be required reading for every dog owner BEFORE they get their dog so they can start their new journey out on the right paw and not go through the heartache and anguish that Emma had to go through with Ben at the beginning of their relationship.
Emma Parson's "Click to Calm" is easily this year's Book of the Year within the industry and is a must read for any and all dog owners and trainers.
Five Stars Plus! February 6, 2005
Susan Conant (Newton, MA USA)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
Written with compassion and respect for dogs and owners, CLICK TO CALM is essential reading for anyone whose dog shows frightening or worrisome behavior. It is, however, far more than a first-rate guide to managing the dog that displays aggression to other dogs or to human beings. It is also a wise and practical guide for all of us about achieving peaceful, happy relationships with our dogs. It is simply superb.
A WORTHY ADDITION TO EVERY DOG OWNER'S LIBRARY! February 6, 2005
Darlene Arden (Northeast USA)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
Emma Parsons has a magical way around canines. Her work with aggressive dogs is wonderful and now, with the publication of this book, she shares her insights and expertise. She's not afraid to tell how she became a better trainer and learned that the old methods wouldn't work. She shows how a calmer, gentler method of training worked with her dog. Emma has used this technique to help other people and their dogs. Whether or not you have an aggressive dog this book is one that belongs in every dog book collection.
Top Notch!!! February 5, 2005
Caryl-Rose Pofcher (Amherst, Massachusetts)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
"Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog" more than lives up to it's title! It leads the reader, step by step, to help HEAL the aggressive dog, not just control or even just manage the dog.
The book starts with the story of Emma's own dog, Ben, and the journey the two of them took to heal his aggressive responses. But it isn't the story of one dog and one woman's journey. It is a guide to all of us who have dogs or who work with dogs. The "training recipes" are clear and the reasons for them are explicit.
This book is a blending of a deep understanding of learning & behavior theory with many years of insightful hands-on dog training experience. The writing is clear, the concepts and "recipes" well communicated. This book stays strong to the very end. Each and every page has critical information, imparted in a clear, readable, enjoyable manner.
I particularly loved the informaton about using your own body language to cue the dog to remain calm and was intregued by teaching dogs calming signals on cue. The section on changing the dog's response to a tight leash was fascinating!
This book is a boon to dog trainers/behaviorists AND pet owners. Thank you for writing it. I truly believe it will change the course of the lives of many people and dogs! Dog aggression is a problem that isn't going to go away on its own. Books like this are a key to positive, effective intervention.
I bought extra copies to share with others because I'm not going to lend out my own copy !
Caryl-Rose Pofcher
Amherst, Massachusetts
APDT Professional Member
My Dog, LLC (owner)
www.MyDogTraining.NET
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