Lucky Dog Lessons: From Renowned Expert Dog Trainer and Host of Lucky Dog: Reunions

by Brandon McMillan

The celebrity dog trainer and Emmy-winning star of the CBS show Lucky Dog shares his training system to transform any dog—from spoiled purebred puppy to shelter-shocked rescue—into a model companion in just seven days.

Each week on Lucky Dog, Brandon McMillan rescues an untrained, unwanted, "unadoptable" shelter dog. In the days that follow, these dogs undergo a miraculous transformation as they learn to trust McMillan, master his 7 Common Commands, and overcome their behavior problems—ultimately becoming well-mannered pets and even service dogs. With his labor of love complete, McMillan unites each dog with a forever family. Now, in his first book, McMillan shares the knowledge he has gained working with thousands of dogs of every breed and personality to help readers turn their own pets into well-trained Lucky Dog graduates.

Lucky Dog Lessons begins with the basics—building trust, establishing focus and control, and mastering training techniques. From there, McMillan explains his playful, careful, and kind approach to training the 7 Common Commands he teaches every SIT, STAY, DOWN, COME, OFF, HEEL, and NO. Next, McMillan provides solutions to common canine behavior problems, including house training issues, door dashing, chewing, barking, and common mealtime misbehaviors. Lucky Dog Lessons includes easy-to-follow steps, illustrative examples, tried-and-true tips and tricks, and photographs to demonstrate each technique. Throughout the book, McMillan shares inspiring stories about his favorite students and gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the show and some of his most unique and challenging canine encounters, including some never-before-seen outtakes.

Brandon McMillian believes that no dog is beyond saving, and the loving, positive, successful methods he offers will work wonders with even the most challenging dog. Create the happy pet family you want with Lucky Dog Lessons.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals, Audiobook, Self Help, Reference

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

Brandon McMillan is a world-renowned animal trainer, Emmy® Award-winning host of the CBS television show Lucky Dog, and the host of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Born into a family of trainers and entertainers, Brandon has been working with wild and domestic animals all his life. He has trained animals for over 300 Hollywood productions and privately worked with the pets of A-list celebrities. Brandon began rescuing dogs from shelters to train them as Hollywood actors, then turned his expertise to saving, training, and re-homing shelter dogs as family pets. Brandon is certified to train service dogs and is the cofounder of Argus Service Dog Foundation, which provides service dogs to disabled veterans. He lives in Los Angeles, California, and New York, New York.

Reviews

[Britany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can I just have Brandon come out and teach me?? hehe

My mom bought me this book and handed it to me for my puppy Finn. I read it almost immediately. I appreciated the real life stories Brandon introduces you to throughout each section. Everything seems pretty self explanatory and easy. (if only!). I haven't caught his show or his mission before this book, but I'm anxious to check him out now that I've read about his method.

I will continue to reach for this book as time progresses and I continue to work with my pup. He has some really great tips and tricks, most of which include tools you already know or own.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been checking out several training books for my pup. I really like Brandon's style and found the explanations very clear and easy to follow. I'm on board - now I just need to get my pup on board too.

[Satomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book displayed at the local book store. I found this audiobook with scribd, and the kindle was on sale. I felt it was meant to be! This is a “How To” book, but the dedication on the first page almost made me cry. Who thought you can cry over a “How To” book! (The dedication was “To the millions of shelter dogs who never made it out”)

As I am a new dog owner, I will try some of his methods when I can, but I will make sure I teach “SIT, STAY, DOWN, COME, OFF, HEEL, NO” commands, although it will be in Japanese.

The examples that he introduced in the book was very interesting, but I cannot believe there are so many abandoned dogs because people could not train him/here right. I am so sadden to learn so many people give up on their dogs.

I think I will make a donation to GAIN (Guam Animal In Need) who shelters animals in need.

[Aubrey Rosalez · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not like McMillan’s style of teaching dogs. As a teacher of human children, I’m a big proponent of positive reinforcement. However, this author frequently advises you to use leashes to restrain and tug at your dog while she learns. This doesn’t seem like a positive association for learning for any dog.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

My biggest complaint: 7 days. It just takes longer and a lot more persistence, patience, and more patience. I have recently rescued a lovely little dog who lived most of her three years caged. She is sweet and smart, but she has very little human vocabulary. She has definitely learned "sit" , but has a ways to go on the rest of the 7 commands. I feel like i have read it over and over, oh yeah, because I have. Restudy every time I work on a new one.

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and concise. Using a clicker my high energy rescue boy has learned sit and down in a couple of days, and as an added bonus now that he associates the clicker with a treat it's working like a charm to get him to come in the house without having to chase after him. I have my doubts about Mr. Business learning to stay in one place for more than a half second but I'll give it a shot. :)

[Caitlin M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved hearing the short stories of the various dogs he’s rescued and re-homed. The approaches were well organized and easy to follow. Some of the strategies seem very different than what our other trainers have suggested so I’ll see how my dog responds.

[Mitch Karunaratne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just discovered this series on TV - and we've become hypnotised by the Brandon magic! This book feels like you've got Brandon at home with you giving you encouragement, warmth and wisdom! I just might need to buy a second copy and leave it in the crate for puppy to read!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

some good lessons - i can use some with my puppy.
he makes the shake can sound like a cure all. think i'll make one that isn't so loud and reserve for absolute no's like counter surfing.
he does alot of good work with rescues, i admire that.

[Kyrene Gibb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm definitely not an expert in animal training, so picking up this accessible, entertaining read on the subject of helping your dog be their best, well-behaved self was great. I found the lessons and tips and recommendations for tough cases really helpful, and I definitely think some of the insights about the behaviors that are characteristic of certain breeds have really helped me understand my pups better.

[Hailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a nice intro to dog training, but I think I need to look into positive reinforcement specifically bc the intense leashing and penny bottle strategies sounded pretty miserable and not like something I would ever want to do w my future dog :/ appreciate the work he does with rescues tho!

[Mary Elizabeth O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful. Best lesson I’ve taken from this book- the face you show the world is the face you dog will show you or something like that! In other words, be confident and consistent with you pup!

[Rachel Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always good to brush up on my knowledge, especially from one of my training role models!

Also don't ask me how long it took to finish a nonfiction book xD

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the first book I’ve read about how to train our crazy pandemic puppy, but so far it’s my favorite. I just wish I’d read it when we first brought Finn home. Finny already knows the 7 core tricks recommended in this training method, but I still found it useful for some of the barking, begging, chewing kind of behaviours we’re hoping to rid him of.

I loved hearing the personal stories about the authors rescue dogs, and I really loved all of the Outtakes sections. It’s well organized, so it’s easy to skim through sections you don’t need.

[Margaret F. Stretton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. I am a fan of Brandon's approach to training a dog - or any animal for that matter. I took away some good tips and still go back and refer to his book

[Helle Lang · Rating 2 out of 5]

Understandable approach to dog training, but a lot of the problem behaviour was solved using negative reinforcement. Things as physical restraints while training and loud noises, meant to be uncomfortable are not just hard for the dog to understand, but it has great potential to condition the wrong behaviour. If you want a dog that cowards in a corner each time you bring out the “Shake and break” due to being uncomfortable with the noise, you should really reassess why you have a dog in the first place.

This book taught me a lot about my relationship with my nervous dog, and how some aspects of this kind of training never would bring her closer to me, nor understanding the expected behaviour. Clicker training and shaping behaviour has done wonders to bond and understanding of each other. No, shaping will not make your dog obedient in one week. But that is also an extremely unreasonable thing to ask of your dog. To change everything you don’t like in a week? Would you be able to quit your bad habits in a week? I believe that in training your dog, you also train yourself, and consistent training with positive reinforcement is the key to success.

There are some good training exercises in the book, but I would not recommend this book to a new dog owner. Start with Karen Pryor instead.

[Evan P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the start, McMillan establishes himself as a trustworthy author and dog trainer. He shares his successful and challenging experiences in training thousands of shelter dogs not egotistically but humbly--his evident goal in writing this book is to impart his knowledge onto the typical dog owner looking to teach her dog to be well-mannered, and to do this for the good of the dog and all dogs who currently reside or have resided in shelters. It is clear that he truly cares for not only dogs but all animals in general. I am so excited to teach my dog what McMillan has taught me.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Brandon McMillan's common-sense approach to dog training. He offers practical suggestions, accompanied by photographs, which not only help the reader to teach dogs common commands, but also address issues such as housebreaking, barking, running away, and digging. He includes interesting anecdotes about the many shelter dogs he’s trained, including some that became service dogs for veterans. Lucky Dog Lessons is unquestionably one of the best training guides I've read.

[Kersten · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, had some helpful pointers, but wasn’t super interesting to read. I also wish he’d give more alternative suggestion for things. He relies a lot on the “shake and break” or penny bottle. I remember trying that with my last dog and it didn’t help at all. So I am reluctant to think that will help with problem behaviors for every dog. I don’t doubt that he’s a good trainer, but maybe just not super great at explaining things.

[Sonia Crites · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a pup that needs some training you will find some solid easy to follow advice in this book. Lucky Dog is all about rescuing, training and placing shelter dogs. Me and my two lucky dogs definitely approve of this book.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A realistic and practical approach to dog training!

I can’t tell you how relieved I am to finally find a dog training book worth reading and implementing into our training. It seems like so many mainstream trainers out there try to focus on one end of the spectrum or the other when it comes to reinforcement, reward, punishment, etc. Either they advise the traditional and outdated approach of the “pack leader” mentality and recommend methods that are borderline animal cruelty like Cesar Milan from the Dog Whisperer, or they have the overly positive reinforcement approach and think repetition is the secret to success rather than trying an alternate approach. Zac George’s book had this approach and it felt like one of those parents that thinks every child deserves a trophy simply for participating rather than earning their reward.

Brandon McMillan, however, has a perfect balance that he demonstrates in Lucky Dog Lessons. It reads more like training from a respected, confident, authority figure rather than acting like a bully or the dog’s buddy. Furthermore, Brandon does a great job at offering alternative approaches based on your dog’s overall personality, progress, and/or breed (i.e. energetic vs laidback, quick learner vs slow learner, large breeds vs small breeds, etc.). And he has the background and experience one would hope for from a trainer…his parents trained exotic animals, he grew up around all varieties of animals his entire life, he made a career training exotic animals for the film and entertainment industry, and now he exclusively focuses on training unwanted shelter dogs in desperate need of loving homes.

Overall, it’s well worth the read and I would strongly recommend it for anyone that believes in a realistic and practical approach to dog training.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

At least one reviewer complained that it had "too much anecdote; too little instruction." I did not agree at all! It is true that I had to flip ahead and read his description of the seven basic commands, then go back to the stories that gave it life. But I was happy to do so.

In addition to the seven basic commands that he teaches all dogs, he addresses a handful of problem behaviors and the ways to untrain them. But all the way through, he addresses the "feel how" and the "feel why" of dog training in a way that few others do. I mean, say you've been given a little cutie that is adorable in all ways except she lunges ahead when you're walking on leash. That behavior would discourage you from wanting to take her on walks, right? Or to take her anywhere--you've enough muscles in that left arm anyway. So she doesn't get taken on walks.

For you it may be a minor annoyance. But he deals with rescue dogs, and for them it's a life-and-death matter. He may have a perfect home in mind for the little dog, but only if he can turn it into one who walks happily on the leash in the hand of a seventy-year-old woman. If he fails, the dog doesn't get a home and goes back to the pound. (Probably not for real, but it still misses out on a good home.)

Another plus is his willingness to admit that there's not a one-size-fits-all remedy for all dogs and all behaviors. He has to experiment from time to time--and so do you.

[Ka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandon McMillan's Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days is chock full of helpful guidance for teaching any dog manners. McMillan is truly a compassionate expert in the field, and he brings a lifetime of experience and insight to the average owner who may be struggling with anything from basic commands to problem behavior. His step-by-step instructions make this book a lifesaver for the dog and a confidence booster to the owner. Not one to employ expensive gear or complicated language, McMillan's book is chatty and friendly. He shares personal experiences, both good and not so much. When a man with this kind of success rate is humble enough to tell you his failures, you know you can trust his instructions.
If you have a dog that needs some instruction, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Lucky Dog and using it. No need to read it all - just focus on the part(s) you need. Be sure, though, to heed McMillan's call to action at the end: adopt, don't shop, and for heaven's sake, fix your own dog. Don't add to the overpopulation of dogs, and don't give up. Help reduce the numbers, which are shocking, in shelters. Kudos to McMillan for bringing this problem into focus through his book and his Saturday morning television show (CBS) Lucky Dog.

[Keely Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

We just rescued a 2 year old dog, who seems to have never heard the word sit. We're starting from scratch. I researched training books and this is one of two I purchased. I read it start to finish while teaching what I already knew how to teach. We've already gotten "sit," usually "down" & "leave it" (Brandon's "no"). There are many helpful instructions & photos to teach someone to train their dog. It's great the book includes behavioral problems, but the one we have (chasing our cats) wasn't covered. I bought this for guidance and structure for us as his trainers. With no doggie classes due to Covid, we are learning how to train him with the help of books and videos. One of the big reasons I chose it is because of the promise to "train your dog in 7 days". Great, I thought it would have some sort of program to follow to keep us on track. This book has instructions, but no schedule. While I really didn't expect that I could train our new dog in 7 days, I could have used a schedule guideline to follow. I enjoyed the stories of the dogs he has rescued & I'm glad there is an index to reference.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of the several dog training books I've read recently this one spent the most time breaking down techniques into step by step explanations which I appreciated. These training how-tos were interspersed with stories of rescue dogs he rehabbed for families as well as anecdotes of times he suffered temporary training failures and made mistakes (which can be refreshing to see).

Brandon would be classed among the group of 'Balanced' trainers- he does not advocate for dominance or forceful techniques but he does use aversive methods including: leash-popping, 'Shake n Break' noise maker bottle, citronella collars, lemon juice in mouth, etc. I've been reading several very firmly positive-only reinforcement trainers (Victoria Stilwell, Zak George) so it was a big change but sometimes techniques like Brandon's can be a faster and more immediately noticeable change in behaviour so it's important to find something you're comfortable with and works for your dog. (They would argue that the dog was behaving to avoid the aversive thing and not because they chose to change their behaviour and it therefore isn't a long-term solution).

[Nathan Cashion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for first time dog owners to provide a base of understanding of the mechanics of how to train a dog.

However, after also taking some classes with a local dog trainer, it seems there a few things Brandon gets wrong. First and foremost, the penny bottle or Shake & Break, just doesn’t work—certainly not for my dog but also for others I’ve tried it with. (Perhaps this is why the product doesn’t seem to be available for purchase anymore.)

A few of his other tactics (e.g. leashing dogs to spots they’ve soiled) have more of a punish-to-extinguish approach, where gentler more positive and proactive techniques may have better results despite requiring more time and effort.

Ironically, while in the middle of this book, I came downstairs to find my 5 month old golden doodle laying on the carpet with pieces of the book scattered around him and the remains of the book lying open to the chapter on chewing! I joke that I’ll post that photo with no other explanation as my Amazon review!

As always, nothing works for every dog—or every owner, for that matter! This book was still helpful in giving me a framework for approaching a new dog and understanding what I may be doing wrong.

[JennLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on dog training I've ever read (and I've read plenty over the years). Brandon provides a slew of practical step-by-step instructions covering all the basics of training (sit, stay etc.) as well as tips on dealing with common problems. The absolutely best, and most refreshing thing however, is that he's honest. Other training books will make you feel like a failure if your dog can't master something like a come, but he will be frank and tell you certain types of dogs (like my beagle!) will never be reliable off-leash dogs and shouldn't be trusted in a potentially risky situation. Ditto for some agression issues: you can't necessarily expect your dog to be cured; instead you should concentrate on avoiding situations that might trigger problems. I think this is a must read for all dog owners, and if you have the chance to watch his show Saturday mornings on CBS too it will also help hone your training skills.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author seems to speak of getting your dog to "do things because they want to" not because you force them. Yet many/most of the methods involve some kind of physical barrier or touch, and most frequently the use of a negative sound experience, which, to me, a humble inexperienced not-yet-owner, sound like domination and punishment more than loving encouragement (positive rewards).

He does repeatedly emphasize the use of treats/food, and toys where appropriate, as rewards and that the use of them needs to be consistent and well timed to be effective. I'm pretty sure I've read this in multiple books so far and they're all in agreement about these ideas. :)

I'm trying to read a bunch of different dog training books to get varied ideas. It's eye opening to get different view points and training techniques.

[Rachel Zelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though well written, I can't say his dog training methodologies are for me. He smoothly disguises traditional, physical, and fear-based training methods behind the feel-good aspect that he is adopting pets from shelters to connect them with their "forever" homes.

Some examples of his method include the following:
-attaching mutliple leashes to the dog at the same time, anchored to different points, in order to fully restrict their movements
- if a dog is chewing on your shoes or other items, tying the item to the dog's collar until it becomes so annoying it's aversive
- using punishment such as purposely setting up the environment so the dog's poop ends up all over their paws if they engage in an undesired behavior

If you are looking for a book to train your dog, I'd leave this one behind and focus instead on books that focus on positive, reinforcement-based training.

[Tanya Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy watching the Lucky Dog television series so when my family adopted a new puppy, I decided to get this book. In addition to actually having a trainer work with us I read this book and there are some very sound training suggestions and advice that coincides with what the trainer is telling us. Since our dog is a young puppy it is taking a lot of patience and longer than 7 days but I am seeing progress. I enjoyed the added stories of dogs that Brandon has actually worked with.

Although, my puppy apparently doesn't like me giving this book too much attention, he got out and chewed up the corner of this book while I wasn't home. Back to the chapter on chewing.... :)