Training Books

This book is a tremendous resource for anyone who does teambuilding! Included are activities that can be done on a "shoestring" budget as well as some more advanced initiatives. Especially helful is a section with plans on building props for team building activities! A few "old classic" activities are included, but it mostly covers new activities.

Jim Cain recently conducted a workshop for our ACA group. He mentioned that the book came about because he was giving out a thick stack of hand-outs at his workshops that were darn close to a book. So he put them together and created this book. The energy and spirit that Jim shows in his workshops is clearly reflected in this book. Although nothing can really replace an "in-person" demonstration of the activities, this book gives clear explainations and examples in a "how to" format. Along with a section on how to build many of the activities with supplies easily available at many home improvement centers. There are activities for youth, schools, camps, corporate; large budget or small budget. This book is an excellent investment.

I've worked with high school groups and some corporate groups in outdoor adventure education for more than 12 years and this book would have been most helpful earlier in my career. This is a MUST BUY for anyone who in involved in training or education. The vaule of the book is so much higher than the acutal price. Once again. This is a MUST BUY for your personal or business libaray.

I have worked on challenge courses for nearly ten years and used much of what I do there in my other life as a middle school teacher. This is the best single volume I've seen. I was thrilled to read up on some truly new ideas as well as most of the tried and true stalwarts. Too often I've bought a book only to find that it is a repackaging of ideas that have been around a while. There is some of this, but plenty of innovation. The descriptions are clear and Caine has provided step-by-step instructions for making all of the equipment described in the book. They also comprehensively list other books, equipment vendors, organizations, etc.

If you know someone who's budget allows only one book, this is a great place to start.

Possibly a top five choice for those beginning an experiential-adventure education, resource book library.

Very good written and visual descriptions. In addition,the authors focused a great deal on assisting the reader in identifying and locating the resources and tools necessary for each activity and initiative. The detailed information is useful for both purchasing and creating additions to your equipment bag of tricks. This feature alone has been very attractive to those browsing through the book at our introductory level, facilitator workshops.

The book features a good blend of low prop, portable activities along with less-portable intiatives. Also, helpful variations of activities such as the spider web and bull ring are provided.

You may find less expensive, activity books, but this remains an excellent value as a quality resource book.

For those looking to begin a library - this is one of my top five recommendations. If you are an experienced facilitator, you will likely find good information, but you may not find the book as valuable as a less experienced facilitator.

This is a must read/own book for those invovled in reality based training (RBT). One of the best training components/tools for law enforcement/military is RBT, however, as "sexy" and as exciting as RBT seems, it is critical that training personnel understand the responsiblity for providing efficient, effective, SAFE!!! training. Kenneth Murray's book covers the major facets of RBT and how to execute safe and productive traininig.

Though I have not had the pleasure of attending Murray's training sessions via Armiger Police Training Institute, I did complete Simunition's training certification. There is no question that the fundamentals regarding SAFETY and goal oriented training detailed in Murray's book are universal.

If you are a firearms/defensive tactics instructor, you definitely need to read and own this book.

Insightful book on combat and preparation for combat. Well written. Easy to read.
I've read Dave Grossman's On Combat and this is a great book for more on that topic.

This is a great book at RBT and also a lot of fun to read. Being a simulator engineer it gives me a good understanding of the customer (police, military) side. I am looking forward to the second volume.

On the downside the book lacks structure - not in the content but in the formatting. Shallow table of context (no numbering of titles, no visual hierarchy of titles, no Index).

If I had to have only 5 books on police and military training this would be one of the five. well written, concise, very well thought out. this is a book you will return to over and over again. augments well with real live training.

I can honestly say this is one of the most complete RBT books I have touched to date. Every aspect of saftey is covered. I'm actually reading it for the third time now and still collecting more information I missed the first 2 rounds. It is not the complete be all of a RBT program but it is a must as part of your RBT library.

This book has lots of drills to improve athletic performance. Although I haven't had a chance to try them out yet (I'm currently injured and unable to train), they seem like they would definitely improve your athletic performance.

This is a great book, it covers a wide range of training. I coach little league and have been able to take parts of this book and incorporate them into our conditioning and training at all levels. Have not used the DVD all that much but the book alone is worth it

Exactly what I was looking for.
Some brilliant drills in here.
I was hoping for more speed ladder stuff, but the amount of different stuff in here is great.

It's nicely organized with some good text.

A few descriptions were not so great.

Definitely recommended.

I thought this book was great for coaching athletes and putting together specific groupings of exercises to work on specific skills. The challenge though was that I bought it for myself and thought it would help me design something to help my triathlon speed. I'm thinking it requires a higher degree of background knowledge than I have at this point.

This is a great book and DVD set for plyometrics. Both the book and the DVD start with an "Athlete Fitness Assessment" so you can understand the athlete's performance at the beginning of training. This is lacking in many of the other plyometrics books and DVDs, which begin with instruction right away, without emphasis on assessing the athlete's ability prior to training. The materials are nicely organized into sections for Speed, Agility, Balance, Quickness, and Reaction Time. A "Purpose" is clearly defined for each set of drills, so readers at any level can understand the results which the exercises are intended to achieve. I am using this book to see where I am in my performance, and where I need to go. My only complaint is that the DVD plays the drills one at a time. It would be nice to have a "Play All" option in each section, so that I'm not using my remote every 30 seconds or so. The DVD is easy on the eyes and ears, though. Buy this set first, and save your time and money returning the other books and DVDs! Enjoy!

This is a super book that will give inspiration and guidance to those parents raising boys. With hilarious and insightful real experiences, this book is a must own owners manual that will explain the mysteries in the mind of the adolescent boys, much that will convince anyone that God had a sense of humor when he created boys! I recommend this book to many close friends to read!

RECOMMENDED!

I highly recommend this book to anybody who has ANY dealings with boys, even if they're not your own. This book was a wonderful insight into the mind of the male and definitely helped me understand (as the only female in a house with four males) some of the intricacies of the male psyche.

Dave Meurer is a wonderful author and the intermittant mentions of God and christianity were nice and didn't come close to the stuffy, cram-it-down-your-throat level that some authors seem to take.

I highly recommend this book, if only for the enjoyment of reading the story about Dave when he was a child and the fireworks. Hilariously funny.

I had the rare opportunity of meeting this author at a Writer's Conference. He is warm and witty and is the "real deal". Dave helps us see the lighter side of life but still through a stained glass perspective. He offers up humorous slices of life that will have you laughing out loud. Read all of the DAVE books - Boyhood Daze, Daze of Our Wives, Out on a Whim and his newest one to come in May 2002 - Stark Raving Dad.

Dave Meurer is a gifted author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a parent of only one son, I too have learned the hard and fast rule: You can cry, or you can laugh. Like Dave, I think I'll stick with laughter.

I am the mother of a red headed 5 year old boy. I read this book over the weekend. This book helped me to laugh at the struggles of raising boys and enjoy what makes boys different and special.The author weaves in a Christian theme. The book is worth the price. It was a help to realize all this bliss of raising a son will not go away anytime soon.

I must confess I have not read the entire book, the first section called "the preliminaries" is so deep and full of wisdom that I have not gotten past them...it alone is worth the price of the book. I am not a buddhist, but this is deep stuff about how to live and approach conciousness, with the ultimate goal being full awareness. Clearly written, logical, very deep. My highest rec. if you want a spiritual but not dogmatic book, grounded in practical excercises. Contemplative, dynamic, deep.

Having read many books about Tibetan Buddhist principles and meditation techniques, this book is by far one of the best. Wallace writes for the skeptical, intellectual Westerner. Many Buddhist books written by Westerners either use baby talk or are too sirupy. Because of this, I preferred those written by Tibetan teachers - until I came across this book by Wallace.

A. Heinz, Cape Town

This is a well written book that gives you a lot of in depth information about Buddhism. I think a beginner should start with Rahula's What the Buddha Taught. After that, this would be a great choice. However, for those who have some knowledge of Buddhism and want to learn more, as they travel on the path, this is a wonderful book. Buy it. You'll like it.

B. Alan Wallace's Buddhism With An Attitude provides a different type of examination of Buddhist practice which goes beyond meditation advice to focus on the attitudes which typically need adjusting in the search for spiritual harmony. Common Western beliefs which vie with Buddhist attitudes and goals are examined in chapters which tell how to cultivate a special Buddhist awareness.

Realize they are two very different books! If you are looking for something to benefit your practice then "Buddhism with an Attitude" is the way to go. Although repetitive at times, this itself is helpful, and it is written in a more instructional tone. If you feel your practice has fully matured (lucky you) and you are simply interested in a concise, more academic exposition of the seven point mind training, then "The Seven-Point Mind Training" is the one for you. Also, for being more condensed, the "The Seven-Point Mind Training", will be the book you will want to carry around once you are familiar with Lam Rim practice.

There are two things wrong with this fine book: it's hardcover and thus, may come across as merely a 'coffee table book' with less text value. Not true! Secondly, the title perhaps suggests a book that is all 'sing song' and full of mushy cat ramblings. Completely false! 'Cats Have No Masters...Just Friends' should be titled something like, 'How to Have an AWESOME Relationship with your Cat.' There is no possible way that one could read this book and not substantially (if not radically) improve life with a cat. So much is covered in this book that is truly original - from Ms. Anderson's section on the (often overlooked) differences between cats and dogs, to dispelling cat myths, to the very detailed, practical, fun chapters on exactly how to treat your cat to bring out the best in feline-human friendship, this well-written book is an absolute MUST HAVE for any person with a cat. First time cat owners should read this book before getting a cat. Long time cat owners will smile and learn from the wisdom and humor on these pages. By the way, there are wonderful color photographs on each page, perfectly illustrating the lively text. This book is a gem. Treat yourself, treat a friend, don't miss this one!!

Great cat coffee table book. One purrecious cat basking in the sun after another, another at play,

...it would make a great wonderful gift with beautiful cat pictures in majestic scenic backgrounds and great useful sayings on how to treat a cat and how a cat treats you.

The author was so kind as to autograph my book for a friend whose one and only cat had passed away.

Don't let the price scare you away, it's worth every penny. There's a wealth of tools and secrets for a super-rewarding relationship with your cat(s). Two thumbs 'way up' for this work by Karen Anderson. purr purr purr

Purrfect cat coffee table book. One purrecious cat basking in the sun after another, another at play, another at hunt

...it would make a great wonderful gift with beautiful cat pictures in majestic scenic backgrounds and great useful verses on how to treat a cat and how a cat treats you."

..take it from me, my friend's cat passed away and so i gifted her with the book and she felt 1000 TIMES BETTER! she's thinking of now getting another cat!

I picked this book up at the bookstore to read while I waited for my husband. If you have ever had a "cat friend" this is excellent. Karen Anderson catches the true thoughts and feelings of cats and their human friends. I will now buy this book to keep in my library to enjoy again and again. It is a book for those who truly love and know "the cat".

I am not quite as enamored of this book as some other reviewers, but it is good. One author is a powerlifter, which both adds some amusing stories but occasionally gives this book an odd slant. I wish they would have fleshed out their weightlifting routines a bit more instead of just providing a skeleton - I am a bit lazy like that. Despite the above comments, the authors do a good job providing information without the hype.

I got this for my husband who is build like a horse, very active, but entirely unatheletic. I wanted to work out again and he never had but wanted to try. He learned alot about how wieght training works and is thrilled with the results (say Arnold!. I still refer back to it regularly to update our workout. It is simple and has all the info you need to get started whether you have lifted before or not.

After many years of doing very little exercise, I returned to the gym about a year ago. I purchased this book 3 months later and read it cover to cover, an enjoyable read. I continue to use the book as a reference to add additional and change exercises on a regular basis. Having followed some of the sample routines they provide, I can attest to a significant increase in strength and in general well-being. There are enough details and variations to satisfy someone just starting or getting more serious about lifting. I recommend this book - and thank the authors.

This is the best book that I have found on weight training. I needed a thorough book to get started and this was it. Other than my very lackluster lifting durig high school I have never seriously lifted, so I am far from an expert on lifting. I must add however that after having looked at many books on weight training I feel like a bit of an expert on the literature. What I found was that most books are geared to those that already know the subject. These books assumed many techniques I did not know, implied that I needed to work out about 3 hours at a time for 8 days a week and rambled on and on and on.

The Idiot's Guide to Weight Training thoroughly introduced me to everything that I needed to get started. After reading this book, I walked into a fitness store, bought the starter equipment I needed and started to lift. As I write this I am bit sore from the first few lifting sesions, but I am excited and looking forward to the future weeks and months. This book helps with equipment, clothing, eating, stretching, excercise instructions, routines and safety. The authors have provided a very thorough, readable and motivating book. In my estimation this book is an extremely valuable addition to the topic, and is indeed as far as I can tell the best book available to the beginner.

I'm glad I started with this book...it's well organized and very thorough. Covers all the essential things a person should know to get started in the weight room. It's also going to stay on my shelf for a long time as a reference, because it gives good tips on form, exercises, etc., as well as for other things that might pop up. you will probably want more info as you get more into training, but this book will continue to be of use as a reference.

This is a very important book about officer survival. The focus is not on tactics, but on mental aspects of combat, and especially the aftermath of violent encounter.

The book starts with introduction of Survival triangle: You have to survive both physically, mentally, and legally to fully survive an violent encounter. The authors keep that in mind through the book, while the stress is on mental survival. Next the authors discuss the selection process of police recruits, and the nature of violence the police are forced to encounter in their line of duty. Next they give a thorough explanation of fear and it's effects on a person, and they address the issue of training, as well.

The main portion of the second part of the book (about 100 pages) is real-life stories told by cops, and the author's comments of the events. There is not any tactical reviewing, but the incidents are discussed on a psychological point of view. At the end of the second part there is a chapter of psychological injuries, starting from physical effects right after the incident, going to post-traumatic stress disorder and difficulties with relationships with other persons.

The third part of the book covers the treatment of a traumatic event survivor. The authors cover all aspects: What the survivor himself can do, what his superiors, family members, peers and so on can and should do. The authors also stress that there are many different kinds of encounters that can cause post-traumatic stress disorder other than gunfights, and that all participants of such encounter can develop mental problems, not just the ones who pull the trigger. There is also advise to detectives who investigate officer-involved shootings.

All things considered, this book is a very complete package. It is easy to read and the text is not too "scientific" for a layman to understand. This was the first book by Loren Christensen I have read, but it sure won't be the last!

I received this book as a Christmas Gift from my brother. He's a Deputy, I'm an Executive Protection Specialist. Next to Robert Oatman's books on Executive Protection, this is the most valuable book in my Library. I can see that this is a must have book for Police Officers everywhere, but it's also obvious that anyone who may find themselves in a position requiring deadly force can benefit from this book.

I found the book to quick to read and easy to absorb. The authors make simple explanations of others experiences, and help you understand what works. In particular, the mental preparation for use of force provided by this book is excellent and concise.

It's at the center of human nature to stay alive, anyone that's put in a situation to kill or be killed will benefit greatly from this book.

An easy 5/5.

This is a fantastic book that is easy to read and makes a lot of sense. Every law enforcement officer should read this book and it should be required reading in all academies. I wish that I had read it before my deadly force encounter, but it was still very helpful in understanding what was happening to me in the aftermath. It has also been enlightening to my fellow officers that heard the incident unfold on the radio and to my family that received the phone call after the incident. It is a must read.

As with any book authored by Christensen, one feels the reality and truth of the content. This book is no different, it is enlightening to all inexperienced and experienced police officers. It should be mandatory reading for all police recruits in the academy as well as veteran officers on the job.

The mind MUST be prepared for what it will go through during a lethal encounter and more importantly, what it will go through after the encounter; unless of course you lost and are DEAD. Then, your loved ones must now deal with your failure to have survived. Do not do that to them ! Read this book, train and be prepared.

"The mind must be trained and then the body will follow." Anthony M. Cataldo www.blackbeltdojo.com

As a former Oakland, CA police sergeant and veteran of a number deadly force encounters, I can recommend this book to all street officers. In 1972 I was involved in an incident with an armed suspect who was killed. Today I can still relate the incident second by second. It will never leave me. This book allows you to gain from experience of deadly encounters without having to go through it yourself. This is very helpful and will certainly save lives. I recommend the book.

Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D, author of Managing Police Stress. docwifford@msn.com

This is a beautiful and inspiring book. It is full of photos and case studies of dogs that are entertaining to read. Just like episodes of The Dog Whisperer we witness dogs and their owners as they find a healthy balance of love, commitment and training that make everyone involved happy.

This book is the best I have ever read on dog behavior. It is very specific and gently leads you to the place where your dog is absolutely comfortable with you as you are with him/her. A must read for any pet owner.

I thought I knew how to raise and enjoy dogs but when I read this book and others by the Monks of New Skete, I realized I was missing so much.
Now I recommmend it to everyone getting a new puppy and older dog owners as well. Dogs are awesome and having them as a part of our life is a special blessing.

I was having sushi with a good friend and we were discussing pets and the difference between dogs and cats. Being a cat lover from the time I can remember I was not too interested in hearing about dogs, who I perceived as basically big dirty dumb animals. My friend had a different take; she said, "cats are nature's serial killers, but dogs were put here to teach us how to love."

When my husband and I moved to the Caribbean I brought three cats over with me. One night a local stray dog, a "potcake" as we say, came to visit. "Don't feed it!", I yelled, "or it will keep coming back!" Well, he did feed her and she did come back and now we have no cats but are the proud owner of a 65 pound potcake named Smiley (the best dog in the world). Hmmm....

She came housebroken and relatively social, but liked to run off, was overprotective, and did not play well with other dogs. Luckily I found a great dog trainer and groomer, and Smiley entered doggie day care with training and socialization. Our trainer, as it turned out, used the principles taught by The Monks of New Skete. An Eastern Orthodox order based in Cambridge, New York, the monks train dogs as part of their "monastic witness. For example, since we live on land that is steep and rocky, it is totally unsuitable for farming. This reality led us to begin breeding German Shepherd Dogs early on, and boarding and training dogs of all breeds." The Monks also train dogs and their owners to lead happier, more productive lives together.

Their latest book, Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog, is a clear and easy-to-understand guide to training "difficult" dogs using the examples of actual clients. This is a beautiful book with color photos of the dogs, owners, and Brother Christopher. We see the dogs misbehaving and behaving with clear explanations of how they walked the path. The book is grounded in the monks sense that relationships with dogs help deepen our relationships with God. "God speaks to us through our dogs -- indeed through all life -- and woe to us if we're deaf to that voice."

Divine Canine is organized around the five basic obedience commands: Sit, Stay, Heel, Down, and Come. Each dog story focuses on how teaching the dog these basic commands leads ultimately to a calmer, happier dog and therefore calmer, happier humans. So we watch as Tessie the mini bull terrier with obedience issues learns that she is not the "alpha" of the family and must listen, as Hugo the bulldog learns to not jump up, and as Boomer the rottweiler mix learns that aggression will not be tolerated and is not necessary. But what we also learn is what we as humans must give to the dog -human relationship; what our companion dogs should expect from us.

While all of the Monks' dog books are wonderful, I especially enjoyed The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog because of the personal stories. We see the good, bad, and the ugly when it comes to the dogs and their owners and learn about ourselves as much as about our pets.

divine canine is the third of 3 books written by the monks of new skete and should be read first if at all. if you follow the fantastic advise given in their first two books you should have a very well behaved and happy companion. when this is the case reading divine canine can get a little frustrating. all you read is stories of people who have let their dog run the house and thats just not a dogs place. PLEASE READ THE ART OF RAISING A PUPPY AND HOW TO BE YOUR DOGS BEST FRIEND. the art of raising a puppy will also give you great insight on how to choose a puppy.

If you are interested in Classical dressage.... buy this book! It is an excellent reference for working with a young horse. It is definitely all about the horse- as it should be.

Enjoyed the book. Not really for a beginner. I liked the way he covered the process with out going into overload on techniques you should already know about, like lunging your horse.
Worth reading.

Very helpful, great ideas on horsemanship and training. A must read for anyone serious about correct, empathetic horsemanship.

This is a book that should be mandatory reading for all aspiring Dressage riders, as well as those who train and start youngsters! This book provides detailed descriptions as well as a thoughtfully laid out format. Kurd follows the German training tree - with one exception that makes sense and gets results quicker! Read the book to find out what it is!

I thought this was an excellent book. I bought it to help provide some guidance while training my young horse, and it not only gave me a nice guideline of what-to-train-when, but also made dressage much more understandable.

This book focuses on the German dressage training scale. The author explains the steps in training the horse, dividing it into stages (i.e. stage one you focus on A, B, and C elements, stage two you begin developing D and E). He gives some guidelines as to what your horse should be able to do before you push him for more. He then devotes a chapter to each element needed in dressage, in the order it should be developed in the horse (relaxation, regularity, freedom, contact, on the aids...). He finishes with a few miscellaneous chapters on the flying change, transitions, the inclined arena (great for eventers), Prix St. James test, and lateral movements.

This book mainly aims to discuss the development of the young horse, providing a correct foundation for all further work, including eventing and show jumping. It provides more detail about the early years of training, rather than say, development of the piaffe, passage, extensions, etc.

I would recommend this to all dressage riders (especially those just starting out or at the lower levels), to those people interested in putting a good foundation on a young horse (this applies to ALL disciplines!), or to those that just want a better understanding of how to ride a horse correctly. This book has great clarity, is an easy read, I even recommended it to my youngest sister (she's 12).

Don't get me wrong, this is not a book for novices just learning to post. You do need a basic understanding of riding. He's not going to explain how to ask your horse to shoulder-in or get on the bit. I read this with a good working knowledge of dressage. This just put everything into a clear format and made dressage, for once, seem simple to understand (even if its very difficult to perform!)