You might be thinking “Do we really need another puppy training book?” Dr. Sophia Yin has demonstrated that indeed we do. But by no means is this just your average training manual. The author actually knows what she is talking about from multiple perspectives: behavior scientist, veterinarian, dog owner and daughter of a novice new-puppy parent.

BOOK INFO

Perfect Puppy in 7 days: How to Start Your Puppy off Right

By Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS

Paw Rating: 5 Paws

Dr. Yin certainly knows her behavioral academics, but she embeds the teachings in such a fun, photo-filled way, readers don’t even realize the extent of what they’ve learned until they catch themselves spreading their new-found knowledge to other puppy parents. Dr. Yin isn’t afraid to let readers know she has made mistakes in the past and that sometimes things work out wonderfully despite horrific mistakes, but often they don’t. Luckily, new puppy parents benefit from the Yin’s extensive experiences: the good, the bad and the ugly. Even better, the book makes it clear that the antiquated “must dominate dog” mentality is, not only a waste of energy, but also damaging to your relationship with your new pup.

Chapters include:

How Your Puppy Developed Before You Got Her

  • Why Start Training So Soon
  • A Foolproof Potty Training Program
  • Dr. Yin’s Learn to Earn Program for Puppies
  • Socializing Your Pup to Dogs, People, and Handling
  • A Head Start on the Rest

The first chapter provides a wonderful exposé about the extensive thought and work a reputable breeder should put into a puppy. She explains the important biology of your pup’s senses in exactly the right amount of detail and with plenty of pictures. Most importantly, this chapter clarifies the importance of positive experiences in a variety of situations. So many people think they understand ‘puppy socialization’, but few really know what that means or how to do it. Yin explains through text and pictures exactly how to expose your puppy to the world and why this process must start sooner rather than later. The end result is a polite member of doggie society.

Cover to cover, this 176-page book maintains a reader-friendly format with sections that are clearly labeled, well-organized and supported by 400 detailed photos. Headings are in large, easy-to-read contrasting type, great for us with tired eyes. Paragraphs are short and to-the-point without the pontification so common in most training books. If a person doesn’t want to spend the time to read even those concise explanations, have no fear, simply look at the photos! They are in clearly numbered, easy-to-follow sequences. Chapters also have colored boxes that provide additional resources for readers who want to delve more deeply into puppy care.

Hopefully, you’ll read the entire book because the text entertains with a skillful combination of anecdote and behavior science. This book is my new number one resource for every new-puppy parent I meet!

Review by Jacqueline Munera BA, CCBC, PCBC, CAP 2