Magazines

The Whole Dog Journal - Excellent reading material for all levels of interest in dogs.  Focus on health and behavior.

The Bark - Sophisticated dog magazine with a wide variety of articles on dog related topics.  Art, literature, rescue, health, dog activities, dog behavior, dog related research, lots of topics for those interested in all things dog.


Books   (available from www.dogwise.com)

Patricia McConnell, PhD,   The Other End of the Leash  -  Interesting reading for all.   Patricia McConnell's love for dogs and her academic understanding of animal behavior make this book shine. 

Patricia McConnell, PhD,   For the Love of a Dog:  Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend  -     McConnell's important book explains the scientific perspective on emotions in dogs but is written for the average dog owner.  She is careful to point out that dogs do not share all the emotions felt by humans, but we are more similar than science has led us to believe.

Suzanne Clothier, CDBC,  Bones Would Rain From the Sky  -  Lovely book with an intellectual and mystical edge, combined with an in depth understanding of dogs.

J. Allen Boone,  Kinship With All Life  -  The journey of a man in the company of a majestic dog named Strongheart, and his dedication to getting to know this great Being.

Steven Lindsay,  MA,   Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior & Training   -   Volume 1  Adaptation and Learning,  Volume 2  Etiology and Assessment of Behavior Problems,   Volume 3  Procedures and Protocols   -   For the serious dog lover and professional.  Textbook style reading.  A truly unique and remarkable set of books, highly recommended.

Karen Overall, DVM,   Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals  -  Again, a book for those with an insatiable thirst to learn about dog behavior.  Dr. Overall is a leader in the field of veterinary behavior, and we are anxiously awaiting her new book, to be published toward the end of 2007.

Trish King,  CDBC, CPDT  Parenting Your Dog  -  An insightful and down to earth book for dog owners who want to understand and train their dog.  Not written in a step by step manual style, but filled with good, easy to use, information.

Ian Dunbar, DVM,   Before and After Getting Your Puppy  -  Good solid advice regarding your new puppy.

Brenda Aloff, CDBC,   Aggression in Dogs  -  This book is important for owners of dogs with aggressive behavioral tendencies, helping to put this frightening behavior into perspective.  Aloff does tell her readers that if they don't like using the head halter, to "get over it."  If something you are doing to your dog doesn't feel right, please don't blindly follow a trainer's word.  Do educate yourself further on the reasons behind a given technique, and if you feel it isn't right for you and your dog, explore other possibilities.  Other than this, this is an informative and important book.  

Brenda Aloff, CDBC,   Understanding Canine Body Language  -  One of the most important things we, as dog owners, can do is learn to understand our dogs.  This book is full of excellent photographs and explanations.

Patricia McConnell, PhD,  Various booklets  -  Outstanding resource for specific behavior problems.

Raymond Coppinger, PhD, Lorna Coppinger,   Dogs, A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution  -  Thought provoking book by a husband/wife team who have spent their lives working with, and studying, dogs.

Lynn Hoover, MSW, CDBC,   The Family in Dog Behavior Consulting - Highly recommended for those working in the field of dog behavior consulting.   Lynn Hoover's intelligence, compassion and profound understanding of both humans and dogs make this book a must read.

James M. Giffin, MD, and Liisa D. Carlson, DVM,    Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook  -  This book is invaluable for reading about physical problems your dog is experiencing.  If you are squeamish (as I am), I don't recommend thumbing through this book, as the photographs (black & white) can be a bit graphic.  Simply look up the problem in the index and to go directly to the page you need.  Don't let this keep you from buying the book!


Videos

I'd like to heartily recommend Tawzer Dog Videos.  Alta and George Tawzer video tape dog behavior, training and health seminars by leaders in the field.  The Tawzers have an excellent selection of videos and DVDs.  Trish King's seminar tapes are excellent because she is extremely knowledgeable, her presentation style is interesting, and she uses a lot of video examples to educate her audience about dog behavior.  Many, many other presenters are also excellent, with a wealth of knowledge to share.  And best of all, it's all about dogs.  Visit www.tawzerdogvideos.com 

For the dog behavior professional I would like to recommend a new seminar video by Tawzer Dog Videos: When Good Dogs Go Bad by Dr. Pamela Reid.  Especially interesting is the film clip of a behavioral evaluation with a German Shepherd Dog.

Turid Rugaas,  On Talking Terms With Dogs -  An important work, and an excellent foundation toward understanding dog body language.  Available at www.dogwise.com.


Organizations

Please visit the website of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants at www.iaabc.org.  This organization works tirelessly toward the goal of promoting education and professionalism in the field of animal behavior consulting.  The IAABC mission is "to assist and educate owners and handlers of companion animals to prevent problems and to interrupt the cycle of inappropriate punishment, rejection, and euthanasia of animals with behavior problems that are resolvable."    Methods advocated are those that are "least intrusive, minimally aversive."   IAABC standards are high, and this organization is truly an important advancement toward the well being of companion animals and their owners.


Products

SENSE-ation Harness  This is the #1 product I recommend for dogs over ten pounds in weight.  The leash clips onto the front of the harness, on the dog's chest, making it difficult for the dog to pull.   Softouch Concepts at  866-305-6145 or www.softouchconcepts.com.  The company is located in Union City, California.

Kong   I highly recommend products from the Kong Company.  These near indestructible rubber toys are to be filled with treats, and they are wonderful ways to keep your dog busy.  Many of my clients have Kongs, and they tell me their dogs don't chew on them.  Well, you do have to put something inside!  Smear the inner edges of the pyramid shaped Kong with cream cheese or peanut butter, or almond butter (expensive!) or anything else you can think of, and then put goodies inside to stick to the cream cheese (or whatever).  Be creative.  Kongs are sold in various sizes, and it is important that your dog has the correct size.  Available in most pet stores.

Food  A good diet is often a foundation for good behavior.  Unlike humans, dogs usually get a consistent diet, morning and night, of the same food.   I recommend doing a little research into good, quality diets for your dog.  Observe your dog to see how well he or she does with it, as every dog is a unique individual.  The Whole Dog Journal is an excellent publication to get ideas for good, quality diets.