Please take a moment to review some of our suggested readings, interesting blogs and various web sites. These suggestions range from training, teaching, positive teaching to tricks and more!
From the Publisher: Akin to Monty Roberts’s The Man Who Listens to Horses and going light-years beyond The Hidden Life of Dogs or any training manual, Suzanne Clothier takes a radical new direction in understanding our life with dogs…and our mutual love. Drawing on a lifetime of experience with dogs, this nationally renowned dog trainer brings us astonishing new lessons about our animals — and ourselves. Gently, with intelligence, humor, and unfailing patience, 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. Clothier’s unparalleled insights into aggression in dogs can help prevent a tragedy, including the unnecessary destruction of a pet.
Don’t Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor is a powerful proponent of the principles and practical uses of positive reinforcement in teaching new behaviors. Here are the secrets of changing behavior in pets, kids — even yourself — without yelling, threats, force, punishment, guilt trips . . . or shooting the dogs.
The Other End of the Leash by Dr. Patricia McConnell PH. D
This is a wonderful book aimed at showing us how our natural behaviors (as primates) and our dogs’ natural behaviors (as canines) sometimes lead to miscommunication and confusion. Dr. McConnell writes in a light mood and with humor but backs up her information with years of scientific study and applied theories.
Dog Behavior: An Owner’s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet by Dr. Ian Dunbar
Explains how a dog’s perceptions and desires result in its conduct. By understanding what makes your dog tick, you’ll learn how to socialize and train your dog to be the companion you want. Modifying a dog’s behavior isn’t hard; it’s simply a question of reinforcing the behavior that you desire. By using the proven techniques described in this book, you can teach your dog to be the model companion. The better you understand your dog, the better your relationship will be.
Control Unleashed – Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Learn how to turn stress to confidence and distraction to focus using methods that are 110% positive. Leslie McDevitt’s versatile Control Unleashed program is designed to help “dogs with issues” learn how to relax, focus, and work off-leash reliably in either stimulating or stressful situations.
The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
Demonstrates how you can train your dog, have fun, and build a lasting relationship at the same time. Learn how you can reward your dog to obtain and reinforce the behaviors you want. When you apply the training methods in this book and follow the unique six-week training program, your dog will learn to think and to choose proper behavior.
The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
A revolutionary way of understanding the relationship between humans and domestic dogs. The author’s work with her own dogs and those of her clients and her studies with other behaviorists has led her to the realization that dogs probably learn exclusively through conditioning of various types.
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas
This little book by Norwegian trainer and behaviorist Turid Rugaas provides a dog-to-human dictionary of canine body language. Through years of observation, Rugaas has identified gestures and movements that dogs use to signal to other dogs– and humans –that they have peaceful intentions. Easy to read, and filled with clear photographs and interesting case histories, this is a book that will benefit every dog lover.
Quick Clicks: 40 Fast and Fun Behaviors to Train with a Clicker by Mandy Book and Cheryl Smith
A clicker training primer that includes both fun and useful behaviors, teaches the technique without technical terms, creates a dog who wants to learn, and features step-by-step instructions for beginners. Seasoned clicker trainers will find tons of ideas for fun new behaviors, too.
Dogs Are From Neptune by Jean Donaldson
Candid answers to urgent questions about aggression and other aspects of dog Positive reinforcement methods include clickers, food, and praise.
How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Dr.Ian Dunbar
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.
Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, (CAAB) has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is known worldwide as an expert on canine and feline behavior and dog training, and for her engaging and knowledgeable dog training books, DVDs and seminars.
Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Blog
Dr. Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, writer and founder of APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). His SIRIUS® Puppy Training video had a dramatic influence on the pet dog fancy, completely changing the way dogs are trained in a number of countries around the world. There are very few educated trainers who have not been strongly influenced by Dr. Dunbar’s fun & games, from-the-animal’s-point-of-view, dog friendly dog training.
Karen Pyor’s Blog
Karen is an active, leading spokesperson and teacher for effective force-free training across the globe. Karen’s 40-year career working with and educating scientists, professional trainers, and pet owners has changed the lives of countless animals and their caretakers in zoos, oceanariums, and pet-owning households.
Chilbrook Kennel, Debby Kay’s Blog
Good tips on raising a well adjusted puppy. Debby has been breeding dogs under the Chilbrook prefix since 1969, with dogs from her program earning over 400 titles in the field, conformation, tracking, agility and obedience rings. In addition, hundreds of her dogs work as service dogs for the blind and physically disabled, as seizure and medical alert dogs, and as assistance dogs for the autistic. They also serve as working members of police, security, and search and rescue organizations around the world.
AKC (American Kennel Club)
CPE (Canine Performance Events)
Clean Run Productions
NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council )
UKC (United Kennel Club)
USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association)
Bad Dog Agility
Bad Dog Agility YouTube page
Videos on course analysis, sequencing, and Podcasts
Competitive Dog Sport Advice:
Denise Fenzi’s Website
A professional dog trainer who specializes in building relationships in dog handler teams who compete in dog sports.
Top Dog Obedience School
Breeder Referral:
Breed Information:
Flyball:
Help for You and Your Dog:
Susan Clothier’s Articles
Fearful Dogs – Help for You and Your Dog
Control Unleashed – Leslie McDevitt’s Web Page
Humane & Rescue Organizations:
CPAA (Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliances)
HOPE – Hounds of Prison Education
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
HSUS (Humane Society of the United States)
Legislative Links:
PFDC (PA Federation of Dog Clubs- PA dog-related legislation)
PA Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement
Miscellaneous Links:
APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers)
Camp Gone to the Dogs
Bring Fido
Info on Dog Friendly Vacations Worldwide
Carl Photography – family/pet portraits
Dog Scouts of America