Recommended Reading for Dog Guardians

1. The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
   The Culture Clash is special. Written in Jean's inimitably informal yet precise lecture style, the book races along on par with a good thriller. The Culture Clash depicts dogs as they really are - stripped of their Hollywood fluff, with their loveable "can I eat it, chew it, urinate on it, what's in it for me" philosophy. Jean's tremendous affection for dogs shines through at all times, as does her keen insight into the dog's mind. Relentlessly she champions the dog's point of view, always showing concern for their education and well being. Without a doubt, Jean's book is the hottest doggy item on the market. Best Training Book Of The Year! (Maxwell Award)


2. Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor
   Use behavioral training on people, dogs and other animals to make changes! End undesirable behavior; learn "affection training."


3. Reaching the Animal Mind by Karen Pryor
   Karen Pryor gives everyone the technology for not just reaching into the animal minds but glimpsing their souls. Reaching the Animal Mind is about an entirely new way to see, understand, and communicate with animals. Animals are a lot smarter and more aware than we used to think. They show humor, affection, and regret, uncanny intelligence and depth of thought, but you have to know how to bring it out. Share animal trainer and scientist Karen Pryor's extraordinary interactions with the largest and smallest of creatures in the oceans and on land, in this compelling, enjoyable, and important book. If you're in love with dogs, go ga-ga over whales, or marvel at elephants, if you ever wished you could talk to the animals and have them talk to you, you'll love Reaching the Animal Mind.


4. The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
   When humans communicate with dogs, a lot can get lost in the translation. Focusing on human behavior, Dr. McConnell teaches readers how to retrain themselves to speak consistently in a language dogs understand and avoid sending conflicting and confusing messages.


5. Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog by Pat Miller
   A complete dog training, puppy raising, problem solving, and basic health guide. Written as a series of columns in “Whole Dog Journal," Positive Perspectives gives you information on day-to-day living with dogs in small easily understood “bites." For puppy as well as adult dog owners.


6. The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
   Walk away from punishment-based training methods and learn how you can reward your dog to obtain and reinforce the behaviors you could only dream about achieving!


7. Perfect Paws in 5 Days DVD by Jean Donaldson
   There are many DVDs on the market that can teach you how to train your dog key basic behaviors - but there is only one featuring Jean Donaldson! And what makes this new DVD particularly valuable is that Jean teaches you how to train, so you learn skills that you can apply to other behaviors as well. If you are a trainer, you will find this DVD a great primer on how to teach your students to train basic skills in a classroom setting. If you are an owner who wants to teach your dog basic skills, you will not find a better teacher than Jean!


8. How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Ian Dunbar, Ph.D
   No time like the present for training (or re-training) a puppy or adult dog to fit into the human world! Internationally acclaimed vet, behaviorist and trainer Dr. Ian Dunbar leads new and experienced owners through a training program to PREVENT problems ("Temperament Training"), SOLVE problems ("Behavior Training") and BEHAVE ("Obedience Training"). Dunbar's methods are fun and easy to apply for all family members.


9. Dog Friendly Dog Training by Andrea Arden
   Humane, user-friendly and dog-friendly training methods! Tools to help you teach; housetraining; basic manners; behavior problems; and an excellent resource section.


10. On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas
    Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas is a noted expert on canine body language, notably “calming signals” which are signals dogs give other dogs and humans that denote stress. These are dogs’ attempt to defuse situations that otherwise might result in fights or aggression.