RECOMMENDED READING These are some of the titles in my home library.  Remember, no one's methods work for all dogs;  think about the methods before you use them.  Some of these books may be available at your library. If your library doesn't have them, ask if your library can find them for you using a inter-library loan.

Living With Kids and Dogs...Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar CPDT.  Pelar presents age-specific chapters (from birth to teens) with advice on building good relations between the dog and the child, managing their interactions wisely, and training the dog to prevent problems from arising.

CHILD-PROOFING YOUR DOG by Brian Kilcommons. Tips on preventing problems between the family dog and children. Teach kids dog care and safety rules.

HOW TO TEACH A NEW DOG OLD TRICKS by Ian Dunbar. Practical positive training methods, fun for you and your dog. Also ways to deal with problem behaviors.
Check at the library for Ian Dunbar videos also; there are several different titles.

THE CULTURE CLASH by Jean Donaldson. Understanding the relationship between humans and dogs. Very dog-friendly ways to train, and to build a great partnership with your dog. One of my favorites.

LEADER OF THE PACK by Dr. Patricia McConnell. 
Simple non-confrontational ways that you can use to help establish yourself as a "worthy leader" in your dog's eyes. Very important if you have a problem dog. Small booklet. 

DOGS ARE FROM NEPTUNE by Jean Donaldson. Answers to questions about aggression and other aspects of dog behavior.

WHAT ALL GOOD DOGS SHOULD KNOW by Jack Volhard and Melissa Bartlett. 
Basic training and behavior problems. Lots of cartoons. Paperback. 

HOW TO RAISE A PUPPY YOU CAN LIVE WITH By Rutherford and Neil. Choosing and raising a puppy, avoiding behavior problems. Good photos. 

THE TOOLBOX FOR REMODELING PROBLEM DOGS by Terry Ryan. Small booklet with practical ideas for combating behavior problems. Shows drawbacks as well as the strong points of different methods. Easy reading.

HELP FOR YOUR SHY DOG by Deborah Wood. If you have a fearful or anxiety-prone dog, this is the book for you.

THE CAUTIOUS CANINE by Dr. Patricia McConnell. Clear directions on desensitizing and counter-conditioning to solve fear or fear-aggression problems.

THE BARK STOPS HERE by Terry Ryan. Helps you to look at the reasons why your dog is barking, then find a solution. Easy to read, practical hints.

HOUSETRAINING: AN OWNER'S GUIDE TO A HAPPY HEALTHY PET by September B. Morn. How to live through potty-training your dog. Gentle approach.

BONES WOULD RAIN FROM THE SKY: DEEPENING OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH DOGS by Suzanne Clothier.  Gently, with intelligence, humor, and unfailing patience, nationally renowned dog trainer Suzanne Clothier guides us to truly comprehend another creature's mind and heart. You will discover how our dogs see the world from their uniquely canine perspective, how we can meet their deep need for leadership without using force or coercion, and how the "laws" of canine culture often put our dogs at odds with us and our very human world.

THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.  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. The new insights into human and dog interaction will forever alter and improve our relationship with our best friends. This humorous well-written book combines true stories, scientific perspective and professional dog training tips.

Any of these books can be ordered from the Dogwise Dog & Cat Book Catalog 1-800-776-2665 or from their website: www.dogwise.com They will send a free catalog upon request.

Printable list

compiled by Pat Scott
PAT SCOTT DOG TRAINING
Fremont NE 721-1107