I read this book 30 years ago when I started my career as a professional dog trainer. The Obedience training section is an ingeniously thought out method that works magically with almost every dog. Koehler is a genius. I fashioned my entire method after this book and attended one seminar with William Koehler in person. (BTW, it's pronounced "Keeuler") Over the years I have changed the system. I think at times the book a bit too argumentative, but after training for years, trainers learn that students are always fighting to do it THEIR way and not the trainer's way. That is why Koehler has this in the book. For myself, I was willing to do everything he said, so I was annoyed by all this "proof" that the system works.

The method is presented so that a novice, working alone, can train his/her own dog by following the book. It's really a how to train your own dog yourself with no other help system.

The Guard Dog section's basics of the agitator's moves and the beginning training of the dog is brilliant. Most agitators I have seen really don't "GET IT" They have missed the main point. I don't necessarily agree with the more advanced methods.

Using the Koehler Method of Obedience, I took my second dog I trained for competition, to a CDX TD SchII with almost all 1st places in AKC classes, an AKC high in trial (over 650 dogs) and a tie for HIT, a DOG WORLD AWARD, and the CD/CDX in 6 shows.

Some of the techniques in both parts request a huge investment in time that many are not willing to invest. I have found many shortcuts to the methods presented and most TALENTED trainers will do the same.

Compared to many other books on the market these days that are all fluff "talk", this book really tells you how to "DO IT" and it's methods really work.


Recommended: Yes