“Mitchell offers a comprehensive, illustrated guide to dog training for children. Written from the perspective of Roxy, the author’s Belgian Malinois, this manual takes kids through the many different aspects of dog ownership—including the basics of training pets in very brief blocks of time, how to speak to them, how to approach potty training, and much more. Mitchell, a professional dog trainer, tells readers all about the different “superpowers” dogs have, including having super-strong hearing and being “a good protector.” This framework is an engaging way for kids to think about their pets and learn more about their abilities. Roxy’s voice is fun and accessible and will entertain children by giving them a chance to interact with a dog talking to them in the first person.

The “1 Minute Dog Training” method also adapts well to kids—they can get involved with training their pets and build good habits, even with short attention spans. The training methods focus on positive reinforcement and highlight the importance of treating dogs with respect and kindness—an important thing for children to learn. Additionally, included QR codes link to related videos with training demonstrations and tips, adding a helpful tool for kids who are more interactive learners (with caregivers’ permission). Pretonari’s colorful, cute full-color cartoon illustrations of a variety of dogs throughout underline the concepts shared in each chapter, enhancing the reading experience and providing additional context. The book also includes background information about how dogs are descended from wolves and lived alongside people to become humans’ “best friends,” which adds another educational layer. With an emphasis on patience and understanding, this manual communicates important lessons that children may apply to other parts of their lives. An accessible and engaging dog training guidebook that teaches kids about responsible pet ownership.”

-Kirkus Reviews