Resources

These are my "must reads".  More will be added as I find them.


An introduction to dog behaviour:

• Jean Donaldson - Culture clash
• Patricia McConnell - The other end of the leash

Both these authors have several books out, and all are worth a read, but these two are my particular favourites.

• John Bradshaw - In defence of dogs

The best up-to-date book on dog behaviour written for a long time.  Everything that research and science is now able to tell us about dogs, in a very readable format. 

• James Serpell - The domestic dog: its evolution, behaviour and interactions with people
• Alexandra Horowitz - Inside of a dog: what dogs see, smell and know

Both very readable and interesting ... basically the descriptions are in the titles!

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Training:

• Karen Pryor - Don't shoot the dog

Not dog training per se but a great introduction learning and behaviour change - and why positive reinforcement is such an important part of it!

• Karen Pryor - Getting started: clicker training for dogs

Good, basic introduction to clicker training

• Gail Tamases Fisher - The thinking dog: crossover to clicker training

Indepth look at clicker training from an author who has trained with less positive methods from many years.  May be useful for people attempting to make that "crossover" from traditional, aversive-based techniques to an approach where the emphasis is heavy on reward-based training - definitely the future of dog (and other animal) training.  Huge amount of information - both the "how" and the "why" of clicker training!

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Puppy Training:

• Helen Zulch and Daniel Mills - Life Skills for Puppies. Laying the foundation for a loving, lasting relationship.
  

It seems like such a simple little book, but don't underestimate it.  Every sentence is a gem of information and advice. 

• Brenda Scidmore and Patricia McConnell - Puppy Primer

Another very useful puppy book.


Owner Training:

• Karen Wild - What your dog wants.  7 key skills of a perfect dog owner

Become the owner your dog needs you to be!


Relationship building:

• Claire Arrowsmith - Brain Games for Dogs

A great little book, full of ideas of things to train your dog, games to play, and activities you can set up to keep his mind active when you are busy.



Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
Roger Caras

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