Ian Dunbar

Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer who pioneered modern reward-based dog training methods in the 1980s. He founded Sirius Dog Training in Berkeley, California - the first off-leash puppy training program of its kind in America. Through his books, seminars, and training programs, Dunbar developed and popularized key concepts like puppy socialization, lure-reward training, and behavior modification without force. His most influential works include "Before & After Getting Your Puppy" and "How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks," which emphasize the importance of early training and positive reinforcement. Dunbar holds a veterinary degree and a Special Honors degree in Physiology & Biochemistry from the Royal Veterinary College and the University of London, as well as a doctorate in animal behavior from the University of California, Berkeley. He has published extensively in scientific journals and has been featured in major media outlets discussing canine behavior and training methods. A sought-after speaker, Dunbar has given over 1,000 seminars and workshops around the world, training both dog owners and professionals in his methods. He is the founder of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), which has grown to be the largest association of dog trainers worldwide.

Readers consistently praise Dunbar's clear, science-based approach to dog training. His books receive strong reviews for making complex behavioral concepts accessible to pet owners. What readers liked: - Practical, step-by-step instructions - Emphasis on prevention rather than correction - Humor and engaging writing style - Focus on positive reinforcement methods - Scientific backing for training techniques What readers disliked: - Some find the tone condescending - Books can feel repetitive across titles - Training methods require significant time commitment - A few readers say expectations for puppy training timeline are unrealistic Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.5/5 average across books (2,000+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 for "Before & After Getting Your Puppy" (1,500+ ratings) Dog training forums: Frequently recommended, especially for first-time owners One reader noted: "His methods saved us from giving up on our difficult puppy." Another commented: "Great information but could be condensed into half the pages."

Before and After Getting Your Puppy A comprehensive guide covering puppy development stages from preparation through the first 18 months.

How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks A training manual focusing on basic obedience commands and behavioral modification techniques.

AFTER You Get Your Puppy Detailed instructions for training puppies aged 8-18 weeks, with emphasis on house training and socialization.

BEFORE You Get Your Puppy Guidelines for selecting and preparing for a new puppy, covering the first developmental period from birth to 8 weeks.

Dog Behavior An examination of canine behavioral patterns and learning processes, intended for dog trainers and behaviorists.

Doctor Dunbar's Good Little Dog Book A basic primer on essential dog training concepts and common behavioral issues.

Saving Lives with Training Games A guide to using play-based methods for teaching reliability in emergency situations and preventive training.

Teaching Bite Inhibition A focused text on preventing and addressing puppy biting through systematic training methods.

Patricia McConnell writes books on dog behavior and training based on scientific research and clinical experience. She focuses on the emotional lives of dogs and how to build strong human-canine relationships through understanding canine psychology.

Sophia Yin developed training methods centered on positive reinforcement and clear communication between dogs and handlers. Her work includes detailed illustrations and step-by-step protocols for addressing common behavior issues.

Karen Pryor pioneered clicker training methods and wrote extensively about operant conditioning in animal training. She explains the science behind positive reinforcement training through real-world examples from her work with multiple species.

Jean Donaldson focuses on dog training through the lens of learning theory and evidence-based methods. She addresses common training myths and provides systematic approaches to modifying dog behavior.

Stanley Coren writes about dog intelligence, behavior, and the evolution of the human-canine bond. His work combines research from psychology and canine studies to explain how dogs think and learn.