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AFTER YOU GET YOUR PUPPY - Dr. Ian Dunbar

Now you have your puppy, the clock is ticking and you need to meet three more developmental deadlines before your puppy is five months old. Covers Household Etiquette; Home Alone; Socialization with People; Learning Bite Inhibition; The World at Large; Homework Schedules, and a shopping list of books and videos.

Every puppy should come with a copy of this book!

THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH - Patricia B. McConnell, PhD

When humans communicate with dogs, a lot can get lost in the translation. Focusing on human behavior, Dr. McConnell teaches readers how to retrain themselves to speak consistently in a language dogs understand and avoid sending conflicting and confusing messages.

4Paws University highly recommends this entertaining book to anyone wanting a better understanding of their dog!

THE LANGUAGE OF DOGS DVD - Sarah Kalnajs, CPDT, CDBC

What is your dog saying to you and to other dogs? How can you tell when play turns to aggression? How do dogs show friendliness, fear, or stress? This educational video features a presentation and extensive footage of a variety of breeds showing hundreds of examples of canine behavior and body language. Perfect for dog owners or anyone who handles dogs or encounters them regularly while on the job.

A 4Paws favorite and required viewing for our staff!

HELP FOR YOUR FEARFUL DOG - Nicole Wilde, CPDT

This comprehensive guide to the treatment of canine anxiety, fears, and phobias is filled with information that is invaluable for owners of shy or fearful dogs. Chock full of photographs and illustrations and written in a down-to-earth, humorous style.

CULTURE CLASH - Jean Donaldson

Understand the role of conditioning on a dog's intelligence & morality; predatory & social behavior; socialization, conflict resolution, fear & aggression; behavior problems & solutions. While not a "beginner's" book, this is a staple in the 4Paws University library and is a must-read for any dog owner seeking to improve their knowledge of dog training and behavior.

THE ONLY DOG TRICKS BOOK YOU'LL EVER NEED - Gerilyn Bielakiewicz

We agree!  Another great and affordable book from Ms. Bielakiewicz.  This little book is packed with great tips and techniques from basic obedience through advanced tricks.  Gives step-by-step instructions on how to condition a dog to the clicker, a fun and effective tool for teaching refined behaviors necessary for the best tricks.

THE LANGUAGE OF DOGS DVD  

What is your dog saying to you and to other dogs? How can you tell when play turns to aggression? How do dogs show friendliness, fear, or stress? This educational video features a presentation and extensive footage of a variety of breeds showing hundreds of examples of canine behavior and body language. Behaviorist Sarah Kalnajs teaches you how to read these signals so that you can develop a better understanding of what's really going on in the canine world. Perfect for dog owners or anyone who handles dogs or encounters them regularly while on the job.

A 4Paws favorite and required viewing for our staff!

CANINE BODY LANGUAGE, A PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE  

Never before has canine body language been so thoroughly documented with photographs and text! Hundreds of images in this almost 400 page book illustrate the incredible variety of postures, behaviors and situations that the typical dog either manifests or encounters in his day-to-day life. There isn't a dog trainer or behaviorist who won't learn something new in this incredible volume. And there isn't a dog owner who won't welcome the new insights they will gain into the behavior of the family dog.

ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS: CALMING SIGNALS (2nd Ed) Turid Rugaas

From Terry Ryan's introduction: Dogs have a language for communication with each other, consisting of a large variety of signals using body, face, ears, tail, sounds, movement and expression. If we study the signals dogs use with each other and use them ourselves, we increase our ability to communicate with our dogs. Most noteworthy are the calming signals, which are used to maintain a healthy social hierarchy and resolve conflict within the pack. If we can carry these skills over to our own interactions with dogs, we can greatly improve our relationships with dogs. A practical, down-to-earth, logical understanding and use of the body language of dogs.

THE BODY LANGUAGE AND EMOTION OF DOGS - Myrna M. Milani, DVM

Why do dogs and their owners, both social animals, often have problems? As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Milani found that many owners fail to understand the meaning of dogs' behavioral displays. By mistaking territoriality for spite, dominant behavior for love, and making other false interpretations, owners often respond inappropriately. Many owners also fail to grasp how their own emotions and body language affect their relationships with their pets. Here, based on fascinating case histories from her own practice, Dr. Milani offers a guide that goes beyond solving dog behavioral problems.

CULTURE CLASH - Jean Donaldson

Understand the role of conditioning on a dog's intelligence & morality; predatory & social behavior; socialization, conflict resolution, fear & aggression; behavior problems & solutions. While not a "beginner's" book, this is a staple in the 4Paws University library and is a must-read for any dog owner seeking to improve their knowledge of dog training and behavior.

PARENTING YOUR DOG - Trish King

Analyzes each stage of a dog's physical, mental, and emotional development in great detail; includes sections on puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging, plus problem behavior. Offers numerous tips and guidelines detailing how dogs can adjust to and become part of the family dynamic. Formatted for quick reference.

Practical advice and information.  Trish is one of our favorites!

VISITING THE DOG PARK: Having Fun, Staying Safe - Cheryl Smith

For most dogs, a visit to a dog park is a great experience filled with chances to interact with other dogs and get some exercise. But not all dogs (not to mention their owners) have a great experience every time. So what can you do increase the chance that going to the dog park will be safe and fun for your dog? This handy new book gives you detailed information so you can decide if your dog is ready for a dog park out, whether the design of the park makes for safe play, and teaches you simple things you can do to prepare for a great dog park experience.

STRESS IN DOGS - Martina Scholz & Clarissa von Reinhardt

Is stress causing your dog's behavior problems? Research shows that as with humans, many behavioral problems in dogs are stress-related. Learn how to recognize when your dog is stressed, what factors cause stress in dogs, and strategies you can utilize in training and in your daily life with your dog to reduce stress.

POWER OF POSITIVE DOG TRAINING - Pat Miller

Demonstrates how you can train your dog, have fun, and build a lasting relationship at the same time. Walk away from punishment-based training methods and learn how you can reward your dog to obtain and reinforce the behaviors you could only dream about achieving. 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. You and your dog can become an unbeatable team, capable of addressing any challenge you may encounter.

HOW DOGS LEARN

Explains the science of operant conditioning, the psychological principle upon which almost all animal training is based. Operant conditioning is the place where science and dog training meet, and the authors bring you there in terms anyone can easily grasp. Every scientific concept is explained clearly and precisely, and its relevance to your dog is laid out.

OUTWITTING DOGS - Terry Ryan

From world-renowned dog trainer Terry Ryan, with Kirsten Mortensen. Uses more brain than brawn to motivate dog behavior with positive training techniques and helps readers understand the minds of their canine friends. Focusing on problem solving and prevention with puppies as well as adult dogs, you'll find techniques to cure: the chronic chewer, the leash puller, the dog who jumps on people, the dog who hates to be left alone, the dog who won't come, the dog who barks too much, the biter, the aggressor, and more. You'll even learn how to outwit the neighbor's dog, socialize your puppy, teach your own dog tricks, outwit dogs and kids at the same time, and much more.

HOW TO SPEAK DOG - Stanley Coren

Draws on research in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and years of personal experience, Coren demonstrates that the average dog can differentiate between 60 and 140 words, though some research suggests that dogs can hear many more and also pick words out of sentences and respond to them. Examines people's beliefs about the ability of their dogs to communicate and contrasts those with the scientific reality. Explores the limits of dogs' language abilities and charts the possibilities. Tip on how humans can mimic the language dogs use to talk with each other, also shows that a great deal of communication between dogs and humans is possible, beyond simply giving and obeying commands.

MY DOG PULLS - WHAT DO I DO? Turid Rugaas

Easy-to-follow instructions that teach you a kind and effective method for encouraging dogs to walk without pulling. Quick and easy to learn, the method can be applied to any dog no matter what size, breed or age. Dogs that are easily distracted, or that encounter situations where they may lunge, bark, or give aggressive displays can be helped to walk calmly and quietly on a loose leash. City, town or country walking can all become more relaxed, reducing stress for dog and owner. Simple steps with informative full color photographs which aid understanding, includes tips on equipment to use, reasons for pulling and trouble shooting, along with case studies.

FOR THE LOVE OF A DOG - Patricia B. McConnell, Phd

This book explores the emotions of dogs and people by analyzing and comparing canine and human brain anatomy and function.  McConnell then discusses how dog owners can learn "the language" of dog by recognizing important signals and reading them correctly.

Much more science than her first book, we recommend starting with The Other End of the Leash before reading this book.

BONES WOULD RAIN FROM THE SKY - Suzanne Clothier

The dogs you'll meet and the lessons they teach may make you want to start over with your dogs and develop a better relationship. At the very least you will come away from this special book with a different attitude towards your canine companions and a new understanding of training and relationships.

FEISTY FIDO - Patricia B. McConnell, PhD

If you have a dog who is barking and lunging at other dogs while on leash, you are not alone. It's a very common behavior problem, even if the same dog gets along well with others OFF leash. It is also a problem with a high rate of successful treatment. What you can get from this booklet is the ability to leash-walk your dog around others, whether it's down the sidewalk or at the vet clinic, knowing that your dog will walk politely by another dog, rather than causing a scene. Methods are totally positive reinforcement.

HELP FOR YOUR FEARFUL DOG - Nicole Wilde, CPDT

This comprehensive guide to the treatment of canine anxiety, fears, and phobias is filled with information that is invaluable for trainers. Topics include causes and prevention, establishing a Firm Foundation program, body language, four essential skills to teach fearful dogs, desensitization and counterconditioning basics, behavior modification protocols to address 15 specific fears including those of people, other dogs, sounds, touch, nail-clipping, and being left alone, and quick tips and tricks. Chapters on nine complementary therapies (including pharmacological intervention), products, and their specific applications to fear issues. Chock full of photographs and illustrations and written in a down-to-earth, humorous style.

CLICK TO CALM: HEALING THE AGGRESSIVE DOG - Emma Parsons

When Emma Parsons, canine trainer and behavior consultant, discovered that Ben, her own prized golden retriever, was aggressive toward other dogs and that traditional remedies took his reactivity to nightmarish levels, she turned to clicker training. In the process, Emma developed innovative and highly effective strategies to calm, alter, and re-shape Ben's aggressive displays. Her work has since helped many clients successfully reduce and even erase their dogs' reactivity to both dogs and humans.

CAUTIOUS CANINE - Patricia B. McConnell, PhD

How to help dogs conquer their fears with desensitization and counter conditioning. Step by step instructions to help you dog get over his fear of unfamiliar people. ***If you want to use the program for something besides a dog who's afraid of strangers, just substitute the relevant species and problem and go from there. It can be used to get over fear of the vet, a ceiling fan, whatever - as long as the behavior problem is motivated by fear.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN DOGS - William E. Campbell

All veterinarians and most dog owners should have this one! Solving a behavior problem often begins with understanding why the problem came about in the first place. Bill Campbell explains what is probably going on in your friend's head, then goes on to explain how your interactions with your pet may cause or worsen the problem. Presents humane, efficient, and most importantly, effective ways of dealing with these negative behaviors. Third edition of a classic, extensively revised and updated with the latest concepts and techniques!

THE DOG WHO LOVED TOO MUCH - Nicholas Dodman

Here is first consumer-oriented discussion of the use and application of medication in the management and treatment of behavioral problems in dogs. Dogs experience the whole range of psychological problems that humans do; depression, anxiety, fear, aggression, and grief. A Professor of Behavioral Pharmacology at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, author Dodman's approach includes an in-depth understanding of behavior, making key changes in diet, exercise, environment, and at times, prescribing state-of-the-art medication. Case histories enhance the understanding of Dodman's theories.

FIGHT! - Jean Donaldson

From the award-winning author of Culture Clash and MINE! A practical guide to the treatment of dog-dog aggression. This down-to-earth manual will teach you how to use behavior modification to retrain a dog that bullies other dogs, or becomes fearful when approached by other dogs. Includes descriptions of common types of aggression, assessing prognosis, remedial socialization, on-leash manners training, proximity sensitivity, play style and skills, resource guarding, and prevention.

MINE! - Jean Donaldson

A practical how-to guide on resource guarding/aggression - food bowl, object, bed, crate, owner, etc. - in dogs. Contents include: aggression basics, nature of resource guarding, kinds of resource guarding, Behaviorist vs. medical models, recognizing guarding, prognosis, safety tools, treatment overview, management, desensitization and counterconditioning, resource sample hierarchies, generalization, troubleshooting, body handling desensitization, operant conditioning.

FATAL DOG ATTACKS - Karen Delise

The study covers over 431 fatal dog attacks in the United States from 1965-2001 and is available in greater detail in the book "Fatal Dog Attacks: The Stories Behind the Statistics", by Karen Delise.

Issues discussed and researched include Chaining and aggression, Dogs acquired to behave aggressively, Irresponsible ownership/breeding, Dogs and newborns, Newly acquired dogs, Mulitple dog attacks and pack mentality, Breeds of dog, The Pit Bull "problem", Keeping statistics in perspective, Case history list of 431 fatal dog attacks.

SOUNDS GOOD CD - FIREWORKS - Terry Ryan

The intent of this CD is to provide a convenient tool to help desensitize your dog to noises that may bother him. There are several different tracks with slightly different versions of the featured sound, so your dog won't learn "it's just the CD." Instructions, which are on a separate track so they can be skipped, include how to work with the dog, information on choosing a good instructor or behaviorist, and warning of things that could go wrong.

SOUNDS GOOD CD - THUNDERSTORMS - Terry Ryan

The intent of this CD is to provide a convenient tool to help desensitize your dog to noises that may bother him. There are several different tracks with slightly different versions of the featured sound, so your dog won't learn "it's just the CD." Instructions, which are on a separate track so they can be skipped, include how to work with the dog, information on choosing a good instructor or behaviorist, and warning of things that could go wrong.

ALLERGIC TO PETS? THE BREAKTHROUGH GUIDE TO LIVING WITH THE ANIMALS YOU LOVE.

Addresses the problem that plagues allergic animal lovers everywhere: how to live with a pet you love when you (or a family member) are allergic to it. Sensitivity to animals is one of the most frequently diagnosed allergies, yet until now, allergic animal lovers have been faced with only two choices: give up their beloved pets or live with the suffering. This is the first book to provide effective advice for cohabiting with cats, dogs, small furry pets, birds, and even horses. Learn what causes an allergic reaction and how to ward off the worst of it; how to care for your hairy, furry, and feathered pets and their environments to minimize allergens; how to allergen-proof your home, room-by-room; when to get professional assistance: medicines for the sufferrer as well as nontoxic allergen-reducing products formulated specifically for animals. An indispensable resource for animal-loving allergy sufferers everywhere, packed with much-needed advice, explanations, and helpful tips. Extensive resource guide!

BEFORE YOU GET YOUR PUPPY - Dr. Ian Dunbar

Lists common, predictable puppy problems, provides a timetable for their development, and suggests a variety of dog-friendly preventative measures and solutions. It emphasizes the importance of early socialization, confinement, prevention, reward training, and lure/reward training techniques. Discusses the 6 doggy developmental deadlines that you must meet with your puppy in order to have a well-adjusted family member, with emphasis on the first three deadlines. House training and biting/mouthing are two of the most important things covered. Also available as a free pdf download from Sirius Dog

DOGSMART - Myrna Milani, DVM

Explore your orientation toward dogs. Then apply what you've learned about yourself, your dream dog, your environment and your leadership style to training, exercise, nutrition, health care, and lifestyle programs that best suit you and your new friend!

Everyone we know who read this book before they got a dog has been very happy with the dog they chose!

SUCCESSFUL DOG ADOPTION - Sue Sternberg

Gentle, expert guidance on how to find and adopt an exceptional canine companion. Helps potential adopters examine their reasons for adopting a dog and translates those reasons into what to look for in a particular animal. Explains the difference between canine behavior and temperament, the impact of temperament on the canine-human bond, and its importance in successful adoptions. Shows how the reader can work with shelter personnel to ensure that they have temperament-tested the potential adoptee appropriately. Learn about basic behavioral assessment and get up to speed in basic training, with special attention given to distinctions between temperament types.

AFTER YOU GET YOUR PUPPY - Dr. Ian Dunbar

Now you have your puppy, the clock is ticking and you need to meet three more developmental deadlines before your puppy is five months old. Covers Household Etiquette; Home Alone; Socialization with People; Learning Bite Inhibition; The World at Large; Homework Schedules, and a shopping list of books and videos.

BUSTER'S DIARIES - Buster Hattersley

Buster, a crossbred Straffordshire bullterrier, tells his story in such a convincing voice that readers will soon forget that other name on the title page. He relates the trials and tribulations of a dog's life in London in the mid-1990s with grace and humor, offering insight into The Man he owns, as well as She whom The Man must obey. Although not intended to be a serious treatment of animal psychology, Buster's Diaries may serve as a spot-on treatment of human psychology, at least from a canine perspective.

DOG IS MY CO-PILOT - The Editors of The Bark

The editors of The Bark have collected favorites and new discoveries in their first anthology, Dog Is My Co-Pilot. The same genius found in The Bark magazine is in great supply in this must-have collection. Readers will delight in the 42 essays, short stories and expert commentaries that explore every aspect of "the world's oldest friendship".

WHAT WENDELL WANTS - Jenny Lee

Do your dog's haircuts cost more than your own? Do you often worry about your dog's reputation? Do all holidays revolve around your dog? If you answered yes to all or any of the above, your affection for your pet may have crossed over into all-out obesssion. The bad news is there's no cure. The good news is you're not alone. In this hilarious and eye-opening book, the author shares sidesplitting stories of her life with her dog (and, oh yeah, her husband too!), and how she turned her love for her pet into a healthy and mutually rewarding relationship.

A DOG YEAR - Jon Katz

When the author's two yellow Labs were 6 and 7 years old, a breeder who had read one of his books contacted him to say that she had a dog that was meant for him - a two-year-old Border Collie named Devon, well bred but high strung and homeless. Instinct over-ruled reason, and he brought Devon home. This is the story of how Jon and Devon and the two Labs came to terms with each other. It shows how a man discovered a lot about himself through one dog whose temperament seemed as different from his own as night is from day. Jon is forced to deal with all the issues that may come with a re-homed dog who is at best high strung. A Border Collie book that fully explores the temperament of the breed and the issues involved in rescue.