Training Books

First off, Col. Bolger was a great battalion commander who gave NCOs and Officers who screwed up second chances, something that was unheard of in the 101st Airborne Division at the time. What we learned at JRTC is, a leader must adapt his training to the environment and this case, the environment is MILES or laser warfare. You can't tell me the OPFOR would run around behind small bushes when a rifle Platoons SAW's and 60's are blazing, it just wouldn't happen. The enemy would break contact if the weren't cut down in a wall of lead. But we learned to be effective in an environment where small groups of soldiers who carry butt packs, wear boonie caps, and spend every waking minute zeroing their MILES lasers is, you have to do the same...that's what good leaders do. So we spent months perfecting the art of MILES warfare and honed our call for fire skills and essentially turned the tables on the OPFOR. We coined the "system" earth pigs!

I've been through JRTC six times and the most effective units are the units who spread their units out, spend a lot of time zeroing their MILES, and have good casevac plans.

I was a team leader in Bravo Company and during the first rotation and like SSG Eric Bitzer said, the Company commander showed his incompetence by leaving our platoon in the open on the side of the hill after the initial assault. In leadership theory you learn about the emotional competency known as self regulation. I saw a company commander have a virtual breakdown on the objective after our platoon leader LIED on the radio about our location. Self regulation basically refers to your ability to regulate your own behaviour, speech, and emotions.

I served in units after where this kind of mistake would have led to the automatic relief of duty on the spot. Something the comapny commander in question liked to do with the soldiers under his charge. Didn't have your PVS7 on when it got dark? Automatic article 15, even if they didn't work. Great way to look out for your soldiers?

I think not.

If you want to see the deatils of a unit preparing for combat and the training involved, I recommend this book. Col. Bolger was one smart officer.

Daniel Bolger has done an excellent job explaining not only what goes on at the Joint Readiness Training Center, but he does much to explain how and why his first experience there was a bust and more importantly how he corrected his mistakes and performed outstandingly in a later opportunity. Excellent book on what goes into battlion level command.

I disagree with the reviewer complaining about jargon.If you are afraid of learning a little military jargon then you shouldn't be reading books about command and control. The small amount of jargon used in this book is easy to keep track of.

I am SSG Eric Bitzer I was there during this battle I was the Point Man for Bco 1/327inf when we hit the opfor the problem is not army doctrine but was in a decision that was made by the company commander of Bco 1/327 inf to stay on the objective after taking it instead of moving off the objective that all light units do. If we would have moved off the objective this battle would have been a total success. Remember that this book is from a Battialion commanders veiw not from a soldier that fought the battle Col. Bolger makes some great points and was also a great commander but the fault is not his it was with one of his company commanders.

This is another good book by COL Daniel Bolger, this time about his battalion's (101st ABN) rotations to JRTC in 1994 and 1995. Lots of great details and observations about JRTC and the OPFOR. Bolger's battalion was badly abused in its 1994 rotation and he decided to get even the next time, which was fortunately less than a year later. Bolger criticizes the Deliberate Decision Making Process (DDMP), big Tactical Operation Centers and suggests alternatives. Thought-provoking as always but I don't agree with everything he says. There is no doubt that the US Army's cumbersome DDMP is geared toward set-piece, short-term battles but Bolger's approach combines common sense with anti-staff bias to try and just avoid all that messy staff work. From the intelligence viewpoint, he is dead wrong because Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) does save lives and it does take time to do it right. Bolger's command instincts are good, particularly about nitty gritty items like reducing soldier loads, but there is bias here that detracts from his message. For example, sometimes he says erroneous things, like the S-2 (intelligence officer) is on the S-3's staff (the S-2 works for the commander, not the S-3). Maps are poor.

The Battle for Hunger Hill should force the US Army Infantry School as well as the gurus at Ft Leavenworth to seriously consider re-writing current doctrine for light infantry units (especially with regard to Low Intensity Conflict and OOTW). The 1-327 Infantry proves again and again throughout the text that the "cookbook solution" (i.e. doctrine applied as dogma) is often the surest way to ensure one's own defeat. Rather, HOW to think instead of WHAT to think is the surest way to secure victory.

Any soldier or leader concerned with mission accomplishment and force protection through the artistic application of Maneuver Warfare (Auftragstaktik) simply MUST read this book. It is highly entertaining as well as informative. Indeed, any commander whose unit is scheduled for a rotation to JRTC should require every officer and NCO to read this book no later than twelve months out (thirty-six months out for RC units). You may go without it...but only at your own peril.

I've trained horses for years using positive reinforcement (eg. clicker training). I am no expert, so I love to read & collect any new titles I can. I will say I've met Alexandra and brought my horse to one of her clinics.

This is an excellent book. It's almost too full of information. You could stay busy for years doing all the exercises in it. It might be a bit daunting for a beginner. I'd suggest starting with her first book before reading this one.

You may even need to watch her videos and/or do a clinic with her to really understand & appreciate all that's in here. To be honest when I first bought the books there were some sections I skipped thinking "who needs that stuff?" Then as my knowledge came along, I realized the applications for the extra exercises. Wow! She could've almost split it into 2-3 books and expanded on some of the sections.

The book is full-color and larger format which is nice for reading. The photos are a bit cheesy (lower quality). I learn better from video or watching someone, so to me the photos weren't my focal point.

Of all the clicker training for horses books out there, this is one of my all time favorites.

I have tried everything with my extremely smart straight egyptian mare. I believe in prayer. The L-rd wants us to involve HIM in everything, yes even the training of our animals as these animals are HIS, they are just on loan to us and we are accountable for their well being and if you are not humane & patient with training them (as they do want to please) you will be held accountable. CLICKER TRAINING IS A 'G-DS SEND' and I can't begin to tell you how my mare loves to learn with this! If you want a truly POSITIVE, HUMANE WAY OF TRAINING, HERE IT IS!

Whether you're just getting started clicker training, are an experienced clicker trainer who wishes to translate your skills over to horse training, or have clicker trained your own horse are are simply looking for new ideas and a clearer approach, Alexandra Kurland's book will be an asset to your collection. It gives very clear steps, from introducing the clicker to your horse, to more advanced skills on the ground and in the saddle. The examples given for the various skills are great, because they always offer more than one approach to achieving the goal, and the reader gets to choose the options that work best for them and their horse.

The traditional, and even the more modern "natural", types of horsemanship all rely to some extent on punishment ... whether it's direct punishment or the applying of uncomfortable pressure. Clicker training gives the horse lover another option, a gentle, positive approach that yields great results without intimidating the animal.

This book is a highly recommended purchase for anyone looking for a more positive approach to horse training.

I bought this book to start clicker training w/ my horse. I LOVE it. Its a great book to start out with. Describes how to start training, clicker for manners, trick training, using clicker to help stop unwanted behavior such as biting, and even how to use it under saddle. Photo's help a lot, easy to read and understand. Great book. I am having a lot of fun w/ clicker training, but my horse is having even more fun!! He loves it :)

If you have ever labeled your horse stupid or stubborn -- get this book. Everything you need to know to teach and handle your horse is inside. It is that comprehensive. Do you want to communicate effectively and easily with your horse? Than you owe it to yourself to get the book and use it.

Clicker training is a method of teaching based on the work of Pavlov and later B.F. Skinner. It is not about magic or whispering and it removes all of the macho emphasis on power and control. You will be amazed at how quickly your animals learn. I have been teaching dogs and horses this way for three years now. Because it is so effective and fun I would never go back to the old methods of force and punishment.

If you have prior experience with clicker training just turn to any page and begin. If you have never heard of clicker training, order her earlier book "Clicker Training for your Horse". To see the technique in action, get "The Click that Teaches: A Step-by-Step video lesson series".

While the book suffers from some poor production values the shear quality and volume of practical information more than make up for it. There are loads of photos that effectively illustrate what to do -- both how and why. The sidebars and bulleted lists are especially useful. With a comprehensive contents page, charts, glossary and appendices, this book is a great resource for problem solving.

I am grateful to Alexandra for sharing her knowledge and experience. I predict that you will be too.

Easy to read and VERY INFORMATIVE. I wish I would have know about this book earlier.

I purchased this study guide after reading several of the reviews. I am too impressed with the overall quality of this book. It provides preview tests and practice tests for Early Childhood, K-6, 5-9 and 7-12. I began studying three months before the test and used one other reference text book; Effective Teaching Methods by Gary D. Borich. I passed both the Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and the Content Area Exercise on the first try. Now on to student teaching--Yeah!!

Very thorough overview of what will be on the PLT and excellent outlines of the information that will be tested. This book eliminates the need to go through textbooks from other classes to look up information, which saves time and effort.

This book is definitely the one to get! This book has TWO practice tests for each test, whereas the ETS book only has ONE test. This book also reviews important concepts and explains them clearly and in an organized fashion. Highly recommend!! The ETS book is not as helpful.

This book was a very thorough study guide. The practice tests were very valuable, as was the extensive information regarding theorists and other information that was on the test. I just took my Praxis today, and I left feeling very confident, thanks to this book!

Highly recommended! The audio format is a great idea! It makes learning very easy and the information is all relevant. This is one lesson that is interesting and easily finished.

This was my first wine book, and it is still the best beginner's reference. It covers everything you need to get started. The real benefit, however, is the audio format. You actually get to hear the narrator (who is fantastic!) pronounce the names of the various grape varieties, wines and terms. This is a huge benefit and something that cannot be replicated in the written word.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 1: Dining Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was average at best: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember. And the next time you go out to a nice restaurant, some Myles from Sideways type guy won't make you feel like an idiot.

Although drinking good wine isn't difficult, learning about wine can be. Once on a winery tour a vintner explained that there are 15,000 different choices that can be made from grape to bottle. Sometimes picking out a wine can seem daunting. Food Scholar's Wine Selection & Etiquette does a superior job of teaching those of us who would like to learn more without the information being overkill.

While there are more comprehensive books out there on Wine, I really like this book because it excels at being written for the average person. The book is divided into logical sections. I also like that the effect of climates in a region on the grape are covered. This is an easy way to tell what kind of wine you are getting just by looking at where the grape was grown.

This book will enhance your knowledge as well as your ability to pick out wines that you and your guests may enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to those who want to learn about wine, as this book does an excellent job of giving a basic education about many of the wines of the world.

This was oe of my study references for the MCAT. I recommend this one because it has a lot of useful info that one needs to know for the biology portion of MCAT.

Another useful reference is "The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology:Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations (Topics:Origin of Living Things & Chemistry of Life, Structure and Function of the Cell & Energy Pathways, Reproduction and Heredity, Genetics) Volume 1 by Patrick Leonardi
This last study guide had wonderful questions/explanations that were quite comprehensive for the biology part of the MCAT.

This book is just awesome. You will not regret buying this book.

The Biological Sciences segment of the MCAT contains the material that is least likely to have been comprehensively covered by the coursework of a typical undergraduate. While the chemistry and physics (and organic chemistry) elements of the test are all fairly similar to university syllabi, the broad sweep of MCAT's biology topics (biochemistry to anatomy, and selections from everything in between) makes it unlikely that any one or two courses could cover them all.

Enter Examkrackers. At precisely the correct level of detail, Orsay takes the reader through each part of the MCAT Biology curriculum, emphasizing the important elements, breezing through the minutiae, organizing everything so that it is easy to process and remember. I used virtually nothing apart from this book to study for MCAT's biology sections, and can say that never on the exam did I feel unprepared for a question, which, given the test, is all you can ask. The book might be less than ideal for someone wishing to learn these topics from scratch, but for a concise, helpful review, there is nowhere better to turn.

I saw this text as a readable, colorful supplement to cover bio material. My thinking is that this book does NOT go as deep as some of the other (Kaplin, Berkley, Princeton, etc) material out there - which is not a bad thing. In my eyes, some of the MCAT books out there are doing nothing more than rewriting the bio textbook I used in college - which I have anyhow. This text touches upon only the most applicable subjects for the test.

I now use the audio osmosis cd's to listen to the lectures while reading the charts and brief text in this book to study bio. While I think the book is pretty and a fast read I think the audio osmosis CDs are important to use with the book - but this is just my learning style. The audio cds really underline what IS and what IS NOT important to memorize vs. understand vs. recognize - while the text book is a little confusing in this regard.

I really am grateful to EK for their books. I took PR and found that their materials gave me a great foundation (since I'd been out of school for 7 years...) But EK really helped me FOCUS on the things I needed to know. The Bio (as well as Physics, Chem, and Orgo) book is esp well written and you'll find that the writer's language reinforces the style of the exams. The color diagrams and directness of the presentation are fantastic time savers. Don't think it's "oversimplified" either. (I found that to be true w/ another review company who's materials were poorly written.) EK is no-nonsense with the info you NEED to know for the MCAT, and the mnemonics are great.

I don't know if it is "The Best Instruction Book Ever" as I have only read a few but it is most certainly informative and well set out. The many pictures are very helpful and clarify the instructions. The way the book is set out makes it very quick and easy to look up . I think it would be helpful to most levels of golfers.I think value for money, it is excellent.

This is a superb collection of instructions, tips and lessons. I have personally benefited by reading this and implementing at practice.

I am a serious golfer with handicap index. When I read this book, I know this information inside is really good. Including everything you need to know about improving your golf swing. A great product.

The book came along something I did not expect. Bonus DVD! Although it is not long in length, it gave me some a real insight into my swing.

Ive just started dabbling in golf- I've picked up an inexpensive set of clubs and wanted to get the basics down before I started to retain any bad habits- and this book has helped my practices become more productive. Each page is filled with large pictures and easy to understand descriptions. The only downside is that the book is filled with tips from multiple golf pros- and some of the tips seem to contradict those from other golf pros within the book.

Every dog can be a good dog - just follow the fun & easy lessons in this wonderful, dog-owner friendly book! All training methods are humane & based on how dogs learn. The lessons are not only fun - THEY WORK! This book contains a wealth of information. It covers much more than teaching basic obedience commands - it addresses & explains - with insight and humor - the many things that dogs do which people consider undesirable. Most importantly, it gives the reader a wealth of tools to change behavior & make every dog a "good dog". Extremely readable, & arranged for easy reference, Good Dog 101 is a must for new dog owners & trainers alike.

I enjoyed the background information as well as the informative, scientific theories and recommendations. The book is readable and easily adaptable to real dog training issues.

The first part of this book gives a fascinating description of the history of dog training and a context to the current field that many of us dog owners try to navigate. This section is easy to read and entertaining! The second part of the book serves as an excellent reference manual for the varied challenges of each individual dog. We all know that our dogs are unique and of course nearly perfect in every way, except maybe those few little quirks! This book provides a detailed table of contents so that you can quickly get to the solution for each of those little quirks! The methods described are simple and based on principles of humane behavior training. And the best part is that they work!

I have three dogs, all of which have some sort of behavior problems. I have been to numerous training schools, own all of the popular books, have watched the Dog Whisperer religiously and have used many of the techniques I've picked up in these various resources. Until reading Good Dog 101, I would consider Cesar Millan *the* expert and not only used his techniques but also shared my enthusiasm for him with all of my friends and family with dogs. This book was enlightening to say the least. I learned more about dog behavior and training, and the science behind it in the pages than I have learned in many years living among and appreciating dogs. Perhaps most eye-opening part of the book is that it presents compelling arguments for considering an expert other than Cesar Millan. I'm not convinced that ALL of his techniques are useless, but the author of this book makes strong arguments for looking at behavior in other ways. I agree with other reviewers that pictures would be a helpful addition.

My bookshelves are crammed with Dog Training books of all types and sizes. Most look unread without dog-eared pages or stressed bindings barely holding the pages in place. It's not that I haven't read them, it's that once read they become just silent clutter on my bookshelves, never to be picked up and pored over again.

A few dog training books, however, are tattered and worn with little more then a rubber band keeping their pages together. Donaldson's The Culture Clash is one of these books, as will surely be my newest purchase, Cristine Dahl's Good Dog 101. I love the unique accessible style of Dahl's writing and the fact that it's a book you can pick up and read only as much as you need in order to fix a particular problem. But if you like you can read on into a depth of "why and how" far beyond the basic fix. History, humor, and practical solutions all combine with solid behavioral science in a consistently delivered elegant presentation that reveals a deep and sophisticated affection for the subject of canine behavior and training. These qualities will make this book a venerable resident of my shelves where it will certainly begin to show its age as I reference it again and again for years to come.

It is often good to see the insights and opinions of those whom have been affected by someone elses knowledge and abilities. In the Company of Horses: A Year on the Road With Horseman Mark Rashid puts you on the road and in the clinics with the eyes, ears and emotions of many of his students.

Very good read. Can always learn something from Mark. His style in horsemanship is refreshing. This book has many lessons in it. Anyone looking to improve thier skills can benefit from reading.

Of sharing true openness and self observation. Kathleen shows how being open minded to learning from not only Mark, horses and her students but also learning from herself and what she is really doing when she is working with a horse. Which shows that if you are not honest with yourself and what you are really doing, or not capable of doing while working with a horse, the horse will reveal it for you.
This book is hard to put down once you start reading it.

In the Company of Horses is such an inspiring story about not only finding your role as a horse trainer but also how to identify and work within your own psyche. There were so many ways that I could relate to what Kathleen had written about her own experiences, doubts, and insecurities. The inspiration comes when she helps the reader to realize their own potential for success- in life as well as with the horse.

After reading the first five pages of this book, I put my pen down as I knew I'd underline about 80 percent of what I was reading.

Chapter titles include 'Point of View', 'Softness', 'Mean Well' and within the chapters are well thought, priceless vignettes of self-discovery ranging from learning with Mark and horses, the life style of an on-the road clinicians, working with students and how this thoughtful style of consistent horsemanship changes self and permeates life.

This time through, I'm devouring it - skimming words, slowing down here and there, nodding in agreement, delighting in the aha-moments. As soon as I compete the book, I'll start my second reading - going slowly, savouring the Lindley's words and experiences along this horsemanship road that beckons and calls us just over the next hill.

I am a graduate student in the field of behavior analysis. I used this book as it is intended to be used from start to finish. I successfully designed an educational teaching program that taught students a lesson in geography. I was very excited about the results. The students learned the material very quickly and became extremely fluent. Even though I used the book to guide me through designing an educational program, I could certainly see how this book could be used in an organizational setting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning a technology of teaching that is extremely effective.

This book is a good example of a text that actually helps the reader get something done- namely, create and refine an instructional program for any setting or audience. Dr Bruce takes you from a blank page to a well designed, efficient training course in a step-by-step manner. What impressed me most was the skill with which Dr Bruce not only presents the critical ID concepts, but also shows in great detail how they can be applied.

Instructional Design Made Easy provides an insightful look into instructional design. After careful consideration of the material in this book, I considered using the concepts in an educational setting. A better use of this book would be in a business related setting, in which I have had some experience. The Efficient Design Checklists in each section is a great help in keeping users on track toward their objectives. I particularly like Exercise 2 which helps one to identify measureable results. The Performance Objective Template on page 53 of section 1 really helps translate ideas into action. This book is valuable to those who prefer a step by step approach, yet it is flexible enough to be useful to those who have experience in the fild of instructional design.

There isn't an easier way to learn about instructional design than by picking up a copy of Dr. Bruce's book. This book offers a step-by-step process for designing any training need whether it is business or education oriented. Each task within the design process is broken down and explained with clarity, allowing the reader to view specific examples and nonexamples for each component within this process. I have repeatedly used this book to improve the content and design of material for a distance learning course in behavior analysis. I have also used this book to design activities for business projects and education workshops. I highly recommend this book to those who are new to instructional design as well as to those who wish to improve their current practices.

This book practices what it preaches -- a rare commodity in the instructional design literature, indeed! It begins, early on, with presenting a pre-test to the reader (don't worry, you can check your answers!). Then, rather than concentrating on prose and commentary, which many instructional design books do, this book emphasizes practical exercises. You learn the "rules" of good instructional design by working through many examples, and importantly, nonexamples of design practices. While the book focuses on instructional design for computer-based instruction (the example illustrations are mainly of screen captures using the Precision Learning System), the principles you learn can be applied to any instructional system. Dr. Bruce has written an easy-to-follow, easy-to-use first-rate book on instructional design.

For several years I co-taught a series of workshops on Instructional Design with Dr. Bruce at the Association for Behavior Analysis conventions. The materials in these workshops, which were well-attended and highly rated, became some of what was used by Dr. Bruce in the development of his book. There is nothing like having a live audience to help shape development of your materials, and with this book Guy has produced a valuable tool whether you are in education, business, or otherwise interested in designing good instructional materials of your own! -- JE

This is a truly wonderful exposition of the IW breed. It is lamentable that it is now out of print and therefore so expensive to own. Even so, it is such a thorough compendium of Irish Wolfhound knowledge and lore that it is worth having.

In my opinion, this is the best book ever produced on the Irish Wolfhound. In depth information which is easily understood by the novice as well as totally absorbing for the more experienced owner. Mary McBryde has done the Irish Wolfhound proud. A must for anyone with interest in this very special breed.

Bought this book yesterday and it's worth every penny that was spend. Since I dont own a Wolfhound and wanted to know more about them before I got one, this is the perfect book. It has everything you need to know. Not just all the boring Kennel, champion part were most other books go into great detail for those who are interested in showing and breeding. Since I'm not,other things are more important like the character,the history,the feeding of puppy's and adults and all the other things that dog owners find important for everyday life. Thank you very much for writing such a great and informitive book with so many great pictures.

I paid an enormous amount of money for this book. Every breeder I spoke with acknowledged it as the premier source of information extant for Irish Wolfhounds. (One breeder said they'd never heard of it, and that raised my eye considerably.)

It was worth every last penny, but for the life of me I don't understand why it's not still in print. There isn't a single book on Irish Wolfhounds that stands up to this, and when you compare this book with others, it's similar to comparing an Irish Wolfhound to a gerbil. No comparison.

The pictures are worth a million words. It's often difficult to get an idea of how immense this beautiful and gentle dog truly is, but there are eye turning pictures in this book that make you wonder if it's a dog or a bear. Aside from its enormity, it's also a stunningly beautiful dog (although many consider it wiry and ugly - their loss), and again, the photographs and drawings capture the true essence of this most magnificent dog perfectly. If all you want is a picture book, this is the book for you. However, I wouldn't advise spending $300 on a picture book if that's all you want. Look on the web, there are great photographs of this leonine canine everywhere.

The author covers so many topics, and she does so with a sure, knowledgeable hand. She begins with what it's like to live with Wolfhounds, and that is an important chapter for anyone considering taking this dog into their home. It's not like buying a German Shepherd, or a Labrador, or even a Mastiff. This dog requires *space*, not to mention room to run. Lots of it.

There is an excellent chapter, that was my personal favorite, on the history of the Irish Wolfhound. You'll find many writings on the internet that say this or that about the Wolfhounds ancestry, but this is the authority.

From there forward the book moves from choosing a Wolfhound (companion or show dog?; what color?; first contact with the puppy) to rearing; adult care; feeding; basic training; breed standards; how the different colors are produced; showing the wolfhound; coursing; breeding; whelping a litter; caring for the litter; health care; and finally discussions on Irish Wolfhounds in the UK, Ireland, North America, and worldwide.

If you have a question about an Irish Wolfhound after reading this book, then rethink your question - you're probably asking the wrong question. It's all here, and it's as magnificent as the dog itself.

This was a great investment. I took another's advice and spent the extra money to buy this book versus a smaller, cheaper Wolfhound book. I am so glad that I did. It has a great in depth history of the breed including the efforts of those who worked so hard to keep the Wolfhounds from becoming extinct. It covers puppyhood, breeding, health care, training feeding. It has it all. I went ahead and bought it new to avoid the waiting list. Definitely worth the money!!!