Copyright 2016 by Zak George and Dina Roth Port
All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York.
www.crownpublishing.com
www.tenspeed.com
Ten Speed Press and the Ten Speed Press colophon are registered trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: George, Zak, author. | Port, Dina Roth, author.
Title: Zak Georges dog training revolution : a complete guide to raising the perfect pet with love / Zak George, with Dina Roth Port.
Other titles: Dog training revolution
Description: First edition. | New York : Ten Speed Press, 2016.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2015048364 (print) | LCCN 2016011071 (ebook)
ISBN 9781607748915 (pbk. : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781607748922 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: DogsTraining. | Dogs.
Classification: LCC SF431 .G43 2016 (print) | LCC SF431 (ebook) |
DDC 636.7/0835--dc23
LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2015048364
Trade Paperback ISBN9781607748915
eBook ISBN9781607748922
Cover photograph copyright Daymon Gardner
v4.1
a
To all the people who have supported
the Dog Training Revolution and helped raise
the standards for how we teach dogs.
This revolution exists because of you. Thank you.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
Decisions, Decisions: Choosing the Right Dog for You
CHAPTER TWO
Before Your Dog Comes Home: Everything You Need to Prepare for Your Pets Arrival
CHAPTER THREE
Welcome to the Family: Steps for a Smooth Transition
CHAPTER FOUR
Dog Training Revolution: The Key Principles
CHAPTER FIVE
Housetraining 101: The Five Basic Rules
CHAPTER SIX
Basic Training: The Fundamental Skills Every Dog Needs to Know
CHAPTER SEVEN
How to Troubleshoot the Most Common Behavior Problems: Barking, Chewing, Leash Pulling, Puppy Biting, Aggression, Jumping Up, and More
CHAPTER EIGHT
In Sickness and in Health: Basic Care for Your Dog
CHAPTER NINE
Time for Fun: Cool Tricks, Traveling, Exercise, and More
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My coauthor, Dina, and I have many people to thank. First, our enormous gratitude to our literary agent, Al Zuckerman, for championing this book from day one. Your guidance, knowledge, and unwavering support are invaluable to us. We also thank our editor, Lisa Westmoreland, for your enthusiasm and dedication to our book. Much gratitude to you, Kara Plikaitis, and the rest of the team at Ten Speed Press for your hard work.
We thank Dr. Rudd Nelson, Dr. Bruce Tannenbaum, and Dr. Meghan Herron for graciously offering your expertise. Also, a huge thanks to Leslie Nelson for helping with this book every step of the way and to Lisa Pansini for sharing your creativity and vision.
From Zak
I want to thank my dad for his unwavering, lifelong support both personally and professionally. He is one of the most positive, loving people Ive ever known, and I wouldnt have been able to accomplish as much as I have without him. My mom deserves a tremendous amount of recognition for always encouraging me to do my best. Her drive and determination to make the world a better place are contagious. I love you both very much.
My girlfriend, Bree, the love of my life, has been one of my biggest inspirations and so supportive over the last several years. I look forward to a bright future with you, Brianna. The Dog Training Revolution wouldnt be the same without you.
My dogs, Venus, Supernova, and Alpha Centauri, have taught me much more than I could ever teach them. I especially want to acknowledge Venus. Some people are fortunate to meet that once-in-a-lifetime dog; however, you rarely meet one who completely changes the trajectory of your life. For me, that dog is Venus. She truly is my superstar.
For years Ive wanted to do this book, but I knew that it would be too huge of an undertaking. Thank you, Dina, my coauthor, for being so determined and for sharing the same vision to enlighten everyday dog lovers to understand their dogs more deeply than ever before. If it werent for you, this book would not exist. I will be eternally grateful for your dedication to the Dog Training Revolution.
From Dina
I would like to thank my parents for your constant support and love. Thank you for nurturing my love for animals so many years ago.
I could never adequately express my deep appreciation for my husband, Larry. You are always there for me, ready to read over a chapter, help in a pinch when Im on deadline, and provide technical assistance or words of encouragement. Your strength, wisdom, and sense of humor can help me get through anything. I love you very much.
Thank you to our children, Samantha and Zachary, who make me proud every day. You always know just how to put a smile on my face. You are also both so supportive of my work, and that means the world to me. I hope you know that you are my greatest accomplishments. I admire and adore you both.
Zak, it has been such fun and a true pleasure to write this book with you. You are so passionate about helping guide the dog training industry toward methods that are not only the most effective but also ethical, kind, and science-based. I am honored to help you spread your important message. You are making the world a better place for these beloved animals. Thank you for everything.
Lastly, I want to thank my muses, Baxter and Brody, who sat by my feet as I cowrote this book. You provide my family with affection, friendship, unconditional love, and plenty of laughs. The two of you, along with Champ and Barkley, have enriched my life more than youll ever know. (Yes, you too, Kitty Cupcake.)
INTRODUCTION
Few things in this world are more exciting and more memorable than welcoming a new dog into your life. The journey goes far beyond simply having a companion by your side. Dogs have much to teach us: They always live in the moment. Theyre never spiteful, and they dont hold grudges. Also, theres just something about dogs loyalty and unconditional love that makes people crazy about them.
Thats not to say that bringing a dog home doesnt come with its challenges. You have a lot to teach your new pet so that you can live in harmony and have a long, rewarding relationship. Whether you are reading this book because youve just gotten a dog or because you want some fresh perspective on raising the one you already have, I promise you that you have come to the right place.