Books

Out Now	Forthcoming Publications in 2009

Agility Dog Training by Mary Ann Nester
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Agility Dog Training

is published by Interpet

Although it has only been run as an organised sport since 1979, agility has rapidly established itself as one of the most popular competitive disciplines in the dog world. Under the direction of their handlers, agility dogs have to navigate their way around an obstacle course in the shortest possible time while not losing points for technical faults. Fences, weave poles, tunnels, A-frames, see-saws - they are all grist to the mill for an agility specialist. The sport combines excitement, frantic activity for both dog and handler, high levels of control, and an overall atmosphere of comradeship that ensures that everyone involved has a genuine good time. While participating in agility trials can prove addictive for both dog and handler, there is no doubt that the speed at which an event is run means that it is all too easy for mistakes to creep in - even for the most experienced of competitors. What should you do if your dog flies out of the weave poles, is reluctant to descend the A-frame or won't take the final fence? Cue Mary Ann Nester, a Great Britain team member and our own 'agility aunt'! Written in a lively and humorous question-and-answer style, Mary Ann analyses common problems that are likely to affect an agility dog, and comes up with a host of sensible and practical solutions. Novice performers and experienced competitors alike will find the answers they need in this informative book.

USA Book News

Sports: Training
Winner

(Karen Bush writing in November's Your Dog Magazine)

"The Q & A format complemented by lots of colour photos and cartoons makes this a book as easy and enjoyable to dip into at leisure as to read through from cover to cover. A multitude of topics are covered ranging from a handy glossary through to finding the right class to join, warming up and competing - not to mention solving problems such as your dog weeing on the equipment. There's also a great resources section for those who want to know more. The advice is both enthusiastic in tone and possesses a sense of humour which all contributes to its readability. Certainly a book I'd have welcomed when I was first starting out. Rating: 9/10"

Dancing with Dogs by Mary Ann Nester
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Paper back

It was as recently as the 1900s that the sport of dancing with dogs first burst onto the doggy scene. Trainer Mary Ray demonstrated a heelwork to music routine at Crufts and people were captivated by the display. Initially the performances focused on pure heelwork, but as the sport evolved so handlers began to try working with their dogs as a greater distance and in more flamboyant performances, often with costumes to match. This was Freestlye born. Since those early days dancing with dogs has gone from strength to strength and it is now one of the fastest-growing activities in the canine world. It's fun but it takes practice and skill to train a dog to perform seamlessly with its handler. What beginners need is an expert guide to show them the tricks of the trade - cue Mary Ann Nester! A competition-winning competitor, here she reveals in a lively question-and-answer format how everyone can make progress in this fun activity.

Smart Tricks to Teach Your Dog by Mary Ann Nester
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Hardcover

Every dog owner gets a kick out of watching a dog perform a clever trick, but sadly they often think that such skills are beyond the reach of their own canine companion. In this brilliantly conceived teaching kit, Mary Ann Nester swiftly debunks that myth! She shows just how easy it is to teach a dog tricks. It's also fun, and is bound to impress your friends. What more could you ask for? Each trick is described and illustrated in step-by-step photographic sequences while extra training tips, troubleshooting hints and trick variations are also highlighted. To chart progress, an eight-page fold out at the back gives readers training goals and allows them to record progress by attaching stick-on rosettes and stars.

For further details or to order a signed copy, please contact Mary Ann