Recommended Reading for the Dog Owner

While taking private or group obedience classes can be extremely helpful, often there isn't time to go into as much detail on dog behavior as the handler would like, so I recommend the following books to my clients.

1. A Dog Who's Always Welcome by Lorie Long: This book contains a wealth of information on socializing the pet dog.

2. How to Speak Dog by Stanley Coren: A fascinating work on the art of communicating with dogs in a way they readily understand.

3. Brain Games for Dogs by Claire Arrowsmith: If you're looking for ways to mentally stimulate your dog, this book is a must-have!

4. Cesar's Rules by Cesar Millan: While I don't recommend many of Cesar's more forceful techniques, there is a lot of good training information in this volume.

5. 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance: I love this book! It presents a wide variety of tricks, breaking them down into easy-to-follow steps.

6. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook by Eldridge, Carlson, Carlson, and Giffin: I wouldn't be without this weighty tome. It is chock-full of great information on recognizing medical issues, when and how to treat them at home, and when veterinary care is a must.

7. It's Me or the Dog by Victoria Stilwell: If you enjoy her series on Animal Planet as much as I do, you'll love this book. It showcases Ms. Stilwell's positive training methods.

8. The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds by Dr. Carolyn Coile, PhD: This volume provides a history of the dog breed and gives the reader realistic expectations on whether each breed would fit into her lifestyle. I love the "At a Glance" sections, which indicate ease of training, level of affection, and other important factors often left out of other books.

9. Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt: Want to have a dog who is reliably obedient both on- and off-leash? Ms. McDevitt outlines a plan to make this happen.

10. Love Has No Age Limit by Patricia McConnell, PhD and Karen London, PhD: Full of advice on how to handle common issues experienced when bringing a new dog into the home, I really think this book should be

included with every dog adoption!

11. Speaking for Spot by Dr. Nancy Kay: This is the book you hope you never have to have, but you really need. Written as a guide to be a better advocate for your dog's health, it covers difficult but important topics.

12. Dog First Aid: This is the American Red Cross guide. I wouldn't be without it. It includes a DVD as well as easy-to-follow instructions on dealing with canine medical emergencies. If you can, take the course in person through your local Red Cross for invaluable hands-on experience.