For every dog owner, the dream of a dog responding perfectly to every call, especially in distracting environments, is a shared aspiration. Achieving this “Total Recall Perfect Response Training” can often feel like an elusive goal. This month, we delve into a comprehensive guide that promises to transform this challenge into a triumph: Pippa Mattinson’s “Total Recall” (2012). Mattinson, a prominent figure in the dog training world, has penned numerous influential books, and this particular volume stands out as an in-depth exploration of arguably one of the most critical aspects of dog obedience. Many handlers struggle with their dog’s recall, making a dedicated book on the subject sound almost too good to be true, offering hope for reliable responses in any situation. For those seeking to elevate their dog’s obedience, this book is a fantastic resource, guiding you towards a total recall perfect response training for puppies and adult dogs.
First Impressions: A Comprehensive Resource for Dog Owners
Upon first encountering “Total Recall,” its substantial thickness (248 pages) immediately makes an impression. This initial observation evokes a mix of thoughts: on one hand, excitement for the sheer depth of detail it promises; on the other, a momentary apprehension about the perceived complexity of recall training. However, the book’s practical size, falling between A4 and A5, ensures it remains easily portable, a key advantage for on-the-go training.
The visual presentation is equally impressive, featuring a wealth of high-quality photos and illustrations that effectively break up the text. Clear spacing between chapters and headings significantly enhances navigation, preventing the extensive topic from feeling overwhelming. The excellent printing and paper quality further contribute to its professional feel, reinforcing the perception of a meticulously crafted and truly comprehensive guide. This thoughtful design helps to make the intricate subject of total recall perfect response training accessible to all readers.
Pippa Mattinson's Total Recall book cover with a dog
Unpacking the Content: A Structured Approach to Recall Training
“Total Recall” is ingeniously structured into three distinct, color-coded sections: Preparation, Training The Recall, and Problem Solving. This intuitive organization allows readers to quickly navigate to the most relevant information simply by glancing at the book’s side. This color-coding is a small but effective detail that underscores the book’s user-friendly design.
Section 1: Laying the Groundwork for Success
The Preparation section serves as a robust foundation, introducing readers to fundamental concepts such as how dogs learn, their perception of rewards and punishments, and how these principles can be strategically applied in training. It also covers essential aspects like proofing, understanding your dog’s individual temperament, and developing effective training strategies. This section strikes an excellent balance, introducing complex theoretical concepts without becoming dry or disengaging. Mattinson’s writing style is remarkably clear and easy to grasp, reflecting her balanced training philosophy that prioritizes positive reinforcement and rewards, while acknowledging the role of corrections when necessary. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone looking for the best puppy training book uk or an effective adult dog training guide.
Practical Training for All Stages: From Puppy to Adult
The core of the book resides in its middle section, which meticulously details the nuances of total recall perfect response training. This part is further segmented into progressive stages, ensuring that dog owners, regardless of their dog’s age or current training level, have a clear starting point. Key breakdowns include:
- Puppy Recall
- Pre-recall for Older Dogs
- Basic Recall
- Proofing with People
- Proofing with Dogs
- On Location Training
- Putting It All Together
- Recall for Life
What makes this section particularly valuable is its adaptability. Whether you’re working with a young puppy or an older rescue dog with minimal prior recall, the book provides tailored guidance. For example, the reviewer, with both a 10-year-old rescue and a new puppy, found immediate and relevant starting points for each. This structured progression leads naturally into the crucial aspect of proofing—testing and strengthening recall in various challenging environments and with distractions—and subsequently to more advanced exercises.
Each topic is broken down with exceptional clarity, offering step-by-step progression exercises, comprehensive troubleshooting tips, and clear indicators for when to advance to the next stage. The exercises are presented in an easy-to-follow bullet-pointed format, making them remarkably simple to implement. The initial training sessions require minimal equipment—just a treat pouch, some high-value treats like cheese, and a whistle. Crucially, many foundational exercises can be practiced at home, eliminating the need to “make time” for outdoor training and allowing for consistent, repetitive practice. This makes it an invaluable total recall dog training book that emphasizes practical application.
The emphasis on accessible, in-home foundational work ensures that dog owners can build a strong basis for their total recall perfect response training before venturing into more complex scenarios. This thoughtful progression is a hallmark of Mattinson’s approach, ensuring that both the dog and handler build confidence and skills incrementally. The book serves as an excellent resource for anyone exploring puppy training books uk or seeking to refine the recall skills of an adult canine companion.
Overcoming Challenges: Expert Troubleshooting for Common Recall Issues
The third section of “Total Recall” offers immense relief and practical solutions by addressing common recall problems. This troubleshooting guide covers a range of frustrating scenarios, including:
- “Where Did I Go Wrong?”
- “Out of Control?”
- “The Absconder”
- “The About Turn Walk”
- “The Artful Dodger”
- Using a Training Lead
- Getting Active With Your Dog
- The Finish
Reading through these all-too-familiar issues often brings a sense of camaraderie and reassurance—it’s not just your dog, and it’s not just you! Each problem is accompanied by insightful suggestions on potential missteps and actionable strategies for resolution. This section is likely to become a well-thumbed part of the book for many readers. Mattinson’s writing maintains a supportive, non-judgmental tone, offering clear guidance and advice that resonates deeply with dog owners. For those with specific breeds, like labs, who often exhibit high energy and a love for exploration, this section provides excellent strategies, solidifying its reputation as one of the best dog training books for labs.
Final Verdict: An Indispensable Guide for Dog Handlers
In summary, Pippa Mattinson’s “Total Recall” stands out as one of the most effective and insightful books available on the often-challenging subject of dog recall. Its clear explanations, easy-to-read style, and comprehensive scope make it a veritable bible for anyone serious about dog training. It’s genuinely difficult to find fault with any aspect of the book’s content or presentation. This is a resource that dog handlers will undoubtedly return to repeatedly, refining their dogs’ recall skills over time. While the perfect recall may not materialize overnight, the book provides a robust, actionable program that, with consistent effort, can dramatically improve a dog’s response. It is an invaluable skill for any dog handler to master, and this book provides the blueprint for achieving total recall perfect response training. It is highly recommended as a standalone guide and an excellent complement to practical training courses.
