The Right Way the First Time

The Right Way the First Time (2007) is the first edition of Training Your Dog the Humane Way published by New World Library, 2011.

In The Right Way the First Time, Alana Stevenson, animal behaviorist and dog trainer, provides readers with the basic principles of animal learning so that they can effectively prevent and remedy behavioral problems using a humane, positive approach rather than punishment.

Alana provides easy-to-follow and effective methods for teaching dogs polite manners and for resolving issues such as house-soiling, play-biting, separation anxiety, fear of strangers, aggression, lunging on leash, car sickness, and more. She teaches readers how to train their dogs the way they learn best—through kindness and benevolent leadership.

REVIEWS & PRAISE

“One of the few books that delivers great positive training methods for basic behaviors — but does it in a clear and well-written fashion that the casual or novice dog owner will understand and hopefully accept. If you are a trainer or dog enthusiast and are having trouble recommending a solid training book to your less experienced clients or friends that they can actually understand and follow, this is a really good choice.”
DogWise

“The Right Way the First Time is beautifully written and has great content for discerning and naive dog owners.”
William E. Campbell : author of Behavior Problems in Dogs, The New Better Behavior in Dogs and Dog Behavior Problems: The Counselor’s Handbook

“For too many years, dogs have been unnecessarily trained with harsh and combative methods. The Right Way the First Time is straightforward, easily read, and will assist caring dog owners in developing appropriate behavior in a compassionate way and in a fashion that will strengthen the bond between dog and owner.”
Lore I. Haug, DVM, MS, CPDT : Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

“Alana Stevenson has done a fabulous service to dogs and their guardians. She knows how a dog’s mind works, and her clear advice and positive approach make training rewarding for both canine and human.”
Jonathan Balcombe, PhD : author of Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and The Nature of Feeling Good

“Alana Stevenson’s The Right Way the First Time is a welcome addition to the chorus of positive dog training. Its beauty lies in Alana’s direct approach. The book is easy to understand and is fueled by Alana’s genuine and obvious love of animals. She emphasizes the importance of educating dogs “The Right Way the First Time,” which is an invaluable refrain. If more and more people implement her suggestions, more and more dogs…and people…will benefit.”
Paul Owens : author of The Dog Whisperer, A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training

“Finally! A 100 percent humane dog-training book! We have been waiting a long time for this. No more harsh methods. Just a gentle, caring approach with rewards for good behavior. How refreshing! I would love to see every dog guardian read this book.”
Karen Porreca : People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

“I highly recommend this book as a replacement to traditional training methods. It is easy reading and clearly states what creates the best results for both you and your dog.”
Chris DeRose : Actor, President and Founder of Last Chance for Animals, Los Angeles, CA

“The author captures beautifully the essence of positive training, telling us what we know but do not always put in to practice: dogs are sentient beings who are just like us in the sense that they respond better to loving leadership that rewards than to leadership by force.”
Lynn Hoover, MSW, author of The Family in Dog Behavior Consulting, Former President & Founder, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Inc. (IAABC)

“The complex nuances of comprehensive training are well spelled out in The Right Way the First Time. Long gone should be the use of “the heavy hand” as de rigeur in behavior modification. It is well known that animals respond best to positive reinforcement for good behavior, rather than negative reinforcement for “bad” behavior. I highly recommend this book for all people who either have dogs or work with them.”
Dr. Jay Jakubowski, DVM, Village Veterinary Clinic, Brookline, MA

“Alana Stevenson’s training methods are right on! I highly endorse The Right Way the First Time. One of the main reasons pets are surrendered to animal shelters is because of behavior problems which results in thousands of animals being euthanized needlessly. Many times the owners do not understand that with a little patience, time and training any pet can become a wonderful companion. Kindness, compassion and understanding are always more effective than harsh punishment.”
Meredith Fiel, Founder and Executive Director, Adirondack Save-A-Stray, Corinth, NY