The best way to learn to communicate, and learn more about your dog is through reading!! These books are highly recommended and can be purchased through:
Dogwise.com
Amazon.com
CULTURE CLASH
by Jean Donaldson
Subtitle: A revolutionary new way of understanding the relationship between humans and domestic dogs. The author's work with her own dogs and those of her clients, combined behaviorists has led her to the realization that dogs probably learn exclusively through conditioning of various types. Understand the role of conditioning on a dog's intelligence & morality; predatory & social behavior; socialization, conflict resolution, fear & aggression; behavior problems & solutions.
© 1996, pbk, 221 pages
ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS: CALMING SIGNALS (5 paws)
by 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. Author: Turid Rugaas. Norway.
© 1997, NOR, pbk, 33 pages
HELP FOR YOUR FEARFUL DOG by Nicole Wilde (5 paws!)
From popular author and trainer Nicole Wilde! 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 counter-conditioning 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.
KAREN PRYOR'S CLICKER TRAINING START-UP KIT
by Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor's "Don't Shoot the Dog" revolutionized dog training and turned trainers on to Clicker Training. Now you can learn how to use operant conditioning to shape behavior in all creatures-humans, dogs, cats, other creatures; then get Karen's Start-Up Kit, which is a great (and inexpensive) introduction to clicker training. The kit includes Clicker Training for Dogs booklet which explains how dolphin training and dog training use the same scientific principles, clicker training instructions for basic obedience, 2 clickers and a copy of Don't Shoot The Dog News. Get Clicking!
Published by Sunshine Books, © 1996, bklet, 40 pages.
THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH (5 paws!)
by Patricia McConnell
Book Description (Amazon.com)
The Other End of the Leash shares a revolutionary, new perspective on our relationship with dogs, focusing on our behavior in comparison with that of dogs. An applied animal behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell looks at humans as just another interesting species, and muses about why we behave the way we do around our dogs, how dogs might interpret our behavior, and how to interact with our dogs in ways that bring out the best in our four-legged friends.
After all, although humans and dogs share a remarkable relationship that is unique in the animal world, we are still two entirely different species, each shaped by our individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (like wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation.
The Other End of the Leash demonstrates how even the slightest changes in your voice and the way you stand can help your dog understand what you want. Once you start to think about your own behavior from the perspective of your dog, you’ll understand why much of what appears to be doggy-disobedience is simply a case of miscommunication. Inside you will learn:
How to use your voice so that your dog is more likely to do what you ask.
Why “getting dominance” over your dog is a bad idea.
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 trouble.
How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alphawannabees!”
In her own insightful, compelling style, Patricia McConnell combines wonderful true stories about people and dogs with a new, accessible scientific perspective on how they should behave around each other. This is a book that strives to help you make the most of life with your dog, and to prevent problems that might arise in that most rewarding of relationships.
CANINE BODY LANGUAGE: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog (5 paw rating!)
by Brenda Aloff
Book Description DogWise.com: "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."
A GUIDE TO LIVING WITH AND TRAINING A FEARFUL DOG
by Debbie Jacobs CPDT-KA, CAP
While moving heaven and earth to help Sunny, her extremely fearful dog, Debbie Jacobs became an expert on fearful dogs. A Guide to Living With & Training a Fearful Dog is an excellent book for anyone whose life includes a dog who is afraid. It combines explanations of techniques to use with fearful dogs, information on the many resources available to help them, and a feeling of hope. Because Jacobs lived it, she understands what it’s like to work with a dog who is scared in a way so few people do. Her caring, sharing interest in assisting others who want to help a dog overcome fears comes through in every part of this book, and because she’s such an excellent writer, it’s a pleasure to read.
Karen B. London, Ph.D., CAAB, CPDT-KA