At Nose to Trail, we’re passionate about providing our clients with the very best training resources, which is why we’re thrilled to be reviewing “Hunting Together: Predation Substitute Training Volume 1” by Simone Mueller. If you’re wondering whether this book is right for you, don’t be misled by the title – though the focus is on predation substitute training (PST), it’s not just for dogs with what you may think is a predation issue like car chasing. In fact, there’s a lot more to this book than you might expect!
The Main Focus: Predation Substitute Training (PST)
For those unfamiliar, predation substitute training focuses on helping dogs channel their natural prey drive into more appropriate behaviours. This can be particularly helpful for dogs that exhibit excessive chasing behaviours, as well as other parts of the predatory sequence (catch… kill…consume). However, it’s important to note that while the book does touch on these issues, it doesn’t directly address car chasing in the way many might think.
We know from working with our clients that car chasing can often stem from anxiety or frustration rather than a simple desire to catch something. And if you’re looking for resources specifically to address car chasing, you’ll find these in the Nose to Trail membership, which is currently available at a discounted rate for our birthday offers this March.
What makes this book stand out is that it isn’t just for dogs with predation problems – it’s filled with tips and techniques that can help any dog, regardless of their prey drive. It’s all about harnessing that natural instinct and turning it into a positive behaviour with motivation-based training, something that aligns perfectly with our own force-free, positive training philosophy.
Force-Free Training for All Dogs
One of the things that really resonates with us at Nose to Trail is Simone Mueller’s commitment to force-free training. For those who don’t know, we follow the ABTC code of conduct and Rachel is an APBC Clinical Animal Behaviourist as well as a full member of PACT. Simone’s methods are right in line with our ethics, as she avoids aversive techniques and promotes positive, reward-based training.
Training Techniques for Everyday Dogs
While the main focus of the book is on predation substitute training, Simone’s approach also covers training and enrichment techniques that are beneficial to all dogs. One standout section is about teaching dogs to eat outdoors. This simple yet powerful technique is something that many dogs struggle with – especially those who are reactive or have anxiety. It’s an issue that Hannah B has worked with countless dogs on before they attend our Reducing Reactivity classes, making this book even more valuable to our clients.
Moreover, some of the activities in the book, like Sausage Trees, will feel very familiar to those who have joined our No Nonsense Nosework course. If you’ve done our introduction to scentwork, you’ve probably heard of Cheesy Trees – Simone’s Sausage Trees activity is essentially the same concept, proving that great ideas are universal, and it’s reassuring as a trainer to see these methods shared across the community.
Practical, Engaging, and Easy to Read
Unlike some of the textbooks you might expect from dog trainers, “Hunting Together” is refreshingly accessible. It’s a small book, easy to digest, and full of practical exercises that you can start using with your dog right away. It’s not a dense textbook – it’s an engaging, hands-on guide that delivers on its promise without overwhelming the reader.
For those looking for more resources, another of Simone’s titles, “Don’t Eat That!”, is a great read for dogs who struggle with scavenging behaviour. Highly recommended!
Where to Buy the Book
You can purchase “Hunting Together” here for your convenience.
Let Us Know Your Favourite Dog Books
We’re always looking to expand our library and provide our clients with helpful resources. If there’s a dog book you’d like us to review or read, let us know! We’re happy to share our thoughts and offer recommendations to help you with your training journey. You can contact us on: info@nosetotrail.co.uk
Happy training, and happy reading!