Let the Dog Decide


Book Description

This is a groundbreaking, completely reliable and gentle training method that both you and your dog will enjoy. Dale Stavroff's revolutionary approach to dog training shows you how to work with your dog's natural attributes—its independent will, insatiable curiosity, and strong instinctual drives—not against them. This unique, easy-to-follow system of informal handling and three fun five-minute training sessions a day makes the dog an active, eager participant in training. Step-by-step, Let the Dog Decide explains how to: Profoundly transform your relationship with your dog by building benevolent eye contact Limit dependence on the leash and abandon choke chains and pinch collars Interrupt unwanted behaviors with a breakthrough technique that strengthens the dog-human bond Make the best use of clicker conditioning Achieve absolute reliability in your dog's behavior by training on a small bench Empower your dog's natural decision-making ability and produce cooperative obedience that is self-directed and both leash- and handler-independent Full of gentle, effective techniques for building your dog's confidence and trust in you and solving common behavioral problems, Let the Dog Decide will teach you how to engage your dog's will in harmony with your own and make you both winners.




Zak George's Dog Training Revolution


Book Description

A revolutionary way to raise and train your dog, with “a wealth of practical tips, tricks, and fun games that will enrich the lives of many dogs and their human companions” (Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and animal behaviorist). Zak George is a new type of dog trainer. A dynamic YouTube star and Animal Planet personality with a fresh approach, Zak helps you tailor dog training to your pet’s unique traits and energy level—leading to quicker results and a much happier pup. For the first time, Zak has distilled the information from his hundreds of videos and experience with thousands of dogs into this comprehensive dog and puppy training guide that includes: • Choosing the right pup for you • Housetraining and basic training • Handling biting, leash pulling, jumping up, barking, aggression, chewing, and other behavioral issues • Health care essentials like finding a vet and selecting the right food • Cool tricks, traveling tips, and activities to enjoy with your dog • Topics with corresponding videos on Zak’s YouTube channel so you can see his advice in action Packed with everything you need to know to raise and care for your dog, this book will help you communicate and bond with one another in a way that makes training easier, more rewarding, and—most of all—fun!




The Other End of the Leash


Book Description

Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships.




Let Dogs Be Dogs


Book Description

America's foremost authorities on dog care and training distill decades of experience in a comprehensive "foundational" guide for dog owners. No matter what training method or techniques you use with your dog, the training is unlikely to be optimally successful unless it is predicated on an understanding of the dog's true nature. Dogs need food, water, exercise and play, rest, veterinary care -- the basics. But since dogs naturally want to be led, they also need focused and compassionate guidance. Through abundant stories and case studies, the authors reveal how canine nature manifests itself in various behaviors, some potentially disruptive to domestic accord, and show how in addressing these behaviors you can strengthen the bond with your dog as well as keep the peace. The promise of this book is that, especially in an ever-accelerating world filled with digital distractions, you can learn from your dog's example how to live in the moment, thereby enriching your life immeasurably.




Canine Confidential


Book Description

Get to know your best friend better: “Everyone who owns a dog, breeds or trains dogs, or works with dogs should read this informative book.” —Library Journal Just think about the different behaviors you see at a dog park. We have a good understanding of what it means when dogs wag their tails—but what about when they sniff and roll on a stinky spot? Why do they play tug-of-war with one dog, while showing their bellies to another? Why are some dogs shy, while others are bold? What goes on in dogs’ heads and hearts—and how much can we know and understand? Written by award-winning scientist—and lifelong dog lover—Marc Bekoff, Canine Confidential not only brilliantly opens up the world of dog behavior, but also helps us understand how we can make our dogs’ lives better. Rooted in the most up-to-date science on cognition and emotion—fields that have exploded in recent years—Canine Confidential is a wonderfully accessible treasure trove of new information and myth-busting. Peeing, we learn, isn’t always marking; grass-eating isn’t always an attempt to trigger vomiting; it’s okay to hug a dog—on their terms; and so much more. There’s still much we don’t know, but at the core of the book is the certainty that dogs do have deep emotional lives, and that as their companions and trainers we must recognize them as the unique, complex individuals they are—so we can keep them as happy and healthy as possible. “Bekoff shares his own studies and others’ research, along with real-life stories, in a winning tone.” —Booklist




Essential Skills for a Brilliant Family Dog, Books 1-4


Book Description

Is your dog driving you up the wall? Discover simple but effective games you both enjoy, and get just what you want in your family pet. 🐕 Is your dog stealing and destroying anything that’s not nailed down? 🐕 Pulling your arm out of its socket on walks? 🐕 Racing off into the blue yonder, deaf to your calls? As a professional positive dog trainer Beverley Courtney knows just what you’re up against! She’s taught thousands of new owners how to work with their puppies and dogs - entirely without force. You got your pet to be your companion - and yet all you seem to do is yell at her! Let’s change this right away: instead of focussing on what you don’t want your dog to do, focus on what you do want. Instead of having unnecessary battles over trivia, build up terrific games your dog longs to play with you. Soon your unruly dog will be saying, “Yes? What would you like me to do for you?” And so begins a wonderful partnership. Beverley takes you by the hand and leads you through the games and lessons, step-by-step. There’s no strange jargon, no “Thou shalt not’s”, and every time you get stuck, another solution pops up. Her years of experience in face-to-face classes as well as her popular online programs shine through. 👉 Book 1 shows you how to find your dog’s off-switch! You’ll wonder how you managed before you learnt this skill. 👉 Book 2 has you teaching your dog impulse control, so that by being trustworthy around food and doorways he gets greater freedom. 👉 Book 3 brings you the Holy Grail of dog ownership - walking nicely on the lead. In just a couple of games a day, you’ll get the calm walks you yearn for. 👉 Book 4 teaches your dog the life-saving and sanity-preserving skill of coming back instantly on one call. He’ll have such fun he’ll be halfway back to you before he knows it. Buy this engaging, readable, jargon-free, complete series right now, and turn your dog into your Brilliant Family Dog!




The Koehler Method of Dog Training


Book Description

For generations, The Koehler Method of Dog Training has been a beacon of wisdom for dog owners seeking effective techniques to build a strong bond with their furry companions. William Koehler’s approach, rooted in respect for dogs’ intelligence, remains as relevant today as it was when the book first graced the shelves. Koehler believed that dogs could make choices and be held accountable for their behavior. His method follows the pattern of Action → Memory → Desire: dogs act, remember the outcomes, and form desires based on those experiences. Correcting behavior becomes fair, reasonable, and expected once the training has been successfully imparted. In this classic guide, you’ll find practical guidance for creating a well-behaved and happy canine companion. From basic obedience to advanced skills, The Koehler Method covers it all. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-time puppy parent, discover the joy of training your dog using a method that respects their intelligence and fosters a lifelong partnership.




Puppy Socialization


Book Description

Puppy Socialization: What It Is and How to Do It defines and demystifies the most important thing you can do for your puppy: socialization. The authors don't just tell you what you need to know about socialization. They show you with dozens of photographs and exclusive linked videos (a live internet connection is needed to view the videos). You'll see other owners socialize their puppies under the guidance of a nationally certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. These real-life examples of socialization show you what to do when things go well and when they don't go so well. You’ll learn about: • The magical time. Did you know that there is a special time in a puppy's life when he is primed to accept new things? The authors tell you when that time is, when that socialization window starts closing, and how a little effort by an owner during that time can save heartache later. • Canine body language. Puppies and dogs are talking all the time—with their body language. Learn to tell when a puppy or dog is relaxed and happy, a bit nervous about something, or outright fearful. • Myth-busting. There's a lot of advice out there about socialization and not all of it is good. Some common myths can actually cause a puppy harm. The authors give you the most up-to-date information on puppy socialization and put some harmful myths to rest. • Socializing a puppy during COVID-19. Puppies have so much to get used to: people, environments, noises, and more. The authors provide strategies for keeping humans and puppies safe while socializing puppies, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. • What supplies are needed during socialization. The authors provide checklists of things owners need when socializing a puppy at home and away from home.




Saying Goodbye to Your Dear Dog


Book Description

Deciding when to euthanize your Dear Dog is one of the most difficult decisions you will make. You want to make the most loving choice for your Dear Dog, but you have questions: Will I euthanize my dog too soon - or too late? How do I know if my dog is suffering? Do dogs really give a sign they're ready to go? This warmly illustrated guidebook includes: Stories from other Dog Parents to inspire and comfort you Ten questions to help you notice changes in your dog's wellbeing Guide sheets to find out if your dog is happy and healthy - or sad and suffering Questions to ask your vet about your dog's prognosis and treatment options A guided meditation to hear your intuition - valuable in this decision Additional resources online, such as videos and printer-friendly PDFs of the guide sheets Are you a new Dog Parent facing this difficult decision for the first time? Are you an experienced Dog Parent caring for your sick or aging dog? Or are you a Dog and Kid Parent wondering how to talk to your children about pet euthanasia? You are not alone. Dorothea Deley and all the Dog Parents who shared their stories are here to hold your hand.




Our Dogs, Ourselves


Book Description

From Alexandra Horowitz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Inside of a Dog, an eye-opening, informative, and wholly entertaining examination and celebration of the human-canine relationship for the curious dog owner and science-lover alike. We keep dogs and are kept by them. We love dogs and (we assume) we are loved by them. We buy them sweaters, toys, shoes; we are concerned with their social lives, their food, and their health. The story of humans and dogs is thousands of years old but is far from understood. In Our Dogs, Ourselves, Alexandra Horowitz explores all aspects of this unique and complex interspecies pairing. As Horowitz considers the current culture of dogdom, she reveals the odd, surprising, and contradictory ways we live with dogs. We celebrate their individuality but breed them for sameness. Despite our deep emotional relationships with dogs, legally they are property to be bought, sold, abandoned, or euthanized as we wish. Even the way we speak to our dogs is at once perplexing and delightful. In thirteen thoughtful and charming chapters, Our Dogs, Ourselves affirms our profound affection for this most charismatic of animals—and opens our eyes to the companions at our sides as never before.