Many of you probably know that I wrote a book with Deb Jones.
The book started out as an obedience book, but as we started to write it just didn’t end up that way.
So we started over, with the plan of writing three or more books. The first one has happened. It exists. I can tell you exactly what it’s about. I can even describe the cover and tell you that it’s 146 pages and just lovely. I am so happy to look at it sitting on my desk. Right now, here with me!
There was some pain in the process – writing a book is a significant amount of work. But the excitement I feel to have it out there is worth it! I hope you read the book, and I really hope you like it.
If you’d like a copy, go ahead and order one from www.thedogathlete.com The cost is $24 plus $5 shipping. If you’re outside the US, read to the bottom for instructions on where to purchase the book.
Early reviews have been quite positive and we are beyond excited to have it out and available! I’ll keep an eye out for your order:).
Here are the details:
Title: Dog Sports Skills, Book 1: Developing Engagement and Relationship
Foreward by: Sylvia Trkman
Subject Matter:
This book is the first in a series of books designed for the dog sport enthusiast. This first book will focus on developing a competition foundation based in Engagement and Relationship.
It doesn’t matter what genetic package or temperament your dog is born with; you can bring out the best in your dog! To train your dog, you must develop a relationship that encourages a willing and happy attitude with natural focus while eliminating undue stress in both training and competition.
If your goal is to create a world-class performance dog, then this book is for you. We can help you refine your engagement and relationship skills to a higher level.
If you are an instructor who is struggling with your novice students or less focused dogs, then this book is for you. You will find advice on how to work with a range of canine temperaments.
If you have a dog who works well at home but you can’t seem to maintain that connection in public, then this book is for you. You will learn the basics of recognizing stress, paying attention to your dog, and alleviating or minimizing problems so that you can focus on work rather than worry.
Finally, if you simply want to take the dog you have, your personal pet, and enjoy your training at a more fulfilling level, then this book is for you as well! By understanding and applying excellent engagement and relationship building techniques, both you and your canine companion will find more enjoyment in the training process, even if you choose never to step foot inside a competition ring.
The chapters will cover relationship (what it is and how to get it), Stress (recognizing it and techniques for lessening it’s impact), Developing focus, Explaining and evaluating positive methods for getting behaviors, and the use of trick training to develop a handler’s training skills and a dog’s mental and physical flexibility.
For orders in the US, the book is being carried exclusively by The Dog Athlete until 2014.
For Orders in the U.K and Europe, please contact: www.dogbooksonline.co.uk. E-mail inquiries may be sent to:enquiries@dogbooksonline.co.uk
For Orders in Canada, South America and South Africa, please contact: Mungo’s Books at mungosbooks@platinum.ca
For Orders in Australia and New Zealand, please order athttp://www.politepaws.com.au/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=142_147
I have the book, it’s great…When is Denise coming to continue demonstrations???
I am now inspired to buy a fifth copy.
And it does look nice on the table.
“Dog Sports Skill, Book 1” is a great book for getting me off the computer and reading a book instead of seeking out answers to my training problems on the net. I had this book read in just a few day. Its an easy read, and it gave me the pep talk, so to speak, that I needed to inspire my dog. We spend so much of our energy on how to do a certain exercise, learning step by step, that we forget to factor in our relationship with our dogs. This book fills in that gap of inspiring our dog as we become more inspired to be the best we can be with the dog we have. I would tell everyone wanting to be a better trainer to read this book…..
I have read the book and will highly recommend it to all who are getting started training dogs for competition sports, or who are new to a +R approach to competition preparation.
Very nice job, Denise and Deb. You have created a fantastic resource!!
Have it, love it, loaned it to a friend. 🙂
I am really REALLY looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.