puppy training book rant

[WorkingmyMojo]

Moderators, I'm sorry if this is in the wrong place...

I love doing basic commands and training with my dogs, learning dog behavior and reading. So I read a lot of books on training a new puppy and training in general. I can't believe the amount of misinformation in these books! I feel like I have stepped into the dark ages reading these things.

If you are reading these books, please don't rub your puppy's nose in it's waste, beat your puppy, grab it by the neck and shake it to stop bitingor kick it to make it move from your path. Please spend time with your dog. They love you and want to be with you. I read a book that said to never get on the floor and sit with your puppy. WHAT!! There's no better feeling than having your furball snuggle with you after a hard day at work. Plus, the bond you create by spending time with them is so important. They love you!

Lastly, it's no wonder people are at a loss and end up with an animal that bites. Many of us new owners start out so worried about being the alpha and creating a dog that loves everyone and can be a good representative of the breed because so many people are afraid of our dogs. We want to do the right thing but these books are teaching people to make their dog mean.

So if your reading this. Take advise with a grain of salt. If it doesn't feel right, it's probably not. Relax a little and enjoy your pup while it's little, it won't be for long. If you wouldn't rub you child's nose in it's poo, don't do it to your puppy. Your boss wouldn't grab you neck and shake you like a rag doll because you messed up a report (if so, it's time for a new job). Respect and consistency is much more powerful than a heavy hand. Also, use and read this forum. There is great information on here and people that really know their stuff.

[Rangers-mom]

Wow, what books are you reading? I know people do crazy stuff like that, but i have never seen a book that recommends it.

[jocoyn]

Me neither.

[lemonadeicedtea]

What books are these and how long ago were they written?

[WorkingmyMojo]

These are books I have found on Amazon for my kindle. I try my best to sort them out based on reviews. It's just so disheartening. Some of them are on the cheaper scale of things. It just amazes me at some of the things that are in print. I know that there is freedom of speech but jeez! The last book I got was in a series of caring for your dog. Started with puppy and the other books went into adulthood, senior years as well as breeding etc...First I couldn't believe that there are "new books" in print giving this information and that no one is checking this? What happens when a kid wants the dog and is doing everything they can to teach the dog and reads this? I know..bad scenario but it does happen. I have seen many posts and had my share of worries about being the alpha. It's just such a shame that well meaning people are given such bad information and there's a nut making a buck on it. I guess it's just a warning to people to be careful what you read.

[lemonadeicedtea]

Originally Posted by WorkingmyMojo

These are books I have found on Amazon for my kindle. I try my best to sort them out based on reviews. It's just so disheartening. Some of them are on the cheaper scale of things. It just amazes me at some of the things that are in print. I know that there is freedom of speech but jeez! The last book I got was in a series of caring for your dog. Started with puppy and the other books went into adulthood, senior years as well as breeding etc...First I couldn't believe that there are "new books" in print giving this information and that no one is checking this? What happens when a kid wants the dog and is doing everything they can to teach the dog and reads this? I know..bad scenario but it does happen. I have seen many posts and had my share of worries about being the alpha. It's just such a shame that well meaning people are given such bad information and there's a nut making a buck on it. I guess it's just a warning to people to be careful what you read.

Gotcha. Though I'd guess that if they're through the Kindle store, then a lot of them might have never been in print? It's easier to publish an e-book, the standards are much lower... haha.

[TxFig]

If it makes you feel any better, alot of the older "Retriever Books" can be just as bad. Don't even get me started on that toilet paper with the title "Water Dog"...