Training Books

I just finished reading Shawn Kovacich's book Frontkick. I found it to be very complete and detailed, as were the other two books that I have read in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series. I will not go into the front and back matter as I have already covered this material in my other reviews. Much of it repeats as things such as stretching, strength training, speed training, and the like apply to each of the different kicks equally. These specific parts of your training are covered in detail and are a very useful part of this book.

I found that I especially liked the "notes" which are found throughout the book. Shawn's notes are filled with useful and interesting information. Both the kicking applications and the trouble shooting guide were also excellent. I find it refreshing for a martial arts author to be willing to show photos of himself making mistakes in order to point out what you should not do, instead of just showing you how your kick should look. I personally find this teaching technique very helpful.

Obviously Shawn Kovacich knows what he is talking about when it comes to the art of kicking. I highly recommend this book to any martial artist, beginner or experienced, who is interested in improving his or her kicking skills. This book is technically complete and well written, and is a great addition to any martial arts library. My copy is now highlighted, pointing out tips and information that I want to go back and quickly reference. If you are looking for a great book to improve your front kick, this is it!

This is Volume Six of ten books devoted to mastering kicks. Shawn Kovacich devotes this book to the Front Kick. This review examines Shawn's book from a practical stand point--how well does this book enable me to learn the front kick?
I'm 50, 6'3" tall and 220 pounds, but I'm not an athlete--just healthy. I cannot perform the back kick higher than my own waist right now--I'll need to improve my flexibility. It isn't too much of a handicap for self defense--or active military service--but for those of you involved in karate matches, you need the high kicks for the match-winning points.
My two favorite kicks are the side kick and the front kick. I find them to be the most useful in real-world personal combat, though Shawn's book on the back kick did raise my appreciation for the back kick. The front kick is like a boxer's jab punch--quick in and out. A series of front kicks can be delivered rapidly with just one leg, or a flurry of front kicks from alternate legs can be delivered. The striking surface is the ball of the foot and targets are precision spots such as the face, neck, kidneys, solar plexus, arm pit, groin, knee, and nerve bundles on the thighs. Shawn lists a variety of targets much longer than my list--and has a useful target area diagram on page 29. The front kick must be precise, and because the front kick is less powerful than other kicks, you must kick THROUGH the target to deliver maximum punch.
I have training prejudices: I like to employ mirrors, a video camera or two, a minimum of one sparring partner, and at least one referee when I train. Multiple sparring partners are to keep me from getting stuck kicking at the same height each time, and because in the real world, my problems usually come in bunches. Often, I must train alone or not train at all, so I have to limit my training intensity for safety. A second set of eyes can help spot flaws--and prevent injuries. It is very hard to dial 911 when one's back is thrown out. These kicking techniques can injure the practitioner if done incorrectly. I like both mirrors and video because when I initially practice, I can watch myself in the mirror. For realistic practice, I need to concentrate on technique and the target instead of watching my own reflection--instant video playback aids me in spotting what happened. I can even figure out if my kick was in the right place or not! Shawn wrote about the "crawl, walk, and run" phases of training and the basic and advanced kicking techniques are covered in detail. Exact detail. Train at your own risk. I perform a risk reduction prior to training--assess the risk level and employ risk reduction techniques to make training safe. Remember that training is synthetic reality, intended to be less expensive than gaining real-world experience.
I think that "Achieving Kicking Excellence: Front Kick" is well organized. There are ten chapters. The introduction defines the kick and advises how to use the book. Chapter One is kick anatomy: bones and muscles. Chapter Two recommends warm up and stretching exercises. Chapter Three is Basic Principles: striking surface, target areas, and 11 other key points. Clear graphics left me with little doubt about what part of the foot to apply and where to hit my opponent. Chapter Four covered the primary kick technique. Again, the graphics are very clear. They include "dance step diagrams" showing where the feet go--footwork is critical to effective kicking. The photos have numbered labels stressing correct positioning of each part of the body. Chapter Five is variations of the primary technique. Chapter Six covers training and practice techniques to achieve skill, strength, speed, and power. Chapter Seven is a trouble-shooting guide. Chapter Eight is applications: how to use this in competition or combat. Chapter Nine is Shawn's awards and accomplishments. Chapter Ten previews the next volume in the series. There are a table of contents, a recommended reading list, and an index.
This is an excellent study guide. I can train some now, on my own, and when I find training partners (sparring partners and a referee) I might even get proficient!

Volume 6, "Front Kick" in Kovacich's "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series, like the previous five books, covers the kick very thoroughly. Shawn if anything, is consistent, which aids this series. Format is the same throughout all books so far, which aids the instructor or the student, making information more quickly accessible. The reader knows what to expect, details about muscle groups, target areas, and proper technique are standard. This book serves its purpose well.

Achieving Kicking Excellence

If you are a novice martial artist, a kick-box exercise video nut, or someone who wants to advance their knowledge of martial art kicks, this book looks as if it would be very helpful.

The series of books is organized by type of kick: back, wheel, axe, crescent, reverse crescent, front, hook, hatchet, roundhouse, side kick. Ten books in all.

The volumes are absolutely loaded with pictures of not only kick technique but also of helpful strength-with-weight exercises, especially gym exercises with machines like the hack squat and leg press sled and of course the all-important lunge. So you get not only a discussion of how-to, but of what exercises can improve overall performance by gaining muscle strength. There are pictures with overlays of angles and axes, giving you an idea of proper form, though there is no substitute for a sensei giving you real-time feedback, of course. So these books are a good adjunct to martial arts class in the dojo; something to read and then take to practice and work on with real-time help.

There is a section on sparring--right and wrong. There is a suggested reading list in the back. A very complete series.

The only thing these volumes suffer from is slightly dark and low contrast black and white photograph reproduction due to pictures being on paper stock and not glazed plate stock, in order to keep costs reasonable for publishing. And the cover photo is wonderful but the graphic design (showing the title being shattered by the someone doing the title kick) was a GREAT concept but you can't read the title on the front cover (because it's being kicked to bits!) This is annoying; you have to read the spine to see which kick the book is about. If this bugs you, it's easily fixed: get some stickers or a Sharpie and mark the front cover with something like SIDE KICK VOL 10 or whatever works for you.

Author Kovacich is a black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do (which of course is one of the martial arts for which the kick is the premier technique.)

During my past 14 months of regularly attending karate classes, I thought that I was really good at executing the front kick. When I was deciding what other books in the series to order (I had previously ordered Back Kick, Wheel Kick and Axe Kick) I had initially not even considered ordering Front Kick as that was the first kick my instructor had taught me and even he said that it was a really simple kick to learn. After awhile, even he thought I was really good at it. However, I decided that I would go ahead and preorder the remaining eight books (including Front Kick) in Shawn's Achieving Kicking Excellence series. Boy, am I ever glad that I did.

I sure had a pleasant surprise on Valentine's Day when I received an e-mail from Shawn telling me that the rest of the books were back from the printer and that he would be mailing them out to me the following day. Four days later my books arrived via USPS Priority Mail. Although Front Kick was in there, I didn't really take much of a look at it. I just thought that I already knew how to execute it and I didn't really think that there was really anything else I could learn about it. Well, although it stings my pride to say it, I was very, very wrong. Not that I'm not ever wrong, it's just that I should have known better after reading Shawn's first three books.

One weekend I decided to sit down and flip through Front Kick. I didn't get too far into the books when low and behold, I realized that there were at least three things I didn't know for every one thing that I did know, or thought I knew. Several hours and about a dozen cookies later, I finished reading Front Kick for the first time. One of the first things I learned was that even though my front kicks looked good, there was very little substance to them. Because I was one of the people in class that executed the front kick so well, I thought that I was doing fine. After reading the book, I realized that although my front kicks looked good, they were very weak.

I practiced off and on the rest of the weekend and when I went back to class on Monday some of my classmates noticed that I was doing my front kicks different. Even my instructor took notice and he even remarked that I must have received the other books that I had ordered.

Once again, I can't begin to explain to you exactly how much detail Shawn puts into each and every one of his books. My instructor has taught entire lesson plans on the material in this series of books. Most of the times he ends up using my copies and I don't see them for weeks at a time. At least I know what to get him for Christmas, a complete set of books of his own.

Now when we spar, it's harder for my opponents to determine if I am going to use the front kick or another kick. Now I am even finding it easier to go into another combination of punches and kicks or just another kick. Thanks again Shawn for fine tuning my front kick. These books should be a cornerstone for anyone who teaches kicks and for anyone who wants to learn how to kick correctly.

I was often puzzled by employees in their early 20s. They brought different values, expectations and skills to the workplace. My job was to teach them the service ethic, to keep them long enough to get the benefit of my training efforts and keep them motivated to put in a good day's work.
This book addresses those issues. Any employer today needs to inform themselves on how to deal with this age group.

Answers to the, "What's in it for me?" question are relevant to more than just Chester's "Kidployees" - youth who have come of age in the late 90' and beyond; these answers are required for virtually every employee and this book delivers practical, relevant, everyday applicable, ways to answer that question with your employees. Reflecting common sense, as well as a sense of humor, Chester delivers means and methods to address front-line worker's all important needs for purpose, identity, and accountability. From CEO to front-line supervisor, this easy to read, enjoyable book will provide countless ideas for making that all important, bottom-line, performance connection with your staff.

From the section on "How to Attract Them", to "How to Keep Them", to "How to Connect with Them", Chester will hold your interest with his logic, humor, and common sense ideas for respecting, motivating, and holding them accountable. If you are responsible for managing more than one (yourself) employee, give this book a try. I highly recommend it.

Dennis DeWilde, author of
"The Performance Connection"

If you employ a team or are looking to employ (and retain) a team that includes anyone in the 15 to 25 age bracket, this book is an absolute MUST READ.

Several very good examples of what other successful operators are doing and plenty of food for thought that can lead to real application in your business.

A great investment and a very good read!

Eric Chester's Getting Them To Give A Damn: How To Get Your Front Line To Care About Your Bottom Line provides an excellent key to turning uncaring employees into performers and innovators. The latest generation shares a new set of values and won't blindly conform to company policy - but they can be motivated, and 'Generation Y expect' author Eric Chester shows how. From recruiting the best new employees to using different types of training to make them loyal, this is a 'must' for any member of the 'next generation employer'.

Eric Chester's Getting Them To Give A Damn: How To Get Your Front Line To Care About Your Bottom Line provides an excellent key to turning uncaring employees into performers and innovators. The latest generation shares a new set of values and won't blindly conform to company policy - but they can be motivated, and 'Generation Y expect' author Eric Chester shows how. From recruiting the best new employees to using different types of training to make them loyal, this is a 'must' for any member of the 'next generation employer'.

This book is an excellent read for all those who are interested in grip strength.

The Grip Master's Manual is written in a much more organized manner than John Brookfield's first book, Mastery of Hand Strength. Both are certainly worth it and used together are even better. Most of the techniques inside both books can be done with little material from a hardware store or things you probably already have. He goes over all types of grip strength and in The Grip Master's Manual he devotes an entire chapter to steel bending. If you're interested in how to train your every aspect of hand strength, buy both his books.

Upon purchasing and reading through this book, I have come to the conclusion that the author is insane!

Brookfield really takes a "backwoods" approach to his training. For the most part there is no fancy machines or complex contraptions that he uses to build grip and hand strength...Much of it revolves around using bricks or long pieces of boards to create resistance...sounds easy but it's not.

I will admit that despite having read the book, I haven't put alot of effort into building my grip strength. It seemed to me that it would require plenty of dedication to accomplish so I never truly persued it.

Apparently this guy is an expert in the field...Being that there aren't many books available on this topic, it's worth reading and seeing if any of the training methods work for you.

This book is THE book when it comes to grip training and becoming a well rounded athlete. Brookfield lays this book out very logically starting with a section on getting ready. He then progresses through: Advanced Lower Arm and Grip Training; Advanced Grip Challenges; and Steel Bending. No matter where you turn to this book is filled with helpful tips and ideas to get your workouts going.

I can honestly say this book and the ironmind grippers have already improved my hand strength immensely. I would highly recommend this book and look forward to acquiring Brookfield's other book "Mastery of Hand Strength."

John Brookfield IS Mr. Hands. He is also a very sharing person who will gladly help others to succeed. The Grip Master's Manual is a superb book with many unusual ideas for exercise and hand health. If you are interested in building a stronger grip, you MUST read this book. If you're not interested in building a stronger grip, you are probably not interested in performing near the top in any athletic endeavours. In a nutshell, if you want to be better at almost anything that requires use of your hands, you should build your grip and this book is a true asset. Highly recommended.

Perceptively opens the mind to understanding the interaction and reaction generated between you and your dog in and during the training process. Koshar aptly and with some humor prepares you for the inherent vagaries that exist within you, your dog and the profession. There is also a close parallel message of humanism and the potential for personal growth. A must read for anyone who loves dogs.

For anyone who is interested in dog events, Claire Koshar's A Guide To Dog Sports: From Beginners to Winners provides the common sense insider information that can make or break participation in an organized dog activity.

A Guide to Dog Sports is not a training manual. It is a delightfully well-written and humorous collection of suggestions that range from tips for beginning training to choosing a traveling partner you won't want to dump along the roadside. Koshar provides the reader with information that isn't written down anywhere else. How to fill out a premium list and knowing what to pack in the SUV that is headed for a dog event may seem simple, but getting it wrong could result in a bad experience and a dog owner who swears off organized dog events.

Koshar is an experienced trainer and competitor in many areas, As a well-respected obedience instructor, she is more than familiar with the kinds of questions most frequently asked by both dog owners and newcomers to dog sports. Knowing about armbands, how to dress and manners at an event can prevent embarrassment for the novice competitor. Koshar's many years of first hand experience are evident as she describes how to raise, condition and care for performance dogs.

A Guide to Dog Sports is a lot of information in a small package. Readers can learn about Junior Showmanship, Canine Good Citizen training, obedience, tracking, flyball, agility, and field work as they learn practical skills such as how to avoid looking like rookie of the year.

Important life lessons are presented throughout the book. How to win and lose graciously are lessons that we all can use a refresher on from time to time. Chapter 10 addresses the psychology of the owner by helping owners recognize when they are blaming their dogs or making excuses for training problems.

The emphasis of A Guide to Dog Sports is the behavior of the person at the other end of the dog's leash. This is one book that should be required reading for every beginning dog training student.

I have been a columnist for "Front and Finish: The Dog Trainer's News" for many years, and I occasionally review books related to tracking, a major area of interest in the dog sports. While this book is not focused on the tracking community, all of the advice and wonderful stories certainly apply. I especially hope my readers will pay particular attention to Chapter 6 Getting Your Act Together, Chapter 7 Taking It on the Road, and Chapter 10 Looking Calm or Something Close to It.

People who know Claire Koshar will hear her voice telling these stories as they read. Those who haven't met her will wish they could know her. She is a first class Dogbuddy.

DOG SPORTS, FROM BEGINNERS TO WINNERS, is a one of a kind, must have book. In it, the author offers countless tips and techniques that can be used to overcome "comepetition nerves." Funny, entertaining, educational and unique, this book is sure to be a WINNER!

Tough old Army Colonels shouldn't cry, but I did when I read the story of "Hulk" (Pgs 81-82). For the love of the dog and for the dog's love is what this book is all about. Clearly, this life long affection for dogs permeates Claire's delightful, witty book about her dog sports adventures and those of her Dogbuddies. Practical lessons learned from years of experience are woven into an instructive book that is fun to read and puts it all in perspective. I don't know of another book like it. I highly recommend it for beginner and "pro" alike.

Carl Nock, Past President Central Florida Hunting Retriever Club, UKC and AKC Hunt Test Judge

WOW!

I have been waiting for years for such a masterpiece. For anyone in, or thinking of entering, the field of dog training and behavior this book must occupy your shelf, along with volumes one and two. I can see why it took Steve so long to get this published. I second Mary's comment...

BRAVO!

Kris Kates
ANIMAL MANNERS

The weighty price tag might limit this title to all but the most serious pet library holding, while its nearly 800 pages of information will appeal to professionals rather than casual owners - but any serious dog trainer will find Handbook Of Applied Dog Behavior And Training V. 3: Procedures And Protocols essential. It's all here: from reducing compulsive licking and canine aggression to different types of dominance issues and impulsive aggression behavior.

First lets say loud and clear: This is a great book to understand dog's behavior. It has absolute credibility since it is backed up by years of research and experience.

I bought it in part influenced by other reviews stating this was a "COMPREHENSIVE" book on dog training and behavior. Not so. You see I looked up the meaning of the word comprehensive. Basically, saying this book is comprehensive is equal as saying it covers everything you would need to know about dog training and dog behavior. Again, it is not the case.

Does it cover a lot more than most books? Well, it covers a lot of information... probably more than most books. But it does not cover ALL kind of training. This is important because you might be looking for specific advanced training methods that are just not covered in here. Don't believe me? Just look in the "Index" and you'll see that many advanced training (sport, protection, guide dog) are not covered.

This is the main approach of the author (as I understood and in my very simple own words): Dogs can show very different behavior problems (fearful dog, aggressive dog, etc.). To overcome such problems the dog should receive basic training so that he develops further attention and control of impulses.

Of course, it covers much more than just basic training. Basically it addresses a vast amount of dog behavior problems and then show you how to proceed to change the situation.

So, the author tells you about basic dog training principles to help dogs overcome behavior issues -which is great! It is just that I expected to find an explanation of advanced training techniques. Still, this book is fabulous and it will certainly be of great help to understand dogs and their behavior.

I wish someone could tell me about a book that does cover advanced training techniques.

There are a lot of illustrations in the book but most are conceptual maps (or mindmaps if you wish) that try to represent behavior processes. But if you want to learn more about training 101 you might very well feel the illustrations could be way better.

The book is certainly a must to become a better trainer or owner and to really begin understanding dog behaviour. So, it sure is a 5 stars book. Probably it is above any thing else written about dogs. I don't know if the others two first volumes cover advanced training techniques or if you should look elsewhere for that. I guess I'll find out latter when I read more books on dog behavior and training.

Finally, here is a quote from the author (steven R. Lindsay) that pretty much sums up what this book is about and what are its limits:

"No compendium of instructions can take the place of competent professional help for properly assesing canine behavior problems and prescribing behavior-therapy and training recommendations. The assessment procedures, instructions, guidelines, recommended devices and uses, behavior-therapy protocols, and training techniques described in Volume 3 assume that the user is appropriately experienced, knowledgeable, skilled, and qualified to apply them in a selective, competent, and safe manner".

So, don't you dare think this is the only source of information you need. Read everything you can, but the real fact is that you will need to find proper training in a good school and study under the guidance of experienced people. I know that's just what I'll have to do.

One last thing, don't fool yourself. This is a book writen with scientific language. I'm sure the publisher must be very aware how scientific language highly reduces the market for the book. I don't have a problem with that because I've read several scientific books. But if you don't like heavy reads... this might be one of them. So, be prepared for that.

Ah, did I say I absolutely love this book? It is entertaining, insightful, full of interesting facts about dog behaviour. I just love it! If you love dogs or work with them, this is probably one of the most valuable source of information you can get your hands on!

Classic, monumental and destined to be a historic work, Steve Lindsay's 3 volume Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training should be on every dog owner and instructor's bookshelf.

Lindsay hits another home run with Volume 3, "Procedures and Protocols." This book provides comprehensive coverage of how to teach dogs new skills and how to handle canine behavior problems. Behavior problems such as housetraining (lack of it), destructive behavior, fears & phobias are addressed. The book provides detailed, science-based information about aggression. Additional topics include electronic
training, clicker training, and puppy temperament testing. In Vol. 3 Lindsay has done a magnificent job combining science with a practical approach that can be easily used by practitioners.

This 3 volume series, the writing of which was a 25 year labor of love, sets Lindsay apart as perhaps the leading scholar in the field today. If I could only have 3 books, I'd choose this whole set. If I could only own one book, I'd choose Steve Lindsay's Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol 3, Procedures and Protocols.

BRAVO.

Dr. Mary Burch
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

Steven Lindsay's three books are the ultimate reference guide for any dog trainer, breeder, veterinarian or serious dogsports competitor. Unlike most dog training books, these volumes are unique in that they do not describe the author's pet method for training a dog. Rather, Lindsay has collated information from scientific studies in order to give the reader an unbiased, scholarly reference guide to dog behaviour and training methods.

The information contained here is exhaustive, unbiased, up-to-date and very well researched. Although the books are an intensive read (to say the least!), Lindsay's style is very readable, and the books contain many diagrams and photographs to elucidate his points.

Although most useful as a complete set, since the later books reference material and methods covered in the earlier volumes, it is not necessary to read the first books before using the last. The material is well separated into topics and each chapter can stand alone.

I bought this on sale about 12 years ago. I've had people borrow it and I've had to go get it back. I will not let this one go. It is an excellent workout book. Whenever I need to get back on track - this is one of the four books I use. The others are great too. This book will be in my house for a long time to come.

I was a bit taken aback by the photos when I first saw this book (skimpy leopard skin leotards for example) and thought that this book really wasn't for me. Nevertheless, I read it anyway and have to say that I haven't found a book that better suits my needs yet. Great format, good information. I wish it had a more info on proper form, and for that, my actual rating would be a 4.5 star, but having to choose, I leaned towards the 5 star rating as it really has been a fantastic book.

As a rank beginner, I found this book helpful. The instructions and pictures are easy to follow. The only drawback for me is that the authors seem to subscribe a bit to the "no pain no gain" theory. I ignored that and started out with no weight but my own body weight, and one set, and worked slowly from there. I have been improving and after six weeks can feel the difference. I find twice a week easy to stick with, too.

I want to buy a copy for my sister and I am so sad to see it is out of stock! She borrowed my book and loved it too. It worked for me as a great reference and guide and I am inspired by the pictures of Gladys. She looks great.

This is an excellent book! If you are looking for a no-nonsense, easy-to-do, anywhere/any time workout routine then this is the book for you. It is concise and clear. The instructions are well written, and the pictures provided help you visualize the exercises. There is also good information on staying healthy and eating well.

You can start implementing the techniques described immediately. This book offers a workout routine for the gym as well as for home! Your start up costs may be mimimal, depending on whether you want to work out at a gym or in your home, e.g., you may choose a gym membership or a few free weights and a workout bench or a full-blown home gym.

I've investigated/tried a lot work out programs that look good but aren't always convenient to use on a consistent basis. I am a working mom with five children. I commute and travel for my work. This doesn't leave a lot of time to exercise. I can do these easy routines anywhere/any time and began it with mimiumal expense. Even when I travel, I can use many of the exercises without my weights (dumbell/barbell/leg) or my benches!

It would be nice if the publisher would reprint this book. I think more people would consistenly workout if they had this resource available.

Goaltenders seem to be loners on a team, however the position is very simple...One needs to build a strong foundation of skills that are developed in a structured and logical manner. Francois addresses these areas, and provides an A-1 training and development guide to be applied on a season long and year long basis. He also addresses the mental aspects that are so critical to a person playing goal. The one area he does not address adequately is females, ie., different physological builds and some the protective equipment is different. He tends to cater the text to the rep and travel level of team and does not cover the parent/coach/goalie relationship to any degree, however it is a very good book !!. I have read about 10 other books on goaltending, I am writing one for adult beginners as I teach adults 18 to 55 how to play goal...it is a treat!!!

I bought this book for my son who has been a goaltender for 8 years. He has absorbed everything he could on goaltending and found this book to teach a vast amount of information that he had never heard of, techniques that were immensly helpful and positive for goaltending.

After reading the book he attended the goalie camp which was awesome. Francoise and hs staff were very personable and charismatic, taught the attendees with alot of patience and with a system where they could understand and retain the information easily.

This family is highly behind Allaire on his books, videos and teachings!

Thanks Francoise for sharing your knowledge and giving so much of yourself to the goalie minded youth of today!

This is an excellent book for goalie coaches & coaches at the rep or house league level who require assistance in establishing a training and development program for young player and can be applied to adults as well. I have written a guide for adults as we are built differently. email if u r interested and is for both men & women

I've been a hockey goalie during 18 years. Now it's time for me to get involved in a different way... as a coach. The young goaler has a lot to learn and a coach can do a lot of damage if he doesn't communicate properly the techniques. The book is a very good tool for the coach. It describes clearly the basic techniques and there are a lot of pictures that illustrate them. I coach 9 yo kids, and I've been able to use many of the drills described in the book.

This is a very good book for non goalies (parents, coaches & kids starting out to play goal. It provides a good plan for developing skills over a three to four year plan. It is geared for the serious coach (rep) & young goalie, but not for adult beginners. After teaching goaltending for 15 years , I developed a guide for adult beginners men &n women and you can contact me at the email below for other info. The Allaire book is an excellent technical starting point and have used it myself, HOWEVER ADULT BEGINNERS ARE DIFFERENT

Having listened to Warren on his radio show for awhile, I was anxious to read his book, he is a wonderful human being with an incredible insight to "doggy behavior".

I have used some of his products, such as the doggy fog horn to deter barking, and it worked like a charm!

His advice is straight on and makes a great deal of sense.
If you get a dog, get a copy of this book and you will ave the best behaved dog on the block!
If you have a dog get this book and re-train your dog, "you can teach and old dog new tricks!".

This is an excellent book on dog behaviour and what you can do about it. I found it well written, interesting to read and full of great information and insights. As an owner of an intelligent frisky puppy, this book is invaluable to me and I use as my dog's bible..well worth the price.

Mr. Eckstein has this book so filled with incredible information. Some of the info truly is coming from your dog's perspective. His suggestions have given me four incredibly trained dogs. I buy this book as a gift for anyone I know who has gotten a puppy and tell them that this is a dog owner's bible.

Any dog lover should grab a copy of this book. Eckstien is known for adopting pets and transforming them into not only warm,wonderful companions but movie stars, and show winners. Eckstein shares his stories in past books about how he has save dogs and cats from kill shelters and literally certain death, to become extras in tv shows and commercials. Eckstein has worked with both celebrity pet owners and appeared on celebrated tv shows, but he is most comfortable with the dogs and cats he loves. This book was very informative because it explained the mysteries of why my dog chased his tail or burrowed before he used the bathroom, and also great tips on handling, and training my pooch. I liked how he worked on rewards basis and not beating, whipping, or restraining. Overall the book is humane, sensitive to both pet owner and pet, and describes all the areas that you would want to work on with your dog.

Warren Eckstein brings the same caring and compassion for pets, sprinkled with some light-hearted humor to this book, that he does to his radio shows each week. This is a comprehensive and straight forwardingly written guide book for the care and training of dogs. Warren tells us that many of the problems that we encounter with our canine pets are the result of the dog simply being bored. Given the frenzied pace at which we live, our dogs are left alone for increasing periods of time. He gives us many suggestions for keeping our pets from being bored,going from the simple rotation of toys to the suggestion of an occasional canine playdate or party. He even suggests doggie makeovers and and how to give a doggie massage. I particularly liked his suggestion of using a shake can (an empty soda can filled with some coins and taped closed) as a training aid. When Fido goes yet once again to knock down the kitchen garbage pail, you have already balanced the shake can on top of it, and Fido gets a noisy surprise when the can hits the floor.

IDEA 2004: A Parent Handbook For School Age Children With Learning Disabilities by school psychologist and parent advocate Shelly Smith is a straightforward guide for parents and professionals to the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act. Condensing everything parents need to know to be effective advocates in plain terms, IDEA 2004 covers practical applications of the law, disability laws in general as they pertain to schoolchildren, and the rights of both children and parents. Reducing seemingly incomprehensible bureaucracy into simple terms, and fully explicating both the letter and the spirit of the law, IDEA 2004 is an absolute "must-have" for any parent or guardian raising a child with learning Disabilities and seeking a positive, balance-of-power relationship with the public school system.

As a current Director of Special Education, I find Shelly Smith's book for parents to be the best information possible for the lay person. It explains to the parents their rights regarding their child's education in such a manner that is easily understood but comprehensive. Any parent of a special needs child must read Shelly's book. The complicated law that protects these students and their parents is so massive that such a common sensible approach is needed. Ms. Smith brings the language, terminology, and rights down to a level that the reader can comprehend. This book has a five star rating as far as I am concerned and should be distributed to all parents of challenged children.

Dr. Lynn Ahrens

The consistency of MS Smith's advice is wonderful. There is no need to remember situational models or hope that your particular situation is referred to in her book. If you don't feel "the system" is working properly to serve your child, you simply state that you don't feel they are fulfilling their legal obligation. It is a simple statement, it isn't
confrontational and best of all, it is our natural reaction as parents of a special needs child! Brilliant!!!!
Gwendolyn Borders, Texas

I am a Special Education Teacher. I know how difficult these laws are to understand. Administrators, teachers and families are still trying to determine what changes have been made what they mean and what is new. For those of us who don't have time to read all 200 pages of the law this book makes it easy to understand. With the help of this book it will be much clearer how, when and why the IDEIA can help you and your student(s).

Shelley Smith's book Idea 2004: Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act: a Parent Handbook for School Age Children With Learning Disabilities is a MUST READ for any parents with a Special Needs child. This book takes all the legal terminology that is supposed to be protecting our children and breaks it down into plain language that can be utilized by any parent in advocating for their child. This is a book that you want to keep by your side throughout your child's education! I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a better handle on their rights and providing their child with the most APPROPRIATE EDUCATION!

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