I’m always amazed at the number of books available to people who have taken an interest in training (perhaps because there’s a new puppy in the house?) or who’d like to learn a little more about the phrases that they keep hearing in training classes : ‘marker signal’, ‘variable schedule of reinforcement’, or even the dramatic ‘extinction burst!’ – known to dogs and 5-yr olds alike.
But how to choose? Especially when there are still a few not-so-great books on library shelves that are from the age before positive training? Here are a few of my favourites:
1. Jean Donaldson, The Culture Clash. I’ve loved this book for many years, and recommend it highly – especially for people who really only want to get ONE book about dog training. Why do the different techniques work the way they do, and how have we humans re-interpreted our relationships with dogs over the years? A must-read.
2.Training Dogs with Ian Dunbar. (okay, this is actually a DVD) Dr. Dunbar has been a fantastic resource to many a family pet and many a trainer over the years. His website, DogStarDaily.com is not to be missed – he and his staff have hundreds of geat positive training tips available, for free, 24 hours a day at his site. This DVD is a handy, one-stop reference that really shows you how to put it all together.
3. Pat Miller, Positive Perspectives 1 and 2 (these are 2 separate volumes) where book 1 is covering the basics and book 2 (Know your Dog, Train your Dog) is a bit more advanced. Pat has been an incredibly well-spoken advocate for positive training for a long time, and her advice is clear and practical. I used much of this book to organize my own thoughts in preparation for teaching.
4. Patricia McConnell, The Other End of the Leash. When we work together with another species, questions are bound to come up. McConnell’s book explores the communication that happens between dogs and humans in depth here – this is not so much a book about dog training per se, but it is going to add a lot to your understanding of Canis lupus familiaris.
5. Susan Garrett, Shaping Success. Yes, I have to include an Agility book here, too. However, the lessons we learn on the way to an agility career are lessons that any pet owner may benefit from. This is not all “dry learning theory” – not in the slightest. Shaping Success is also a fun read about a great dog and a great trainer!
