On recommendation from a USA judge at our recent trial, I picked up a copy of the book Ruff Love, which I ordered at dogwise.com. Anyway, the judge said it is essentially the program that Debbie Zappia uses with her dogs, which if anyone has seen her seminars or high scoring performances at Schutzhund trials, knows she is one of the best dog obedience trainers in the country. The book is an easy read, not any earth shattering rocket science, but I found it very interesting. The only way I can sum it up is to say that basically it is a program of witholding all priveledges from your dog for a period of several weeks with strict controls in place. Over time, the dog learns to focus on you for absolutlely everything and begins to win some of it's previously enjoyed freedoms back. In addition, it's purpose is to streghthen the bond between handler and dog, producing a happy & willing working dog. The other thing is the program can be started anytime regardless of the dog's age. It does favor clicker training, but by no means is it a clicker training book. It was an eye opener to me on how much we let our dogs get away with! I've always thought my dog's had decent obedience but nothing close to what I've seen Debbie do with her dog. Now I have more of an understanding of how she accomplishes her remarkable training and strong bond with her dogs.

That sounds like a good book to read....thanks for the post!

I thought the book was very interesting as well. My only complaint is that the program is very impractical for use when you have multiple dogs that live and play together. I'm sure that adapting some of the ideas would work okay, though.

Tara, I see your point, however I think it depends on what each individual wants from his/her dog(s). The book is about building a better relationship with your dog, but I thought it seemed to cater more to people that want to have a competition dog, although many of the principles taught in the book can be applied to any pet. All I can say is I'm going to try it and I'll let keep everyone posted on my results. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

The particular issues that stand out in my mind are right in the beginning. At the beginning of the Ruff Love program the dog:

is crated when not interacting with you

experiences all free time and exercise on a leash or long line

hand fed his meals

only plays with other dogs when you are frequently calling him back to you

no free time in the backyard to romp and do as he pleases

continuously wears a head halter when out of his crate

All this for around 10 weeks, give or take. I cannot imagine doing it with one dog, let alone the 7 dogs I currently have. I'd have to quit school and work, and do Ruff Love full time! LOL Please do update us on how it's going for you. I honestly can't see how anyone can implement the program. Maybe I just have too many and do too much. I don't know...

Well, I'm not using the head halter, as I really don't have a problem with my dogs and don't feel they need it. I have also been a little lax about not breaking them on a long line or leash as well. I have been crating them when they are not interacting with me, but with several breaks throughout the day with very active play sessions. My dogs never play with other dogs so that really isn't an issue, and very very seldom do I ever let them romp around together. Hand feeding the meals has been a little gross I have to admit. May not be the thing for someone with so many animals, however I did notice that it did address people with mutliple animals that may only have one dog they may want to try this with.

Deb does not base her training on this book. However Deb does recommend the book to pet clients with control issues..

jody

If anyone knows how Deb handles and trains her dogs it's Jody - they are the best of friends. So if you want to know how Deb trains you should ask her - she reads the board a lot and makes very good posts when appropriate.

Thanks Ed. Jody, check your PM's.

Update: I emailed Deb and she was kind enough to respond. She recommends the book to pet owners as well as people that are looking to compete with their dogs. She noted the book has excellent exercises one can do with their dogs, and some of the things she does with her dogs are very similiar to those in the book. In addition, you have to choose the things that work for you, and if your seeing results then your on the right path. Still a good read IMO and for $14.95 I got a lot out of it.