Recommended Reading
Inside of a Dog – What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
“Containing up-to-the minute research and providing many moments of dog-behavior recognition, this lively and absorbing book helps dog owners to see their best friend’s behavior in a different and revealing light.”There is also a kids’ version.
Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog
Canine science: What we really know about dogs and their behavior.
The Power of Positive Dog Training
Basic training information and schedule, to plan your own training for a great, well-mannered dog. Also available in audiobook format. (Book available at the SJ Library)
Raising Puppies and Kids, A Guide for Parents
Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed
Does your dog have a hard time focusing on you around distractions? Is he easily-aroused and hard to settle down? Does he seem to have “ADD”? These concepts and techniques will support you in teaching your dog life skills and coping skills so that he is comfortable in the world, building relationships, empowering your dog, and creating a two-way system of communication between you and your dog. The earlier version, Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog, was written specifically for people who want to compete in agility, but anyone with this sort of dog would benefit from the exercises so clearly described in this book.
Positive Puppy Training Works
Positive dog-friendly training techniques for raising a puppy. Also in ebook format.
The Culture Clash
This excellent book is the best for understanding dogs as they really are, and how what’s normal in “dog culture” can sometimes clash with human culture’s ideas of how someone should behave!
The New Click to Calm: Solutions for All Dogs in a Challenging World
Another guide to reducing dog aggressive behavior through positive reinforcement.
Chill Out Fido! How to Calm Your Dog
Includes Nan’s Relaxation Conditioning exercise.
The Dog Behavior Problem Solver, Revised Second Edition
A recommended “resource for do-it-yourself problem solving”. Teoti suggests positive solutions for dealing with the most common problems and gives great advice about when to consult a professional trainer.
Plenty In Life Is Free – Reflections On Dogs, Training and Finding Grace
Instead of worrying about “rank” and “hierarchy”, or demanding a strict trade of performance for rewards, consider this introduction to SMART – See, Mark And Reward Training.
Bones Would Rain From the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs
Loving, sometimes reverent essays about how dogs behave and the barriers – and doorways – to our understanding of them.
Positive Training For Show Dogs
Bringing positive, humane training techniques to the breed conformation ring.
When Pigs Fly – Training Success With Impossible Dogsw
“Do you have an impossible dog? Does your dog come when called, heel properly when you go for a walk, and sit quietly when you ask him to? If your answer is a resounding “No!” then you may think you have an impossible dog. But think again! Most kinds of dogs that people have trouble training (typically Hounds, Terriers, and some Northern Breeds) actually have many characteristics that make them quite trainable—they are smart, are good problem solvers, and have strong drives to get what they want. The key to training success with these dogs is to figure out what they find rewarding and then use those rewards to get the behavior you want. You’ll be amazed at what your “bad” dog will do when you know how he thinks and what turns him on!”