CavCross
Well-known member
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA66...q=dog+training_
Dogs are indeed our best friends. In 2006, there were over 72.1 million dogs in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association's U.S Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook (2007). A majority of owners report that their dog is a “member of the family” and that acceptable canine behavior and optimal care are high priorities for them.
The human-animal bond, the close connection between people and their pets, is forged by positive interactions, but unacceptable canine behaviors that result from poor training, such as jumping up or biting, can negatively impact this bond and lead to human injury, legal problems, and an overwhelmed owner possibly giving up a dog to a shelter. Many pet owners, especially those who can't afford the expense of a private trainer, often turn to libraries to find guidebooks, DVDs, and other resources produced by knowledgeable specialists that offer useful training solutions to behavior problems. But owners facing serious problems should first consult with their vet before beginning a behavior management program.
Training trends
In recent years, the field of dog training has shifted from an emphasis on “alpha” domination and punishment to a focus on positive leadership and reward-based instruction supported by the latest scientific knowledge. These methods promote the human-animal bond and are more effective, more fun for both owner and animal, and safer than training styles that use intimidation techniques to manage behavior.
Excellent titles on positive dog training include Jean Donaldson's The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs, 2d ed., Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash, and Pat Miller's The Power of Positive Dog Training , 2d ed. While these books will appeal to sophisticated readers, without well-marked headings and extensive illustrations, they are not practical for the average dog owner.
Celebrity doesn't mean better
Although library patrons demand the latest titles by the hot trainer of the moment, collection development librarians should purchase selectively. Cesar Milan, star of the National Geographic television series The Dog Whisperer and author of Cesar's Way, has negatively impacted the field of dog training and confused the public. Milan overemphasizes pack behavior and dominance, disregards the role of anxiety, fails to consider medical or neurological causes for behavior problems, and demonstrates risky management techniques.
In contrast, British trainer Victoria Stilwell (It's Me or the Dog: How To Have the Perfect Pet) uses a positive-based approach, stressing the importance of understanding canine communication signals and providing clear instructions for teaching basic commands.
Building your canine collection
Start by perusing the catalogs of the major publishers in the field: John Wiley's Howell Book House, Bowtie Press and its Doral Publishing division, and T.F.H. Publications. Small presses like James & Kenneth (www.jamesandkenneth.com), which publishes dog training expert Ian Dunbar, are good sources of training guides, audiobooks, and DVDS, while niche publishers like Alpine Publications (www.alpinepub.com) cover specific breeds or aspects of dog training.
Also check the web sites of respected professional trainers and behavior consultants like Patricia McConnell (www.patriciamcconnell.com) and Suzanne Hetts and Daniel Estep (www.islanddogpress.com), which offer their own training materials for sale, as well as canine e-commerce sites like Dogwise (www.dogwise.com), which publishes its own titles and sells the materials of other publishers. Bark and Dog Fancy magazines are excellent sources of reviews.
When evaluating your existing collection or buying new titles, look at the author's qualifications and approach to training. Writers with credentials from reputable certifying organizations such as Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), Animal Behavior Society (ABS), Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB), and Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT) should be favored. And membership in the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) speaks to a trainer's positive approach.
In the dog house
As for weeding titles, some older “classics,” although still requested, are now outdated. Although largely positive-based, Barbara Woodhouse's training techniques (as outlined in No Bad Dogs: The Woodhouse Way, 1982), including the forced sit & down, “quick smacks,” and leash jerks, are not consistent with the modern approach. Similarly outdated is the Monks of New Skete's How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend (1978), which advises owners to knee dogs in the chest when they jump up in greeting and use “alpha wolf roll-over” and “shakedown” procedures for “major transgressions,” although the Monks' Divine Canine (2007) omits these techniques. Replace with more up-to-date “dog friendly” guides written by individuals with training in canine communication, learning theory, and motivation.
A training focus
While resources on dog health and care are included here, the emphasis is on the selection of appropriate training titles because training is often the primary reason that dog owners seek help. In addition, the market is inundated with numerous guidebooks of variable quality, and many of the best materials come from specialty publishers unfamiliar to many readers.
Also excluded from this article's scope are books that celebrate the human-dog interaction (e.g., McConnell's For the Love of a Dog): they are not quick references for training questions. The sheer volume of breed-specific books, sport-specific books (such as agility, search-and-rescue, or fly-ball), trick-training books, and general dog books also prevent us from including these materials. The breed information on the American Kennel Club web site (www.akc.org) is basically the same as the AKC's Complete Dog Book (20th ed., 2006), but a good print dog care resource with brief breed profiles is Kristin Mehus-Roe's The Original Dog Bible (LJ 04/15/05).
Dog ownership cuts across the entire literacy spectrum; we have tried to include titles that appeal to a fairly wide educational level as well as books focused around high-quality instructional photographs with short, clear captions. The easiest to use materials are well organized with multiple access points, including chapter headings, topic boxes, and indexes. Starred
[*] titles are essential for most collections.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOG TRAINING
The selected guides, authored by trainers known in the dog-training community for their expertise, reflect the positive approach: teaching desired behaviors, eschewing punishment and confrontational techniques, and promoting the dog-owner bond.
*Arden, Andrea. Dog-Friendly Dog Training. 2d ed. Howell Book House: Wiley. 2007. 232p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-470-11514-5. $18.99.
This straightforward, color-illustrated book by a charter member of the APDT focuses on a dog-friendly, positive approach. The essential title for libraries with tight budgets.
*Arrowsmith, Claire. The Sit Down Come Heel Stay and Stand Book: A Step-by-Step Dog Training Achievement Program. T.F.H. 2008. 28p. illus. ISBN 978-0-7938-0660-7. spiralbound. $17.95.
Designed for family use, this graphically pleasing, durable guidebook (with a hidden spiral binding) reduces positive training to a few simple, fun steps; illustrated with effective photos and engaging concepts.
*Hodgson, Sarah. Teach Yourself Visually™ Dog Training. Howell Book House: Wiley. 2006. 242p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-471-74989-9. pap. $19.99.
For visual learners, easy-to-follow text combines with the numerous photos illustrating the exercises. Demonstrations of how to train dogs to be mannerly in the face of such distractions as children running are especially useful.
McConnell, Patricia & Aimee Moore. Family Friendly Dog Training: A Six-Week Program for You and Your Dog. Dog's Best Friend Pub. 2007. 107p. ISBN 978-1-891767-11-1. pap. $14.95.
Respected Bark magazine columnist and certified applied animal behaviorist McConnell and her associate present training concepts in a frank, positive program that is fun for owners and dogs.
Miller, Pat. Positive Perspectives 2: Know Your Dog, Train Your Dog. Dogwise. 2008. 283p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-929242-50-4. pap. $21.95.
Whole Dog Journal columnist Miller emphasizes properly interpreting the body language of dogs in order to respond effectively and offers solutions to common behavior problems, such as digging, mounting, barking, and house training.
Owens, Paul & Norma Eckorate. The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training. 2d ed. Adams Media. 2007. 290p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-59337-598-0. pap. $14.95.
Owens coined the term “Dog Whisperer” long before Cesar Milan but is worlds apart from Milan's training philosophy. Espousing training with kindness, compassion, and respect, his guide gives valuable advice, from canine communication to trick training. However, the dense format and sparse photos will limit its appeal to some readers. (LJ 10/1/99)
Volhard, Jack & Melissa Bartlett. What All Good Dogs Should Know: The Sensible Way To Train. 2d ed. Howell Book House: Wiley. 2008. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-470-14679-8. pap. $12.99.
The focus of this slim classic is on training a well-mannered, easy-to-live-with canine companion. Simple cartoons effectively and amusingly illustrate the points in this well-organized, well-indexed text.
*Whitehead, Sarah. City Dog: The Essential Guide for City Dwellers and Their Dogs. T.F.H. 2008. 142p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7938-0661-4. pap. $18.95.
Whitehead, a member of the APDT and the Association of Pet Behavior Counsellors, addresses issues facing urban dogs and their owners. Besides the basics like teaching dogs to sit, the text also covers breed selection, puppy socialization, crate training, motivation, and managing common behavior problems (barking, jumping up). Veterinary referral is wisely recommended for more serious problems.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUPPIES
Starting puppies off right has a major, beneficial effect on future behavior. The titles below stress the importance of socialization during the critical three to 16 weeks of life and explain how to meet a puppy's needs to prevent behavior problems.
Owens, Paul & others. The Puppy Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Guide to Early Training and Care. Adams Media. 2007. 292p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-59337-597-3. pap. $14.95.
Similar in format to The Dog Whisperer (above), this offers sound advice for selecting, socializing, and training puppies. Black-and-white photos illustrate the concepts.
Rutherford, Clarice & David H. Neil. How To Raise a Puppy You Can Live With. 4th ed. Alpine. 2005. 160p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-57779-076-1. pap. $11.95.
Each edition improves on the previous one, with practical advice on puppy selection, development, training, and problem-solving. Available separately, an instructive DVD ($26.95) demonstrates the management of puppies in home settings. (LJ 7/92)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHILDREN AND DOGS
Families with dogs and children may experience conflict; parents can maximize the benefits of owning a family pet by managing the added chaos and risks.
*Pelar, Colleen. Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind: A Parent's Guide to Controlling the Chaos. rev. ed. C & R Pub. 2007. 164p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-933562-66-7. pap. $16.95.
A certified dog trainer stresses building positive relationships between dogs and children and avoiding interactions that can lead to dog bites. Excellent advice. (LJ 9/15/05)
*Scott-Fox, Penny & Ingrid Kallick (illus.). And Baby Makes Four: A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide to a Baby-Friendly Dog. T.F.H. 2007. 96p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7938-0567-9. $9.95.
Written by a CCPDT-certified dog trainer, this very user-friendly guide makes it easy to desensitize dogs to the sounds and objects that will be associated with a new baby. The process helps parents consider in advance the effect that their new lifestyle will have on their pets.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dogs are indeed our best friends. In 2006, there were over 72.1 million dogs in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association's U.S Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook (2007). A majority of owners report that their dog is a “member of the family” and that acceptable canine behavior and optimal care are high priorities for them.
The human-animal bond, the close connection between people and their pets, is forged by positive interactions, but unacceptable canine behaviors that result from poor training, such as jumping up or biting, can negatively impact this bond and lead to human injury, legal problems, and an overwhelmed owner possibly giving up a dog to a shelter. Many pet owners, especially those who can't afford the expense of a private trainer, often turn to libraries to find guidebooks, DVDs, and other resources produced by knowledgeable specialists that offer useful training solutions to behavior problems. But owners facing serious problems should first consult with their vet before beginning a behavior management program.
Training trends
In recent years, the field of dog training has shifted from an emphasis on “alpha” domination and punishment to a focus on positive leadership and reward-based instruction supported by the latest scientific knowledge. These methods promote the human-animal bond and are more effective, more fun for both owner and animal, and safer than training styles that use intimidation techniques to manage behavior.
Excellent titles on positive dog training include Jean Donaldson's The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs, 2d ed., Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash, and Pat Miller's The Power of Positive Dog Training , 2d ed. While these books will appeal to sophisticated readers, without well-marked headings and extensive illustrations, they are not practical for the average dog owner.
Celebrity doesn't mean better
Although library patrons demand the latest titles by the hot trainer of the moment, collection development librarians should purchase selectively. Cesar Milan, star of the National Geographic television series The Dog Whisperer and author of Cesar's Way, has negatively impacted the field of dog training and confused the public. Milan overemphasizes pack behavior and dominance, disregards the role of anxiety, fails to consider medical or neurological causes for behavior problems, and demonstrates risky management techniques.
In contrast, British trainer Victoria Stilwell (It's Me or the Dog: How To Have the Perfect Pet) uses a positive-based approach, stressing the importance of understanding canine communication signals and providing clear instructions for teaching basic commands.
Building your canine collection
Start by perusing the catalogs of the major publishers in the field: John Wiley's Howell Book House, Bowtie Press and its Doral Publishing division, and T.F.H. Publications. Small presses like James & Kenneth (www.jamesandkenneth.com), which publishes dog training expert Ian Dunbar, are good sources of training guides, audiobooks, and DVDS, while niche publishers like Alpine Publications (www.alpinepub.com) cover specific breeds or aspects of dog training.
Also check the web sites of respected professional trainers and behavior consultants like Patricia McConnell (www.patriciamcconnell.com) and Suzanne Hetts and Daniel Estep (www.islanddogpress.com), which offer their own training materials for sale, as well as canine e-commerce sites like Dogwise (www.dogwise.com), which publishes its own titles and sells the materials of other publishers. Bark and Dog Fancy magazines are excellent sources of reviews.
When evaluating your existing collection or buying new titles, look at the author's qualifications and approach to training. Writers with credentials from reputable certifying organizations such as Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), Animal Behavior Society (ABS), Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB), and Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT) should be favored. And membership in the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) speaks to a trainer's positive approach.
In the dog house
As for weeding titles, some older “classics,” although still requested, are now outdated. Although largely positive-based, Barbara Woodhouse's training techniques (as outlined in No Bad Dogs: The Woodhouse Way, 1982), including the forced sit & down, “quick smacks,” and leash jerks, are not consistent with the modern approach. Similarly outdated is the Monks of New Skete's How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend (1978), which advises owners to knee dogs in the chest when they jump up in greeting and use “alpha wolf roll-over” and “shakedown” procedures for “major transgressions,” although the Monks' Divine Canine (2007) omits these techniques. Replace with more up-to-date “dog friendly” guides written by individuals with training in canine communication, learning theory, and motivation.
A training focus
While resources on dog health and care are included here, the emphasis is on the selection of appropriate training titles because training is often the primary reason that dog owners seek help. In addition, the market is inundated with numerous guidebooks of variable quality, and many of the best materials come from specialty publishers unfamiliar to many readers.
Also excluded from this article's scope are books that celebrate the human-dog interaction (e.g., McConnell's For the Love of a Dog): they are not quick references for training questions. The sheer volume of breed-specific books, sport-specific books (such as agility, search-and-rescue, or fly-ball), trick-training books, and general dog books also prevent us from including these materials. The breed information on the American Kennel Club web site (www.akc.org) is basically the same as the AKC's Complete Dog Book (20th ed., 2006), but a good print dog care resource with brief breed profiles is Kristin Mehus-Roe's The Original Dog Bible (LJ 04/15/05).
Dog ownership cuts across the entire literacy spectrum; we have tried to include titles that appeal to a fairly wide educational level as well as books focused around high-quality instructional photographs with short, clear captions. The easiest to use materials are well organized with multiple access points, including chapter headings, topic boxes, and indexes. Starred
[*] titles are essential for most collections.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOG TRAINING
The selected guides, authored by trainers known in the dog-training community for their expertise, reflect the positive approach: teaching desired behaviors, eschewing punishment and confrontational techniques, and promoting the dog-owner bond.
*Arden, Andrea. Dog-Friendly Dog Training. 2d ed. Howell Book House: Wiley. 2007. 232p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-470-11514-5. $18.99.
This straightforward, color-illustrated book by a charter member of the APDT focuses on a dog-friendly, positive approach. The essential title for libraries with tight budgets.
*Arrowsmith, Claire. The Sit Down Come Heel Stay and Stand Book: A Step-by-Step Dog Training Achievement Program. T.F.H. 2008. 28p. illus. ISBN 978-0-7938-0660-7. spiralbound. $17.95.
Designed for family use, this graphically pleasing, durable guidebook (with a hidden spiral binding) reduces positive training to a few simple, fun steps; illustrated with effective photos and engaging concepts.
*Hodgson, Sarah. Teach Yourself Visually™ Dog Training. Howell Book House: Wiley. 2006. 242p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-471-74989-9. pap. $19.99.
For visual learners, easy-to-follow text combines with the numerous photos illustrating the exercises. Demonstrations of how to train dogs to be mannerly in the face of such distractions as children running are especially useful.
McConnell, Patricia & Aimee Moore. Family Friendly Dog Training: A Six-Week Program for You and Your Dog. Dog's Best Friend Pub. 2007. 107p. ISBN 978-1-891767-11-1. pap. $14.95.
Respected Bark magazine columnist and certified applied animal behaviorist McConnell and her associate present training concepts in a frank, positive program that is fun for owners and dogs.
Miller, Pat. Positive Perspectives 2: Know Your Dog, Train Your Dog. Dogwise. 2008. 283p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-929242-50-4. pap. $21.95.
Whole Dog Journal columnist Miller emphasizes properly interpreting the body language of dogs in order to respond effectively and offers solutions to common behavior problems, such as digging, mounting, barking, and house training.
Owens, Paul & Norma Eckorate. The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training. 2d ed. Adams Media. 2007. 290p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-59337-598-0. pap. $14.95.
Owens coined the term “Dog Whisperer” long before Cesar Milan but is worlds apart from Milan's training philosophy. Espousing training with kindness, compassion, and respect, his guide gives valuable advice, from canine communication to trick training. However, the dense format and sparse photos will limit its appeal to some readers. (LJ 10/1/99)
Volhard, Jack & Melissa Bartlett. What All Good Dogs Should Know: The Sensible Way To Train. 2d ed. Howell Book House: Wiley. 2008. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-470-14679-8. pap. $12.99.
The focus of this slim classic is on training a well-mannered, easy-to-live-with canine companion. Simple cartoons effectively and amusingly illustrate the points in this well-organized, well-indexed text.
*Whitehead, Sarah. City Dog: The Essential Guide for City Dwellers and Their Dogs. T.F.H. 2008. 142p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7938-0661-4. pap. $18.95.
Whitehead, a member of the APDT and the Association of Pet Behavior Counsellors, addresses issues facing urban dogs and their owners. Besides the basics like teaching dogs to sit, the text also covers breed selection, puppy socialization, crate training, motivation, and managing common behavior problems (barking, jumping up). Veterinary referral is wisely recommended for more serious problems.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUPPIES
Starting puppies off right has a major, beneficial effect on future behavior. The titles below stress the importance of socialization during the critical three to 16 weeks of life and explain how to meet a puppy's needs to prevent behavior problems.
Owens, Paul & others. The Puppy Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Guide to Early Training and Care. Adams Media. 2007. 292p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-59337-597-3. pap. $14.95.
Similar in format to The Dog Whisperer (above), this offers sound advice for selecting, socializing, and training puppies. Black-and-white photos illustrate the concepts.
Rutherford, Clarice & David H. Neil. How To Raise a Puppy You Can Live With. 4th ed. Alpine. 2005. 160p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-57779-076-1. pap. $11.95.
Each edition improves on the previous one, with practical advice on puppy selection, development, training, and problem-solving. Available separately, an instructive DVD ($26.95) demonstrates the management of puppies in home settings. (LJ 7/92)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHILDREN AND DOGS
Families with dogs and children may experience conflict; parents can maximize the benefits of owning a family pet by managing the added chaos and risks.
*Pelar, Colleen. Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind: A Parent's Guide to Controlling the Chaos. rev. ed. C & R Pub. 2007. 164p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-933562-66-7. pap. $16.95.
A certified dog trainer stresses building positive relationships between dogs and children and avoiding interactions that can lead to dog bites. Excellent advice. (LJ 9/15/05)
*Scott-Fox, Penny & Ingrid Kallick (illus.). And Baby Makes Four: A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide to a Baby-Friendly Dog. T.F.H. 2007. 96p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7938-0567-9. $9.95.
Written by a CCPDT-certified dog trainer, this very user-friendly guide makes it easy to desensitize dogs to the sounds and objects that will be associated with a new baby. The process helps parents consider in advance the effect that their new lifestyle will have on their pets.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
