Book Recommendation's Please - Behavior for First time dog owners

[dogs4life]

I'm making a list of recommended books on behavior for first time dog owners. Our intended audience has either never lived with a dog, were not responsible for the family pet or they have lived with "easy" breeds or mixes. I would like to cover subjects such as body language, communication, canine manners and proper socialization. They can be general canine or for specific breeds or groups, such as herding breeds or toy breeds. I'm not interested in "training" just yet, that will be a different project. I 'm trying to focus on the basics for now.

Here are some categories:

1. Before you buy a puppy

2. Before you adopt a puppy

3. Before you adopt an adult

4. Family environment with babies and young children

5. Multiple dog families

If you have more categories for me just let me know and I'll edit them in as we go.

Thanks!

[GSD]

Easy reads, that give a good foundation are "the other end of the Leash" and "don't shoot the dog" I don't always agree with everything in there, but overall I think they are a great place to start.

as for body language, Brenda Aloff has a good book. The name escapes me right now. Easy to read, and lots of pics and descriptions. But reading canine body language takes years of seeing lots and lots of dogs in lots of situations. The book gives a good foundation, but it takes a lot more than that book if you know what I mean.

[dogs4life]

Originally Posted by GSD

But reading canine body language takes years of seeing lots and lots of dogs in lots of situations. The book gives a good foundation, but it takes a lot more than that book if you know what I mean.

Agree, communication and interpreting body language takes practice and lots of observation.

Thanks for the recommendations!

[dogs4life]

"The Culture Clash" was easy but I'm wondering if a true beginner will get it.

Anymore titles for "green" dog owners to get them started of on a road to success OR at least peace and sanity?

[DogTrainingTips]

Hey admin, I got couple of really nice read book that fit in some of those categories, they are in ebook style. Hmm... I would love to send it to you if you want to review it.

[dogs4life]

Originally Posted by DogTrainingTips

Hey admin, I got couple of really nice read book that fit in some of those categories, they are in ebook style. Hmm... I would love to send it to you if you want to review it.

Sure you can send it to me, thanks! Can I have other staff and senior members review it too?

Any good physical books you recommend?

[DogTrainingTips]

Hey sure thing, just pass it to them. but can I know which email should I send it to? perhaps I can know from a private msg from you?

[dogs4life]

Originally Posted by DogTrainingTips

Hey sure thing, just pass it to them. but can I know which email should I send it to? perhaps I can know from a private msg from you?

Can you send it via PM, that way I can PM it to staff and a few senior members, thanks.

[Swiftwind]

"Dog Speak" By Bash Dibra is an excellent book that focuses on communication and body language. Definitely worth a read! It also contains many drawings to illustrate the author's points.

[Carrie]

Culture Clash is in my mind, a real foundation....important to understand how dogs think and learn. It covers pretty much all those categories.

I loved The Other End of the Leash and For the Love of A Dog by Patricia McConnell.

On Talking Terms With Dogs...Calming Signals, by Turid Rugaas. (can't recommend that book highly enough)

The Power of Positive Training, by Pat Miller. (excellent and easy to read)

Don't Shoot the Dog, Karen Pryor



There are lots of good books, but those are some for a good start.