The Toolbox For Building a Great Family Dog

Terry Ryan is one of the most well-known figures in the world of positive dog training. She has been a mentor to a generation of trainers world-wide. In The Toolbox for Building a Great Family Dog, Terry presents a complete guide to help families raise a happy and well-mannered dog using techniques and games that are both fun and effective. Though this is a new book with a new focus, some will recognize parts from several of Terry's previous books, the original Toolbox For Remodeling Your Problem Dog, Coaching People To Train Their Dogs and The Bark Stops Here. The focus of this book is the family dog and all that phrase implies including the interactions between kids and dogs, household management strategies, common behavioral problems and training games the whole family (and dog!) can enjoy.

Terry’s fans will remember her 1998 book The Toolbox for Remodeling Your Problem Dog. This was one the first books to translate the science of dog behavior and training into practical and easily understood skills for both pet owner and trainer. The focus was on how to solve behavior problems. Now, as Terry puts it, her emphasis is on circumventing problems by rewarding good behavior and teaching alternative behaviors to replace those that are less desirable.

Learn as only Terry Ryan can teach you

• Important training and behavior concepts using Terry’s creative and fun relationship building program.

• The “YES TRAIN” approach to solving and managing behavior problems.

• Games to play with your dog to keep them stimulated and provide opportunities for kids to work with dogs.

• How to read your dog’s body language to understand what he is thinking and why he is reacting to what is going on around him.

What experts are saying about The Toolbox for Building a Great Family Dog The Toolbox for Building a Great Family Dog will be an invaluable resource for guardians of companion dogs. Terry has a rare skill for compelling writing, a pleasure to read. She backs this up with practical solutions for basic training as well as taking it to the next level and resolving common problem behaviors.
James O’Heare, CABC, PABC, author of Changing Problem Behavior, Empowerment Training

With a lifetime of dog training experience, Terry Ryan lays out priceless information for new dog owners. This book gives a solid education to new dog owners that gives a sound foundation for creating the “dog of your dreams.” The emphasis is on preventing problems before they start, but there’s also some help for those ‘oops’ moments. Logic is paired with fun in these pages!
Ali Brown, CPDT, CDBC, author of Scaredy Dog!, Scaredy Dog! DVD, and Focus, Not Fear

With kindness and compassion, Terry Ryan coaches owners to mold their dogs into well-behaved, happy family members. This “toolbox” should be in every dog owner’s possession. Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA, author Help for Your Fearful Dog and Don’t Leave Me!