Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them


Pamela J. Reid - 1996
    With the freedom of understanding "how your dog learns" comes the ability of making the process easy, efficient, and enjoyable for your dog. You'll be in a position to excel-erate your dog's learning! At long last we have someone who can explain all-important learning theory and make it intriguing and interesting. Agility enthusiast, obedience competitor and psychologist Dr. Pamela Reid introduces you to cutting-edge scientific techniques in dog training including, autoshaping retrieval (i.e., teaching your dog to train herself), and "errorless discrimination learning" for teaching retrieval and directed jumping. You'll love this book?it's so useful and utterly fascinating.

Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior Evolution


Raymond Coppinger - 2001
    Drawing on insight gleaned from forty-five years of raising, training, and studying the behaviors of dogs worldwide, Lorna and Raymond Coppinger explore the fascinating processes by which dog breeds have evolved into their unique shapes and behaviors. Concentrating on five types of dogs -- modern household dogs, village dogs, livestock-guarding dogs, sled dogs, and herding dogs -- the Coppingers, internationally recognized canine ethologists and consummate dog lovers, examine our canine companions from a unique biological viewpoint. "Dogs" clearly points the way for dog lovers, dog therapists, veterinarians, and all others who deal with dogs to understand their animals from a fresh perspective.How did the domestic dog become a distinct species from the wolf? Why do different breeds behave differently? Most important, how can we improve the relationship between humans and dogs?The authors show how dogs' different abilities depend upon the confluence of their nature and nurture -- that both genetics and the environment play equally key roles. They also reveal that many people inadvertently harm their canine companions because they fail to understand dogs' biological needs and dispositions."Dogs" is a highly readable biological approach by noted researchers that provides a wealth of new information about the interaction of nature and nurture, and demonstrates how unique dog behavior is in the animal world.

Canine Enrichment for the Real World: Making It a Part of Your Dog's Daily Life


ALLIE BENDER - 2019
    But what exactly is enrichment? The concept is pretty straightforward: learn what your dog’s needs are, and then structure an environment and routine that allows them to engage in behaviors they find enriching. To truly enrich your dog’s life, you should offer them opportunities to engage in natural or instinctual behaviors. Aside from the limitations we have to place on a dog in today’s modern, busy world, the biggest constraint to enriching your dog’s life is your imagination!What the experts say about Canine Enrichment:Don’t let the word “enrichment” in the title fool you into thinking that the scope of this book is too narrow or not something you will find valuable. It focuses comprehensively on meeting your dog’s needs and is written in a holistic, science-based, practical, straightforward, and easy-to-understand way. I love this book!Ken Ramirez, author of Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive ReinforcementCanine Enrichment is a deep dive into what dogs really need and how we can provide it. It’s a great book for dog lovers who want to go beyond the standard superficialities of “dogs need exercise.” Just the chapter on agency is worth the price of the book!Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB Emeritus, author of The Other End of the Leash and The Education of WillThe scope of this book is ambitious and the authors deliver, navigating the subject of enrichment with depth and relevance. Caregivers will gain critically important perspectives and practical information to improve the lives of their animals.Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Utah State University, and founder of Behavior Works, LLCAllie Bender, CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA, and Emily Strong, CDBC, CPBT-KA, SBA, are certified behavior consultants who work with all companion animal species. They co-founded and operate Pet Harmony, LLC, and First Train Home.

Your German Shepherd Puppy Month by Month


Liz Palika - 2012
    Expert authors Liz Palika, vet Deb Eldredge, and breeder Joanne Olivier team up to cover all the questions new owners tend to have and many they don't think to ask, including:- What to ask the breeder before bringing your puppy home- Which vaccinations your puppy needs and when to get them- How to make potty training as smooth (and quick) as possible- What do to when your puppy cries at night- Why and how to crate train your puppy- When socialization should happen and how to make sure it does- When your puppy is ready to learn basic commands-like Sit, Stay, and Come-and the best way to teach them- When and how to go about leash training- How much exercise your puppy needs to stay physically and mentally healthy- What, how much, and when to feed your puppy to give him the nutrition he needs without the extra weight he doesn't- When your puppy is ready for obedience training and how to make sure it works- How and how often to bath your puppy, brush his coat, clip his nails, and brush his teeth.- How to know what requires a trip to the vet and what doesn't- What causes problem behaviors, when to expect them, and how to correct them

The Dog Breed Bible: Descriptions and Photos of Every Breed Recognized by the AKC


D. Caroline Coile - 2007
    It includes recently recognized breeds, such as the Norwegian Buhund, the Pyrenean Shepherd, and the Swedish Vallhund. A succinct description of each dog cites its origins, its physical and temperamental traits, its average life span, all major health concerns, and its special needs, such as training, grooming, exercise, and adaptability to specific environments. A color photo shows an example of each breed in its show pose and an adjoining photo provides a detailed head shot. Written by an expert on dog breeds, this spiral-bound book packs a wealth of information in a manageable size. It will serve as a handy guide for prospective dog purchasers, as well as trainers and breeders. Attractive and easy-to-use charts summarize the ease of care for each breed.

Maggie: The dog Who Changed My Life


Dawn Kairns - 2008
    Through their relationship Dawn learned that dogs are intelligent and emotional beings that can sense human thoughts. From housebreaking to adolescent escapades and on through old age, Maggie's radiant spirit became interwoven with the fabric of Dawn's life. The depth of their bond opens a surprising door to intuition and dream communication about Maggie's fate. Through their journey, Dawn experiences the joys of sharing life with a dog that so touched people as well as the profound grief that comes with the loss of her beloved Maggie.

Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life


Cesar Millan - 2007
    Filled with practical tips and techniques as well as real-life success stories from his clients (including the Grogan family, owners of Marley from "Marley & Me") and his popular television show "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, " Cesar helps you understand and read your dog's energy as well as your own so that you can move beyond just correcting behavioral issues and take your connection with your dog to the next level. The principles of calm-assertive energy will help you become a better pack leader in every area of your life, improving your relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. In addition, Cesar addresses several important issues for the first time, including what you need to know about the major dog behavior tools available and the difference between "personality" and "instability." Ultimately, what emerges from "Be the Pack Leader" are both happier dogs "and" happier, more centered owners.

30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog: The Loved Dog Method


Tamar Geller - 2010
    Using a combination of child psychology and animal behavior science, Geller revolutionized the way Americans train their dogs and has won the approval of the Humane Society, for which she is a longtime adviser. Now she expands on her play-training methods and offers a day-by-day, easy-to-follow plan for raising a happy and well-mannered canine. In this step-by-step guide, Geller gives dog owners all the essential training instructions, insights, and tips, including housebreaking, socialization, commands, hand signals, games, developing a routine, and much more. Throughout, Geller explains theories on how dogs think and breaks down dogs' basic needs in simple yet engaging language. She also makes fascinating connections between raising a puppy and the process of nurturing a toddler that will shed new light on dog training. Whether it's a new puppy from the pet store or a rescue dog from the pound, this is the ultimate go-to reference for anyone who decides to bring a new dog into their home—or improve the behavior of the family dog in just one month. Turns out, you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Don't Dump the Dog: Advice from America's Favorite Dog Rescuer


Randy Grim - 2009
    And dog rescuer Randy Grim has heard every reason under the sun. But before you load Fido into the back of your car, read this book. In it, Randy addresses the concerns of dog guardians everywhere by responding to letters that he 's actually received. With humor, and from his vast experiences with abandoned dogs, he reveals exactly what you can do to remain calm and fix every bad behavior problem. (Even if it means dumping your husband instead of the dog.)

The Soul of All Living Creatures: What Animals Can Teach Us About Being Human


Vint Virga - 2013
    Vint Virga had a life-changing experience: he witnessed the power of simple human contact and compassion to affect the recovery of a dog struggling to survive after being hit by a car.  Observing firsthand the remarkably strong connection between humans and animals inspired him to explore the world from the viewpoint of animals and taught him to respect the kinship that connects us.With The Soul of All Living Creatures, Virga draws from his decades in veterinary practice to reveal how, by striving to perceive the world as animals do, we can enrich our own appreciation of life, enhance our character, nurture our relationships, improve our communication with others, reorder our values, and deepen our grasp of spirituality.  Virga discerningly illuminates basic traits shared by both humans and animals and makes animal behavior meaningful, relevant, and easy to understand.  Insightful and eloquent, The Soul of All Living Creatures offers an intimate journey into the lives of our fellow creatures and a thought-provoking promise of what we can learn from spending time with them.

From Fearful to Fear Free: A Positive Program to Free Your Dog from Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias


Marty Becker - 2018
    Dr. Marty Becker and his esteemed colleagues deliver a comprehensive look at Dr. Becker’s Fear-Free™ program, developed on the premise that anxiety and fear can impede thorough veterinary care as well as other significant aspects of a companion animal’s life. Filled with anecdotes from the authors’ own experiences, detailed techniques, and helpful resources, this book can be a lifesaver for owners dealing with fearful dogs.Inside From Fearful to Fear-Free™•How animals become fearful, the consequences of fear, and the benefits of Dr. Becker’s Fear-Free™ principles•A detailed look at different types of fears and how to recognize the signs of fear in a dog•The damage of punishment versus the advantages and success of reward-based training, including step-by step instructions on using rewards properly•Training at all ages—from puppy socialization to basic cues—to promote good behavior, confidence, and adaptability throughout the dog’s life•Advanced training and enrichment activities for emotional well-being•Behavior-modification techniques for common fears•Putting your dog’s skills to use in specific scenarios, including trips to the vet’s office, visits to the groomer, interactions with children, walks in busy public areas, and vacations with the family

Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training Crazy Dogs from Over the Top to Under Control


Laura VanArendonk Baugh - 2013
     Some dogs are afraid, or excited, or reactive. Dogs that “don’t listen” and “go crazy” don’t live the lives we –- or they –- want. Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out can change that. Simple steps and an accessible, conversational tone from award-winning, internationally-known trainer Laura VanArendonk Baugh CPDT-KA KPACTP make calming the agitated dog not only possible, but pleasant. Inside you’ll learn how to Achieve change in short, simple training sessions of a minute or less Maximize the effects of natural brain chemistry Know when to call in medical help “Clean up” unreliable behaviors in both overexcited sport dogs and pets at home Recognize how fear, aggression, and excitement are variants of the same root problem The conversational tone is both informative and fun — very accessible, and it feels like the reader has a consulting trainer standing at her shoulder! Bring your dog from emotional to thoughtful, and enjoy a calmer, more enriched life with your best friend.

The Secret Language of Dogs: The Body Language of Furry Bodies


Heather Dunphy - 2011
    This language contains many subtle, but important nuances and is very different from human verbal communication, but it is nevertheless a language that can be learned. The Secret Language of Dogs shows you how to interpret what your canine is telling you through their behavior, and it explains how they, in turn, interpret our body language and attempts to communicate and interact with them.Known as “man’s best friend” for a reason, dogs are scientifically proven to enhance our quality of life. The Secret Language of Dogs helps return the favor by providing insights into why dogs act as they do. It also contains practical advice for training, addressing common health and behavioral problems, and strengthening the bond with your canine friend. Promptly and properly decoding canine communication is the key to both a contented dog and a confident owner. The Secret Language of Dogs takes the mysteries out of dog body language, giving you the insight to gain a better understanding of your much-loved pet.

The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One


Jack Volhard - 1994
    The Motivational Method is grounded on a thorough knowledge of how people learn and dog behavior. SInce 1983 they have authored or co-authored four major books on dog training and teaching dog Obedience classes, and have produced four video tapes.

Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals


Lew Olson - 2010
    Preparing Fido’s food at home may seem daunting, but it’s really not, says Lew Olson in Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs. Olson discusses canine nutritional needs and explains the research on how home-prepared foods, particularly raw foods, can meet pets’ needs better than commercial, processed dog food. Step-by-step instructions and recipes make preparation easy. The book includes charts with the recipes, instructions on keeping diets simple and balanced, guidelines on preparation, suggestions for finding ingredients, and how much to feed a dog by body weight. There are recipes for healthy adult dogs as well as guidelines for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with health conditions including pancreatitis, renal problems, gastric issues, allergies, heart disease, liver disease, and cancer. Pet owners seeking to give their dogs a better coat, better skin, and healthier teeth and gums, as well as longer lives and more stable temperaments, are sure to welcome this book.