Training and Behavior Resources
Our most frequently asked questions are for information pertaining to the selection of puppies, breeders, training of dogs, and evaluation of temperament. Through the years we have developed a list of favorite authors whose methods are based on solid scientific theory, proven through practical application, and finally are empathetic to owners and dogs.
We hope you enjoy the work of these gifted experts as much as we have.
Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
Websites:
Ms. McConnell is the author of our two favorite non-fiction books of all time. Her work is easy to read, very informative, and highly effective. These books should be required reading for all families where dogs and children interact, and for all who desire their dogs to be well adjusted, well trained and well understood.
- The Other End of the Leash, Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs. This offering focuses on reading canine body language and how our human body language differs, causing confusion for both parties.
- For The Love of a Dog, Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend. This newer book will teach you how to read canine facial expression and delves into emotion in dogs.
Ms. McConnell's training books are not based in clickers, for those who desire a non-clicker training option. However, she does use positive techniques that are effective.
- The Puppy Primer: Best all around puppy book.
- Family Friendly Dog Training: A good basic training book.
- Feeling Outnumbered?: A great booklet if you live with more than one dog.
Ms. McConnell is also the author of topic specific booklets (house training, fear, dog aggression, etc) and several training books, all are excellent and highly recommended. Many of her titles are available on CD, for those of us who are time challenged, to listen to in the car. All titles are available from the author.
Karen Pryor
Website:
Our favorite training resources!
Karen Pryor, marine mammal trainer turned clicker training guru offers many training resources through her informative website. Ms. Pryor is considered to be responsible for bringing truly positive training methods to the dog training community and her first title is still considered the “bible” of modern training techniques, but her new book is our current favorite.
- Reaching the Animal Mind: The Clicker Training Method and What It Teaches Us About Animals This book is not set up with "lessons" like a regular training book, but instead is filled with case studies illustrating the various aspects of training animals. A great book every dog owner should read at least once!
- Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs. Great basic clicker training book filled with easy to apply lessons.
- Clicking with your Dog by Peggy Tillman. Available from www.clickertraining.com this book is a great starter!
- Good Dog: Kids Teach Kids about Dog Behavior and Training by Evelyn Pang and Hillary Louie. Absolutely required reading for kids who live with dogs! We can't recommended this children's book highly enough, the only of it's kind, it will help you teach your children not only to be dog safe children but also how to effectively work with dogs and understand canine body language. Since it is written by kids who are trainers it is fun and easy for children of all ages to understand.
Ms. Pryors website offers so training resources (supplies, books, DVDs, CDs, downloads galore and tons of free helps) for the novice companion dog trainer but she also offers many resources for experienced trainers and even the most competitive trainer will find challenging information here. Worth a visit!
Miscellaneous Authors and Books
- For dealing with dog aggression: Feisty Fido (McConnell) and Click to Calm.
- German Shepherd Information: German Shepherds For Dummies (really!)
- For house training help: Way to Go (McConnell).
No matter your goals for your dog the above authors will provide you with a bounty of information you can easily apply to your situation and needs. Since we only get one chance to raise our puppies and mold them into the adult dogs we want them to be an investment in knowledge is invaluable.
