Author: JoAnn Dahan

ISBN: 0-9776861-0-8

            Each year, we euthanize millions of dogs and cats—that’s millions each year. Some are feral or lost. Most are just unwanted. Adopting a puppy is a commitment that most people are willing to make, but they just don’t know how to follow through. Without the proper training, that cute puppy ends up an annoying troublemaker.

            Helping children train their puppies was JoAnn Dahan’s motivation for publishing Kids Training Puppies in 5 Minutes. Her techniques are short and effective. If you have a puppy and a child, the book is a worthwhile investment. If you don’t have children and no time to read an adult book, use this one. I’m not kidding. I used the techniques with a two-year mixed breed who thinks she’s queen of the walk. My initial response? Wow… it works! My long-term response—as in, did it stick? Wow…it works!

            An eight-year old used the book to train a six-year-old dog. She found the book interesting and the techniques easy to apply. Most importantly, the book was assessable to the child, who was then able to apply the techniques with no adult input. That’s quite an accomplishment, especially with an older dog.

            Training a dog is actually very easy. Who knew? Knowing how dogs instinctively behave is the key. Ms. Dahan helps children use those inherent behaviors to train their puppies. Knowing what makes their puppies tick and keeping the training sessions short are a perfect match for teaming up your new puppy with your child.

            Technically, you’ll find the book pleasing to review. The pictures are appropriate and vary puppies and children. The print is a cute font that adds warmth and charm instead of distracting. There’s also a DVD that reinforces the book.

            Put this book in your child’s hands and maybe you won’t end up being your puppy’s main caregiver. I recommend this book for any family with a puppy or even an older dog that needs some behavioral adjustments. It would be a wonderful addition to any school library.

 The above review was contributed by: Susan Sales Harkins:  Software consultant and the author of several articles and books on database technologies. She and her husband, William, collaborate on children's non-fiction. Click Here to read more of Susan’s Reviews