Helpful Score: 1
This book is the most dangerous type of dog training book: there are some valid points, some valuable information. But there are also many, many completely unfair and heavy handed recommendations. Punishment is advised for puppies who haven't even yet been TAUGHT what is right, which is just not fair, and confusing. The fact that many dogs were raised by the methods outlined in this book and turned out "ok" is NOT a testament to it, but rather to dogs themselves. However, having said that, many, *many* dogs raised the Wolters way have been ruined: ask active, successful field trainers their opinion of this book!
For goodness sake, every other field of study evolves with new found knowledge, and dog training CERTAINLY has. Even if you don't fall into the so called "all positive" camp, there are SO MANY other options for field training that are good, that promote teaching your dog fairly, that put the responsibility on the trainer (you!). This belongs left in the past; do yourself a favor, and spend your valuable reading time on the works of people like Amy Dahl, Mike Lardy, graham Evans, etc.
For goodness sake, every other field of study evolves with new found knowledge, and dog training CERTAINLY has. Even if you don't fall into the so called "all positive" camp, there are SO MANY other options for field training that are good, that promote teaching your dog fairly, that put the responsibility on the trainer (you!). This belongs left in the past; do yourself a favor, and spend your valuable reading time on the works of people like Amy Dahl, Mike Lardy, graham Evans, etc.
