As a passionate dog lover and trainer, discovering new insights into canine behavior is always exciting. To truly connect with and train our dogs effectively, understanding their thought processes and the reasons behind their actions is paramount. This deeper understanding empowers us to make better decisions that benefit both ourselves and our canine companions. The realm of dog training has boomed in recent years, with an overwhelming amount of information available online and in print. Navigating this landscape to find accurate and beneficial guidance can be a significant challenge. For this reason, I prioritize resources grounded in scientific research over anecdotal advice. Unsavory training methods, while sometimes yielding short-term results, often lead to underlying behavioral issues due to a fundamental misunderstanding of dog psychology. My approach, and what I seek in any training material, is rooted in positive reinforcement. The moment I encounter any suggestion of punishment-based training, I cease engagement, as punishment has no place in ethical and effective dog training.
Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., offers two books that stand out as exceptional resources: “The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs” and “For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend.” A common hurdle in cohabiting with dogs is the tendency to misinterpret their actions, leading to incorrect assumptions about their motivations. We often lack a clear understanding of why our dogs behave in specific ways, and our misguided responses can inadvertently exacerbate problem behaviors. Dr. McConnell’s work provides a humorous and accessible exploration of canine behavior, making it significantly easier to foster a happy and harmonious household.
For owners grappling with dogs that exhibit excessive pulling on the leash or are frequently over-excited and seemingly out of control, Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed” is highly recommended. This book is a treasure trove of strategies for managing dogs that display high levels of arousal and struggle with self-regulation. I have frequently consulted this resource, not only for my own dogs but also to assist others, particularly those participating in my agility classes. McDevitt includes numerous real-world examples from dogs she has worked with, enabling owners to recognize parallels with their own experiences and develop targeted training plans. Crucially, the book also hones owners’ observational skills, teaching them to interpret their dog’s subtle body language cues.
Currently, my top recommendation is John Bradshaw’s “In Defence of Dogs.” The book begins with a historical overview of the domestic dog’s evolution, tracing their transformation from working animals to beloved family pets. Bradshaw then delves into the challenges dogs have faced in adapting to our constantly shifting expectations. He critically examines various training theories, including the prevalent “wolf pack” mentality, and effectively debunks the notion that dominance is necessary for a dog to “respect” us. Research indicating that dogs do not primarily focus on dominating humans comes as a significant relief. In fact, the opposite is often true. This revelation offers considerable peace of mind for individuals who wish to nurture their dogs with love and avoid the pressure of constantly asserting dominance.
Karen Phillips, the owner and trainer of the Better Pets and Gardens mascot, Riot, a remarkable border collie, brings extensive experience to the field. Her success with border collies, along with her fast Papillon, Cassie, and her current involvement as a trainer with the Agility Club of WA, underscores her expertise. Karen is also a regular contributor to our Facebook page, offering insights every Monday night.
References
- McConnell, P. B. (n.d.). For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend.
- McConnell, P. B. (n.d.). The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs.
- McDevitt, L. (n.d.). Control Unleashed.
- Bradshaw, J. (n.d.). In Defence of Dogs.
