Book 2: Foreword by Robert T. Self

History will surely consider Terri Arnold as one of the greatest dog obedience trainers.  This place has been earned not only b winning performances and scores, but by the aura of love and respect exhibited by Terri and her dogs.  The Arnold team always draws a crowd as she is noted for excellence in handling and the precision and attitude displayed by her dogs.

Great trainers are not born.  They may have physical and mental attributes that allow them to succeed but every one of them, including Terri, have worked hard and been dedicated to the craft. All of them gained knowledge from their teachers and they in turn feel obligated to share their knowledge with others.  This book is one way Terri repays her debt to the sport.  

Not as well known is Terri's dedication to the sport of dog obedience and her willingness to give of herself.  She shares her knowledge through clinics, writing, videos, and personal instruction using her methods and techniques of training.  This series of three books may well be her most important contribution.

Book 2 takes the reader-trainer from Book 1's foundation through Novice training.  This training is important for the competitive dog as the winners in advanced obedience are those who excel in the Novice exercises.
The book isn't easy reading for the casual trainer but is a treatise on producing a highly competitive dog.  Even so, it is recommended reading for all people interested in training dogs, for included are pearls of wisdom which will improve any dog's performance.  It is a wonderful reference source for class instructors.

The training of each exercise is presented in small increments and each step is described in concise terms and a definite sequence to produce the final desired result.  The author presents heeling and handling as separate topics from the Novice exercises.  Heeling is basic to all of obedience and it is covered in depth, detail and complete clarity.  Terri emphasizes that the quality of heeling is the responsibility of the handler, not the dog.

The book contains countless training techniques and specific directions for implementing them.  For example, getting the dog into heel position ("close") quickly and with the proper eager attitude and ready for the next command is important for every trained dog.  Terri emphasizes proper attitudes and techniques to develop them.

Clear, concise, and descriptive language is used to explain each part of every exercise.  Each lesson to be taught is formatted into three parts: create, cause, and correct.  Each of these is covered in depth.  For example, in the section on heeling there is an introduction, five areas to illustrate creating the skill, thirty-five steps to master it and seven correcting techniques.

The purpose of Terri's training is to create a winning team but never by circumventing the Regulations.  The dogs are taught a "bright attention" heel positition which not only puts them in the place but more importantly with good attitude and eager for the next command.  Halts are taught by stopping on either foot so the halt can be executed immediately when called by the judge.  During early training, eye contact is needed to teach the dog but this crutch or aid is eliminated before showing.  The trainer handles by walking in a manner required by the regulations.
The methods advocated are kind and produce dogs which give an animated picture.  The dog-handler team show with both precision and attitude.  What higher praise for a training method is there?

Robert T. Self 
Founder of Front and Finish

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