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Summary: First-rate, a classic, the "bible" of bird dog training.
Review: Bill Tarrant followed Delmar Smith around the world for years studying his dog training methods before writing this book. As the Gun Dog Editor for Field and Stream, and as a man who had interviewed every sporting dog trainer in America, Tarrant knew Smith to be the the best dog trainer alive. Tarrant was amazed at Smith's gentle and country-wise methods that worked without hitting, striking or kicking the dog, or in any other way hurting him or dampening the dog's enthusiasm. Smith's comtemporaries in the field of bird dog training were known for their common use of brute force to train dogs. Delmar Smith says of his inhumane peers, "People who've gotta use those things don't have no fertilizer in their plot. They're stunted." Tarrant goes on to say, "And that's why Delmar's the best friend a dog ever had. He's proven a humane trainer can win on a sometimes inhumane circuit. ... Delmar figures God put dogs here to work--and man! Getting them to work together is Delmar's genius." The many reprintings of this book since it's original appearance in 1977 proves Tarrant's assessment of Smith is correct: "In every game there's a man who knows it all. And in every game there's a man who tells all he knows. How rare to find both men one and the same. We do in Delmar."
Multitudes of dog owners use this book as their "bible." Copies of the book that are old, page worn and falling apart from constant use, are often presented to Delmar for his autograph at his kennels in Edmond, Oklahoma, or in his travels around the Country. The book is delightful, full of humor and insight into Delmar Smith, a genuine character and great lover of animals; and a man of incalculable wisdom about the natural world. A must read for all bird dog owners, and for anyone who wants to know more about a dog's natural ability to search and find, and to work at complex tasks with a human partner.
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Summary: The best book ever written on gin dog training bar none
Review: I am professional dog trainer and I use this book like a minister uses a Bible. I keep one with me at all times and have them available for my customers to buy and even offer it for sale through amazon.com on my Web Site. I have read almost every book on dog training and Delmar Smith and Bill Tarrant make more sense than anyone, about the right way to train a gun dog. Bill Tarrant does an excellent job of writing and makes the information easy to understand and apply. I use the principals taught in this book everyday in my training program. If you want to train a gun dog or keep an already trained on sharp this is THE book to buy. Bill offers Delmar's training methods in a way anyone can understand and apply. The thing I like the most is I agree almost everything In this book. It takes a common sense approach to dog training and that's all dog training really is. Using common sense to teach a dog what you want. Delmar's three principals are ones I live by. To train a d! og you need three things; Point of contact, association, and repetition. The first time I read that I realized Delmar Smith had the answer of how to effectively train any gun dog. I own all of Bill Tarrant's books, but this is one I read over and over and the one I recommend without reservation.
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Summary: Delmar Smith Method
Review: I found the book to contain a lot of negative training methods and rather archaic. It would be nice to find a positive training field book if one is out there.
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Summary: Excellent for beginners, too. Insightful and humerous.
Review: I had never trained a bird dog before, but this book led me step by step. The results have been fantastic. Delmar Smith looks at training from the dog's point of view. Not only is it an excellent resource, but it is enjoyable to read.
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Summary: Best Way to Train Your Dog : The Delmar Smith Method
Review: I hunt quail in South Texas with pointers and setters. Next fall will mark my 35th hunting year; hunting behind birddogs. I currently own 3 Elhew pointers and 2 English Setters. Over the last 35 years I have had the pleasure to share my life and quail hunting adventures with well over 40 dogs, mostly pointers. Mr. Tarrant has put into words the wisdom of a man who not only understands birddogs but reinforces the common sense psycology of dog training. This book explains exactly what every bird hunter who hunts over a brace of dogs needs to read each year prior to bird season. Not only are the methods humane they are eaisly understood by the dog, which is the most important element in dog training and bird hunting. Mr. Delmar Smith is to dog training as what Thomas Edision was to the light bulb. I wish Delmar was still conducting training seminars; the next best thing is reading this book !
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Summary: Best Way to Train Your Gun Dog : The Delmar Smith Method
Review: I ordered this book on the recommendation of a Brittany breeder and I'm certainly glad I did. The way Tarrant presents Delmar Smith's ideas is easy to read and to understand. I love Smith's down home humor and common sense that is inserted throughout the book. The quotes provide humor and insight into why Delmar Smith created this method. Some previous reviewers are critical of some of the methods, but the theor and concepts behind them are sound. Even if you disagree with how Smith used some of these techniques, you can take his overall ideas and learn a lot.
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Summary: Great Guide and a Good Read
Review: I ordered this book on the recommendation of a Brittany breeder and I'm certainly glad I did. The way Tarrant presents Delmar Smith's ideas is easy to read and to understand. I love Smith's down home humor and common sense that is inserted throughout the book. The quotes provide humor and insight into why Delmar Smith created this method. Some previous reviewers are critical of some of the methods, but the theor and concepts behind them are sound. Even if you disagree with how Smith used some of these techniques, you can take his overall ideas and learn a lot.
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Summary: Not impressed!
Review: I've been a professional working dog trainer for a great number of years and bought this book with a view to expanding my armory.
I must say, I'm very dissapointed. Delmar has been rated as a top dog trainer using humane methods. I would however disagree with this. From reading his book, I found that the methods he both uses and recommends are inhumane, and at times downright cruel.He appears to believe that he is a dogs best friend. I am certain that he has convinced himself of this fact, as he seems very positive in justifying this. I know that all of the traits taught to a working dog can be taught by using much simpler and more positive methods. Delmars methods appear to work on compulsion, (i.e pulling on a piece of string tied to a dogs leg in order to make him open his mouth to teach a retrieve!), rather than increasing the dogs motivation to want to work I bought this book with a positive attitude, however I will now be looking for a full refund. Sorry Delmar, your methods arn't for me.
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Summary: Best Way to Train Your Gun Dog : The Delmar Smith Method
Review: Me or my spouse did not like this book at all. Some of the techniques of training were cruel. I will be returning the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Best of the lot
Review: Not a lot of "good" gun dog books exist. I bought this one to train my GSP, and must admit that it provides a very basic but good approach to training a bird dog. One of the previous reviewers was critical of allowing rabbit chasing, etc. but, remember, the approach rests upon the Delmar Smith method, which shies away from physical discipline. Hence, many of the approaches, although eyebrow raising, are consistent and will deliver results. Ultimately, nothing replaces time, which is essential to spend with your dog in training. With enough time, I recommend this book for the beginner.
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