I want to learn a positive approach to dog training I can do myself.Which do it yourself dog training ebooks are the best?

In my opinion the best e-book so far that I found on the web regarding dog training is secrets to dog training.

It will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer, so you can have your dog obey you no matter what the situation and solve any specific problems that you may have with your dog – this is truly cutting-edge material!

Over 63,997 dog owners worldwide, just like you, have used this unique course to fast-track their dogs learning, while having loads of fun in the process. To see what "Secrets to Dog Training: Stop Dog Behavior Problems!" can do for you, in just 3 easy steps.

http://jack-dogtrainingreview.blogspot.com/

I have a wire haired daschund and we will be taking it to dog training courses. What age is best for us to start taking it to courses?

Well, for me daschunds are the best choice of breed, so well done on that. I also think – judging by everyones answers – that you should start as early as possible. Daschunds really deserve a nice name like Koko. Whatever the name is, make sure it’s not something like Dahpne. I would also recommend a dog training service such as "Lead The Dog". Just look at www.LeadtheDog.co.uk for more information. Have a nice day!

So far, I am not finding a straightforward website that will allow me to find local therapy dog training programs.

I know I need to first determine if he has aptitude for this line of work.

If he has aptitude for it, I would like him to be able to visit nursing homes for example but he has to obtain credentials from a program first.

The top three therapy dog programs in the US are:

http://deltasociety.org
http://tdi-dog.org
http://therapydogs.com

Each of those sites tell you about their specific program, including information on what is required for testing and registration with them, when and where tests and courses are offered, and how to find affiliate clubs. If you don’t find what you want on the website, use the contact information to ask your questions. I’ve had the best luck with Delta, especially with them responding to questions, so that’s the one I recommend personally.

If you have a specific hospital or nursing home you’d like to visit, ask them what there requirements are. Some only accept therapy teams registered with a specific organization, while others just want the team registered and insured with someone. It would be a shame to test and register with organization "A" only to discover the facility you wish to visit only accepts registrations from organization "B." Again, if you have a specific facility in mind, they probably already have visiting therapy pet teams and can put you in touch with that group. You can then learn from those teams what it is like visiting that facility, where to get tested, where to get registered, and how to prepare.

As far as aptitude goes, first and foremost he has to be friendly and well behaved. He shouldn’t pester people who don’t want to interact with him nor shy away from those who do. He should enjoy all kinds of people and all kinds of petting, even by clumsy hands. Some people may look, sound, or smell "funny." He needs to be the sort of dog who would be just as happy cuddling with a school mascot or a kid in a wheelchair as the average person on the street. He needs basic obedience (walking politely on a leash, sit/down/stay, coming when called, leaving things alone (such as food trays or medication), etc. He needs to be good around other dogs as well. If he has the right personality, the rest can be added with socialization (introduction to lots and lots of different kinds of people) and basic training.

— edited to add —

Therapy dog training doesn’t have to start at an early age. If the dog is well adjusted and well mannered as a pet something as little as an 8 week training course can be sufficient to prepare him for testing. Yes, it is important to socialize puppies, ALL puppies (pet, therapy, etc.) at a young age, but it is not necessary to begin training to become a therapy dog at any particular age. I’ve seen 8 year old dogs prepare and take the test for the first time in their lives and pass and go on to be lovely therapy dogs.

Socialization = introducing them to lots and lots of different kinds of people and other pets

Do you know any dog training websites?
I’m also wondering if there are any websites with high-quality clips/videos on training. I’m taking a class soon and I am interested in getting a head start.

In my opinion the best course so far that I found on the web regarding dog training is secrets to dog training.

It will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer, so you can have your dog obey you no matter what the situation and solve any specific problems that you may have with your dog – this is truly cutting-edge material!

Over 63,997 dog owners worldwide, just like you, have used this unique course to fast-track their dogs learning, while having loads of fun in the process. To see what "Secrets to Dog Training: Stop Dog Behavior Problems!" can do for you, in just 3 easy steps.

http://jack-dogtrainingreview.blogspot.com/

Do you know any dog training websites?
I’m also wondering if there are any websites with high-quality clips/videos on training. I’m taking a class soon and I am interested in getting a head start.

Dog Obedience Training. Best dog training methods for different dog breeds, dog separation anxiety, and free puppy training tips for potty training a puppy. Learn how to train a dog fast and effectively.
http://jack-dogtrainingreview.blogspot.com/
Dog Trianing at
http://jack-dogtrainingreview.blogspot.com/

I am planning on getting a dog, but I’ve never had one before and I don’t know the first thing about training. I want to train it so it doesn’t end up like my cousin’s dog who jumps all over people and barks at everything. I want my dog to be my buddy so please hook me up with some sort of books to give me the basics of training my new dog right.

In my opinion the best e-book so far that I found on the web regarding dog training is secrets to dog training.

It will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer, so you can have your dog obey you no matter what the situation and solve any specific problems that you may have with your dog – this is truly cutting-edge material!

Over 63,997 dog owners worldwide, just like you, have used this unique course to fast-track their dogs learning, while having loads of fun in the process. To see what "Secrets to Dog Training: Stop Dog Behavior Problems!" can do for you, in just 3 easy steps.

http://jack-dogtrainingreview.blogspot.com/

i have a dog, she’s about 3 years old now, and sadly she was never trained. she understands sit, but only sometimes does it. she pulls on the leash, constantly tries to run away, jumps up on everyone, and if i took her off the leash in public she would never come back.

any ideas of a training video or website i could use to spare myself the $125 on a class?

In my opinion the best e-book so far that I found on the web regarding dog training is secrets to dog training.

It will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer, so you can have your dog obey you no matter what the situation and solve any specific problems that you may have with your dog – this is truly cutting-edge material!

Over 63,997 dog owners worldwide, just like you, have used this unique course to fast-track their dogs learning, while having loads of fun in the process. To see what "Secrets to Dog Training: Stop Dog Behavior Problems!" can do for you, in just 3 easy steps.

http://jack-dogtrainingreview.blogspot.com/

As anybody can run a dog training class – Do you know if your dog trainer is qualified?

Are they registered with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or similar?
The APDT, UK are proud of the fact that they assess all members according to a strict criteria which ensures they have appropriate skills to teach dog training. They are required to keep their education up to date, and adhere to a Code of Practice. If any member is found to be in contravention of this Code then their membership is withdrawn.

http://www.apdt.co.uk/

I use the facilities of a so called "centre of excellence" to train my dogs myself. However I think that it is vital to socialise my dogs, consequently I have also taken them to classes throughout their lives.

The centre that I use has a limited amount of experienced trainers, they need other people to take up the slack. To enable them to do this, their kennel and office staff go to one day and on-line courses to gain qualifications and then they take classes.

When inexperienced owners have a new puppy, it is difficult to establish which classes that they should attend. My advice is that they should sit in on several classes before they decide.

Although the Asker says that trainers should be registered with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or similar, I have always opted for trainers that have a wealth of experience and with a proven track record. Nevertheless if they are registered this is a bonus.

I have no qualifications, however I take pupils FOC. At the outset, the pupils are told that I have no qualifications. Unfortunately I failed with one of them, she could not decide which end of the dog to lure or treat. Afterwards she hired a hall and now charges to train dogs.
Beware anyone can run a training class.
EDIT. I think that this Asker was warning new and inexperienced dog owners. Any idiot can run a training class, however if they go to a qualified trainer who has a vast experience of training, it helps.

I am planning on getting a dog, but I’ve never had one before and I don’t know the first thing about training. I want to train it so it doesn’t end up like my cousin’s dog who jumps all over people and barks at everything. I want my dog to be my buddy so please hook me up with some sort of books to give me the basics of training my new dog right.

In my opinion the best e-book so far that I found on the web regarding dog training is secrets to dog training.

It will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer, so you can have your dog obey you no matter what the situation and solve any specific problems that you may have with your dog – this is truly cutting-edge material!

Over 63,997 dog owners worldwide, just like you, have used this unique course to fast-track their dogs learning, while having loads of fun in the process. To see what "Secrets to Dog Training: Stop Dog Behavior Problems!" can do for you, in just 3 easy steps.

http://jack-dogtrainingreview.blogspot.com/

i have a dog, she’s about 3 years old now, and sadly she was never trained. she understands sit, but only sometimes does it. she pulls on the leash, constantly tries to run away, jumps up on everyone, and if i took her off the leash in public she would never come back.

any ideas of a training video or website i could use to spare myself the $125 on a class?

I do agree with the others who have said that PROFESSIONAL training is worth every penny (not Pet Smart).

But I can tell you this with confidence: buy some training books. If you are a good reader with comprehensive skills and the patience to train your dog yourself (it is a great bonding experience) it is highly likely that you and your dog will be successful. Here is a link to dog training reviews.

http://tiny.cc/trainingdog

Please remember that no matter which route you choose, you need to be consistent at all times and dedicated to training. It won’t happen overnight.