This is a good foundation book for the novice puppy owner. I definately recommend reading this book BEFORE you bring your new puppy home. It's not a book to read if you have an older puppy with dominance or other problems. The idea behind this book is to prevent unwanted beahavior with positive reinforcement. If you have behavior problems you should address spend your money on a lesson with an experienced trainer and not books.There is one area where I don't agree with the author - using a choke collar. Choke collars are not humane and there are much more effective ways of training your puppy. I am also not crazy about the section on good dogs and bad dogs.