Training Books

This is full of great background, start and training aids for agility.

We found that there is no substitute for class training with pro instruction. But this is useful for those who want to just do it in their backyard, or as prelude to class work.

Good advice on rigging own obstacles, progression of learning, etc.

Worthy resource for agility interested or those already into this growing activity.

Great book with information for the beginner and expert because we all forget the basics from time to time. Helpful information for easy-to-find substitutes you have around the house/yard to use as jumps, ramps, etc., before you buy and/or make your own regulation equipment. Covers all the basic commands and how-to's on all agility equipment.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is training their dog in agility! It doesn't matter if you're just starting or are advanced, this book will give you some great tips on forming good agility habits, and getting rid of the bad habits. It also gives you good ideas on training stratigies, and how to make your own safe equipment from stuff around the house. Nice pictures too!

I am new to the sport of agility and this book really gives you the neccesary info not only to compete but also to find new ways to play around with your dog. Excellent information on obstacles descriptions and regulations. If you are a do-it-yourself type of person like me, the info is so complete that you can built the obstacles yourself based on the description given by the author. The only down side is the black and white photos. Great introductory book for the sport of agility. It covers all aspects in an easy to read way.

For the record, the quote in my review title is from page 10. "Escaping The Price-Driven Sale" bills itself as being "From the creators of SPIN Selling," even though its author, Neil Rackham, is not directly involved. Rackham is the founder and president of Huthwaite Inc., while "Escaping" authors Tom Snyder and Kevin Kearns are its Senior VP of Strategy and Business Development and CEO, respectively.

That said, my initial impression of the book is that it draws a direct connection to the importance of the "Implication" phase of SPIN selling. In the Implication phase, you work with the customer to review all of the variables, both pro and con, involved with taking or not taking action. "Escaping" points to the "sweet spot" intersection of Industry Knowledge, Business Acumen and Questioning Skills...that spot being "Business Impact (Value) Zone / Customer Discovery Zone"...as the area in which a skilled salesperson can soar.

There are four quadrants to the book:

1). The "Unrecognized Problem"
2). The "Unanticipated Solution"

(both classified as "Consultative Selling")

3). Unseen Opportunity
4). Broker Of Strengths / Cross-Selling

(both classified as "Strategic Selling")

The premise is that if a salesperson is adequately comfortable and skilled in each of these four quadrants and has done their homework prior to approaching a potential or current customer, they are empowered to "escape the price-driven sale."

There are no gimmicks here, no voodoo, and the "methods" are based in common sense. It should not require a massive "paradigm shift" for any salesperson to understand and embrace the principles, but make no mistake about the fact that this approach requires focus, effort, and determination. Readers who are drawn to books on "how to close the sale" or "cold calls that really WORK"...any kind of short cuts, and especially those who think memorizing a sales script is a way to get their foot in the door...are basically order takers and not salespeople. Reading this book would not be the best use of their time unless they're ready to roll up their sleeves and go to work and stop being order takers.

The authors assert that it is too easy for most customers in the modern economy to purchase products or services without the involvement of a salesperson. It's called "The Internet"...look at where you are right now! You're on a Web Site that allows you to purchase products without dealing with a salesperson, cashier, etc. The business world is the same. Your clients have access to more information than you could possibly offer them.

The nuance...and the selling point of the book...is that most customers have access to the raw data but lack the insight to cherry-pick it and shape it into meaningful solutions to increase profit, save money, etc. They are too close to the day-to-day operations, too directly involved, to have the objectivity and creativity needed to find the source of pain and obliterate it. That's the job of the salesperson. Do the homework, connect the dots, THAT is the value you bring to the table.

A powerful book of the 80 / 20 mode. 80 percent of the people who buy it will either put it on the shelf without reading it or will not put the principles into action.

The other 20 percent will "wake up to the new reality." Then 20 percent of THAT 20 percent will be the cream that rises to the top and actually puts the wisdom in this book to good use.

I have literally read hundreds of books on "new" sales ideas over the years. While they usually offer good reinforcement, rarely have I seen anything that was "new." This book, "Escaping the Price Driven Sale" is actually different!

The book goes well beyond simple consultative selling models to bring forth insightful and actionable sales ideas. I like that this is a fact-based and proven sales approach, as it was created from rigorous sales research in a variety of industries. So, regardless of what industry you work in, if you really want to improve your sales success in a competitive marketplace, this is a "must have" book.

We have already begun to incorporate several of the book's sales insights into our practices and they have been very well received by our sales force. Whether you are a sales person or a sales manager, Tom Snyder's book provides you with a detailed roadmap of how to begin to rise above a price driven sales mentality. "Escaping the Price Driven Sale" is an investment in your personal sales success that is well worth the money!

Jim Griesing
VP Sales, The Hartford P&C

Huthwaite, the premier researcher of successful seller behaviors and the creator of consultative selling SPIN Selling, has researched how world-class sellers sell value and create extraordinary profit. In what I consider a landmark book that provides incredible insight and a roadmap for salespeople and sales organizations to incorporate these skills and practices, the Huthwaite organization has once again raised the bar for professional salespeople.

By reviewing thousands of transactions in which buyers did not select the low-priced provider despite the fact that the sellers' offerings appeared to be the same, the authors (both executives with Huthwaite) identified the four value-drivers (Client Insight Creators) critical to successful complex sales.

In an unusually clear and succinct style, the authors explain how the combination of the seller's business acumen, industry knowledge, and questioning skills can drive value by allowing the client to gain insight about Unrecognized Problems, Unanticipated Solutions, and Unseen Opportunities within their business as well as to see value in the salesperson as a Broker of Strengths (cross-selling).

These insights alone would have made it a great addition to any professional salesperson's library, but the authors incorporated the essentials of the business enterprise to enhance the financial literarcy of the reader and to emphasize the point that value at the C-level is created by focusing on business results and creating opportunities.

Finally, Part 3 of the book focuses on a realistic execution plan for both the salesperson and the sales organization to incorporate these value-selling skills into the workplace.

This combination of research-based insight into value-selling, a focus on the importance of business acumen, and a roadmap for implementation that is presented in a convincing and clear manner makes this book a landmark in the history of sales training.

Escaping the Price Driven Sale, by Tom Snyder and Kevin Kearns

For some time, organizations have recognized that products and services continue to become more and more commoditized. As a result, customers want either the cheapest price for these "commodities" or they want something of value above and beyond the products and services. We know this. We have all paid more for the same product when we feel that we are getting that "something extra" that adds value. That may be why you are shopping on Amazon...they may not always have the best price, but you know that you can get great reviews of books (like this one), will receive the book when promised, and be provided exemplary customer service.

In the quest to add value, many organizations have recognized that added value can come from the Sales Process and the Sales Force. Consequently, we have witnessed the tremendous interest in "consultative" selling approaches like SPIN® (the benchmark for consultative selling).

What has been missing up to now is more specific information about what added value customers seek.

Enter Escaping the Price Driven Sale. In this must-read book, authors Snyder and Kearns in an easy to read fashion discuss the recent findings about what customers value. Like all of Huthwaite's work, the content is not based on speculation or theory, but on sound research.

In this book we learn that customers are seeking basically four types of value; 1) value from discovering a problem or issue that was unrecognized, 2) value from discovering a solution to a problem that was unknown 3) value from discovering business opportunities that were unrecognized and 3) capabilities and strengths beyond the product/service.

More that just data, the authors provide specific techniques and practices for salespeople and organizations to build their value to existing and prospective clients. As a result, this book will now be required reading for all of our current and new sales and marketing team.

I strongly recommend this book.

I've read just about everything written about pugs and this is one of the better books. The tips are helpful and if you aren't aware of it, pugs have many health issues. The result of years of breeding makes for some common ailments. A good choice for pug lovers.

We thought that this book was great. It has really helped us since we became new pug owners. It explained about health concerns and potty training, to what kind of toys pugs like the best. I would highly reccommend this book to anyone thinking about getting a pug!

Wonderful book replete with information about pug care, i.e. grooming, cleaning their facial folds and finger curling their doubly curled tails when they are still puppies.

You also get to read about training and breeding your pug and overall good dog care specific to this breed. You learn what words and short commands tend to work best for pugs and you and your pug can share in the rewards - limitless pug cuddles. You even get some humorous "pug tales" as well. What is not to love about a pug? Pugs are so lovable!

Great book! Very practical information about what pugs need as far as bathing, skin fold wiping (beware of swamp face), and other general pug hygiene. Very practical training tips, such as belly rubbing to assure your pug that you are dominant (as well as providing a delightful belly rub) and choosing useful words for training, such as "off" instead of "no jumping," so that that your pug can be praised with the same word, for example, "Good Off," which then serves as a built-in reward (and doesn't exhaust the word "No"). Interesting and funny information on pug personalities. What's not to love about a pug?

My daughter is an experienced dog agility trainer, and was thrilled to receive this book as it is the series she reads to learn her skills, and this was the next book she wanted. Very helpful!!

In the years since Jane Simmons-Moake's three agility tapes hit the market, I have attended a bunch of seminars held by many different trainers. While I have learned from them all, I still feel that the information Jane presents in her tapes and their companion books is the most basic, easy to understand and to follow instruction around. What Jane promotes is common sense handling that is feasible for all handlers to achieve, no matter their age, ability, background or breed of dog.

The first two books and tapes in the "Excelling at Dog Agility" series cover obstacle training and sequence training. The third book, which was just published in 2002, is subtitled 'Advanced Skills Training.' As was the case with the other two books, a handy reference guide at the end of the book directs you to the place on the tape where the skills being discussed can be viewed. The advantage of having the book to refer to, in addition to the tapes, is that it beautifully diagrams the various practice maneuvers and presents some marvelous course designs for practicing each of the featured skills. As I scanned through the book I made mental note of the courses I wanted to try. They looked like so much fun!

The first topic addressed in this book is advanced weave pole skills. In watching Jane run her own dogs I have always marveled at her ability to send her dogs into the weaves regardless of where the weave entrance was in relation to her. This is a vital skill for anyone involved in USDAA or NADAC gambler classes in addition to often being the difference between a Q and an NQ on any course.

This chapter carefully details the steps that will lead to a dog who doesn't need babysitting on the weaves. It also includes a number of suggestions on how to proof your dog so he will remain in the weaves, regardless of your enthusiastic praise or the distractions at a show.

Advanced pause table skills might not seem necessary once your dog has learned to get on the table, but could your dog handle a wet slippery table at top speed? Jane writes, "If you have not taught your dog to grip the top of the pause table to keep from sliding off, you have yet to address an important part of his training." Also included in this chapter are ideas on how to maintain the sit or down.

Two vital skills for anyone needing to make up for a slow dog or catch up with a fast one are the ability to (1) send and run and (2) layer. The first occurs when you send your dog to a jump or tunnel but you, the handler, continue to run ahead to where you need to be next. Layering is similar in that you send the dog to an obstacle while you run a more direct line to where you are headed, even if there is an obstacle between you and the dog.

Other topics addressed are obstacle discrimination, the 'get out' command, pinwheels, zig-zag rear crosses, 'heel and side' commands and advanced distance skills. The latter chapter includes a number of pages devoted to how one should prepare for gamblers.

Each chapter in the book starts with a section on 'How to Begin,' continuing with 'How to Progress,' interspersed with what to do 'if you have problems,' generously diagrammed so you can practice each of the skills you are trying to teach.

Finally, if you are one of those who lacks equipment at home and thinks it's sufficient to practice only once a week at class, Jane dispells that theory with a number of exercises you can work on when you're alone. Some you can do with no equipment at all; others are designed for those who have space for only one or two pieces of apparatus.

If you already own the first two books and tapes in this series, I'm sure I don't need to recommend that you run out and purchase this third. If you don't already own any of the "Excelling at Dog Agility" series of books and/or tapes, I would most certainly suggest that you add this to your wish list. Guaranteed, the instruction contained will help you progress.

Simmons-Moake's book offers excellent sequences to practice, and down-to-earth practical information on how to correct problems if something goes wrong. There are many books on the market now about Agility, but none measure up to Moake's. This book is NOT for the beginner, but rather for one training at the AKC Excellent level, NADAC Elite level, or USDAA Masters level.

The 3rd book in the Excelling at Dog Agility can be described with one word: FANTASTIC!

Simmons-Moake wastes no time getting into the good stuff, and starts out this very advanced book with advancing your weave-pole skills. She covers difficult and "impossible" weave entries and how to train them the right way... and succeed! Moving on to the pause table in the next chapter, she explains the concepts behind a perfect pause table performance, namely teaching your dog to "grip the table," get an immediate sit/down, and correct the perpetually sliding pooch.

Other than the weaves and table, the rest of the book really focuses on the handler and developing his/her skills. Learn to "layer" courses designed to trip you up (literally!), perform precise pinwheels and super serpentine sequences. Improve your distance handling with this book, so that gambles are no longer a gamble!

Some really great things about this book:
· Extremely advanced skill taught in an understandable way
· Home practice tips and exercises
· A section on evaluating your handling and training skills, and addressing the dog who is "over drilled"
· The MOST helpful Problem Q&A section I have ever seen for problems ranging from the dog being too fast/slow to control issues and more!

Though this book is definitely not for the beginner and will probably require a professional instructor's guidance, it is a great way to increase your knowledge on the subject and improve your handling skills. Like the two previous books, this is an THE way to achieve excellence, yet a very enjoyable read. Kudos to Jane Simmons-Moake for creating the best books on dog agility out there!

This book has been very helpful to us before getting our field spaniel and even better now that he is here. My 8 year old daughter has even read it several times.

a must for anyone who knows little or nothing about this rare breed, covers almost every thing and gives a sound and through coverage of all material available.

Field Spaniels are a rare breed with characterics much different from their close cousins, cocker spaniels and Springer spaniels. As a result, there is not a lot of information available about the breed. This is the book to study if you are interested in a Fieldie. It is written by a respected breeder and Fieldie enthusiast and well thought of by those who love the breed.

Great informative book. The author includes the cons as well as the pros of owning a Field Spaniel. They're great dogs for the right people. You'll know after reading this book if this breed is right for you.

.........in addition to the positive review below about Peter I'd just like to add the following.....

All of Peter's books are just GREAT & are absolutely worth their weight in gold. He knows exactly what he's talking about since he has devoted his whole life to teaching practical self defence & personal security. He's had years & years of experience in this business and is one of the best experts we have on the subject.

Also in the book you will see some pictures of Sensei Ged Moran (7th Dan), who I have had the great privilege of being taught and training under for a few years.

Sensei Moran is the JSKA-GB Executive Secretary who began training in Shotokan karate in late 1967 at the Red Triangle in Liverpool, under the guidance of Sensei Andy Sherry 8th Dan KUGB, and Shihan Enoeda 9th Dan JKA.

The fact that such karate master greats like Sensei Moran train under Peter should be evidence & proof enough that Peter is well respected in his field and "knows his stuff!!"

This book prepares you mentally and physically for a violent confrontation. It covers human physiology, biology, aerobic and anaerobic training, strength training, stress work, aggression drills, hill work, and motivation. The proper use of equipment, partner, and solo drills are described as well. The author offers practical, street-worthy advice to get yourself into shape for combat. Well written and highly recommended!

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults and Martial Arts Instruction; co-author of The Way of Kata and The Way to Black Belt

This book covers the realities of training for combat. The physiological information given is technically correct and applicable for sports and activities (eg fighting) that take place in stressful and competitive situations. The underlying message of this book is that it is the mind that controls the body not the other way around. As a professional fitness instructor I see daily the difference that a determined mental attitude makes in performance. This book is all about creating that mental edge that only real hard training can give you. It takes no prisoners in its advice, you are either training or you are on that slippery slope.
A good inspirational read by an author who obviously "walks the talk"

This is a book written by someone who has realised that effective martial arts is not restricted to simply the practise of techniques. This book is about the very hardest traning routines, designed so as to duplicate the distress one may face in a 'for real' street confrontation. The author goes much further, however, than simply providing training routines, he deals with the complex psychology of combat, hard training and winning. This is not a book which should be restricted to martial arts people, but would be good for anyone with an interest in hard physical training and street self defence. Russell Stutely U.K.

this is a good book for paddlers both canoe and kayak and i use and loan it all the time. in fact it is loaned out now and i have to get it back. at $140 a copy (for a 100 page black and white book with exercise descriptions and pictures) it belongs in a vault.

i find the price(s) new and used to be uniformly curious. obviously some consistent thought has played a role here.

I am new to the fitness arena, but have always loved the outdoors. I've tried lots of fitness books recently, but none of them are as simple as Rocky's. I love the pictures and easy-to-understand instructions. Also, his positive attitude is a real inspiration. Don't miss this book!!

Need that extra strength in your wrists? Having trouble pulling thru the water? Wearing out when you need that final few strokes? Then FIT TO PADDLE is the book for you! Rocky Snyder once again breaks down simple, easy to use information about getting you ready to paddle with renewed vigor. The pictures and
diagrams are terrific. If you want to be one of those folks who seems to be gliding when paddling:Don't miss this book!

I am an avid sea kayaker and got this book after I injured my neck to help develop a rehabilitation program designed to gradually get me back to paddling long distances. Ideally, this book should be used to prevent injuries, especially those caused by overexertion. FIT TO PADDLE provides a sports specific conditioning program which will keep all types of paddlers in top paddling form. The book also includes sample home workout programs and a chart of the muscular system.

I highly suggest this book for all paddlers who are looking to build strength, flexibility and endurance, increase balance and coordination and help prevent overexertion injuries. The step by step instructions for the exercises are easy to follow and include photos. The exercises can be performed at home, at the gym or on the water.

This is a great resource for all recreational and/or competitive paddlers.

I purchased this to complete Texas Tech's online correspondence health course. Amazon shipped it speedily as always and I was done with the class 2 weeks later. I have to say, I planned on selling this book because I didn't think it had anything new besides the whole "don't-do-drugs-exercise-eat-greens-etc." advice but it turns out this book has workout routines, stretches, dietary info, and a wellness plan that you can use for life as the title says... needless to say, this is the sort of book you will hang on to just because the information inside is simple yet crucial for day-to-day living.

Not a bad book, easy to follow. Had to purchase it for a correspondence class and it was cheaper to buy it here than from the school. (about $10 less)

My ex-wife swore by this book and I watched as her weight decreased. I got the book and now we have a bet on who is going to lose the weight first.
Six meals a day sounded pretty good, so I thought I would try it. I just started but I know it works because I watched her do it.

My daughter is taking a correspondence course from Texas Tech. The course is "Foundations in Personal Fitness", which she needs in order to graduate from high school. I am giving this book 5 stars because it is the correct book and edition required by Texas Tech, as of July 2005. I don't know how good the book is, but every few days she brings up something that she learned from this book.

This book was very helpful. It demonstrated many different ways or wrapping, trailering, braiding, ect. It covers showing for english, western, and halter. You learn some good tricks, and tech. The only thing I missed, was that it didn't cover very much in the way of actually showing in halter. Then again, it was only intended to cover how to prepare for stuff, and it really goes beyond that.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to know diff. ways to braid, leg wrap, and other things.

I wish I'd known about this book 20 years ago! It contains not only information directly related to fitting and showing the horse, but also has lots of other valuable information in it for horse owners in general and those with show aspirations in particular.

Fitting and Showing the Halter Horse is a good book the for the begginer to advanced showmanship/Halter exibitor. It shows you the finer points of what the judge is looking for in you and your horse. I recomend this book if you have just started showing a horse. It realy helps you out in what equiptment to by, grooming tips, what to do when you get into the ring and much, much more!!!!

I wish I'd known about this book 20 years ago! It contains not only information directly related to fitting and showing the horse, but also has lots of other valuable information in it for horse owners in general and those with show aspirations in particular.

In his consistently insightful, informative, and often humorous book, Gadgets, Games, and Gizmos for Learning, Karl M. Kapp has crafted a significant conduit of information that may bridge chasms created by misperception, distrust, and disrespect that often exist between the Boomer and the Gamer generations. The author points out that if large numbers of individuals in the gamer generation do not engage in the symbiotic relationship that occurs when the knowledge base is transferred form one generation to the next, we will irrevocably lose one of our most valuable assets.

Inevitably, as increasing numbers of highly skilled Boomers leave the work force, Gamers will be needed to fill the ensuing knowledge gap. Dr. Kapp clearly and systematically presents practical and appropriate, adaptations that schools and organizations must implement to entice Gamers to close the knowledge gap by obtaining the advanced educational credentials needed to fill jobs currently held by well-trained, highly-skilled Boomers. This book is especially valuable for everyone one who has, or will have, contact with gamers, including the gamers themselves.

For example, by reading this book:

Employers will learn that given an adaptive work environment, which accommodates non-traditional working and learning styles, Gamers' may actually be more efficient and productive than their Boomer counterparts.

Primary, secondary, and tertiary educators will learn why a growing number of prominent educators, such as Dr. Kapp, are recognizing that video game play actually improves cognition.

Contrary to what many parents believe, playing video games can promote intellectual stimulation, encourage social interaction, and does not have a positive correlation with violence.

Gamers, most importantly, learn how they can eventually become fiscally self-sufficient by understanding that their video game skills combined with the required educational credentials, may yield high-paying, marketable job skills.

Although this work is factual and well referenced, it is much easier to read and far less erudite then some other books on similar topics. For example, I enjoyed What Video Games Have to Teach Us About... by James Paul Gee, the first time I read it. However, I realized how much I had originally misinterpreted when I reread it. Karl M. Kapp's Gadgets, Games, and Gizmos for Learning would be a valuable resource for anyone seeking an accessible, well-documented reference tool, or simply a fascinating book to read.

Rebekah Fulford
Emmaus, PA

This book is a must-have for instructional designers and other purveyors of e-Learning and Training solutions; for those who see the need and are ready to move beyond the standard teaching tools that we've been using today in preparation for the New Learners ("Gamers" and "Digital Natives").

We've been passing this book around our office. It's inspired some great conversations, both internally and with clients, about the changing nature of the workforce and the ways the training industry will need to adapt. We've gotten some great ideas for our products and programs and are itchy to implement them.

In Chapter 2, Kapp gets practical, providing endless examples of different types of learning games. This would be a great place to start a project-design/brainstorming session.

It's an easy-to-read book, packed with useful information -- even if you "cheat the book" a bit and skim. Kapp includes a ton of real-life examples and case studies, including observations and lessons learned while watching his own children play games.

Highly recommended by this Instructional Designer!

So there are a lot of book about games out now but I think I would class Dr. Kapp's work in with the likes of John Beck and Mitchell Wade's "Got Game" in that it focuses on ways that we could use game, gadgets and gizmos to accomplish some important business goals.

This book provides a thread common to all the "G's" mentioned in the title...that these devices/experiences represent not generational disconnects but channels and conduits that can allow us to address the huge brain suck that is coming soon as the baby-boomer generation heads to retirement.

I think this book nicely walks the thin line between academic coverage and pragmatic usefulness and comes away with a good bit of both. I found the book to be engaging, accessible and in a crucial test...useful.

This is not only an informative read, but a fun read (and I never thought I'd say something like that about a 'work' book). Kapp has a playful way of pointing out how gamers' and the gaming generation's pasttimes are not only viable as learning methodology, but superior, in many ways, to previously used practices. Working in the Healthcare IT field (specifically, in EMR Training), the chapter titled "Cheaters Never Win...or Do They?" really put things into perspective. If you redefine the term 'cheat' to include workflows out of the norm (shortcuts, etc.), work becomes more efficient and streamlined and the learner walks away not only learning, but feeling like they might have got one over on 'the system'...everyone wins!

All in all, it's a great way for a gamer/geek (like myself) to finally prove my parents, my wife, and everyone else wrong - I WASN'T WASTING MY TIME ALL THESE YEARS PLAYING THOSE STUPID GAMES!