When I first started my dog walking business in 2015, I had practical experience but lacked formal training in the field. The pet care industry, including dog training, is largely unregulated, meaning anyone can claim to be a professional. It’s crucial for pet owners to thoroughly vet their professional credentials when hiring a professional. Shortly after launching my business, I discovered the Dog Walking Academy (DWA), a comprehensive program by DogBiz. This intensive three-day course covered everything from business setup and client relations to understanding canine body language and managing interactions. The most impactful part for me was the section on learning theory, including the four learning quadrants, classical vs. operant conditioning, the drawbacks of punishment, and the power of positive reinforcement. This sparked a deep interest, leading me to devour books on dog training and canine learning, attend courses, find mentors, and gradually develop the skills needed to excel in my profession, though I acknowledge that learning and making mistakes is an ongoing process.
Here are five influential dog training books that have significantly shaped my understanding and practice of working with and living alongside dogs.
Don’t Shoot the Dog – by Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor, a luminary in behavioral science and founder of the Karen Pryor Academy, pioneered the popularization of “clicker training.” Her extensive work with marine mammals, particularly dolphins, demonstrated the efficacy of positive reinforcement techniques. In “Don’t Shoot the Dog,” Pryor details her experiences training zoo animals, horses, and dogs, elaborating on the mechanics and effectiveness of positive reinforcement, the adverse effects of punishment, and how a shift in our perspective towards animals can profoundly impact our own lives. This book is a captivating read from a leading figure in the field, utilizing numerous anecdotes to simplify complex concepts.
The Culture Clash – by Jean Donaldson
Jean Donaldson, founder of the Academy for Dog Trainers—often referred to as the “Harvard” of dog training institutions—is both a gifted writer and a captivatingly geeky individual. Her book offers a dense compendium of knowledge, exploring the significant divisions in contemporary dog training. Donaldson compellingly argues against the use of punishment and provides profound insights into understanding the world from a dog’s point of view. She emphasizes that, like humans, dogs seek to fulfill their needs and avoid frightening experiences. The crucial difference lies in their adaptation to our human-centric world. Ethically, she posits, we have a responsibility to strive to meet their needs and ensure their environment is as free from fear and pain as possible.
The Other End of the Leash – By Patricia McConnell
Patricia McConnell, another eminent figure in animal behavior, is also a masterful writer. In this seminal work, she shifts the focus to the human element within the dog-human relationship, exploring our behaviors around dogs and how we can interact with them more intentionally. McConnell highlights the distinct communication styles between humans (as primates) and dogs, noting how our enthusiastic gestures and loud voices can be perceived as threatening by dogs. She also effectively debunks the pervasive “pack leader” and dominance myths that are widespread in dog training circles and popular culture.
Plenty In Life Is Free – Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace – Kathy Sdao
I discovered Kathy Sdao’s work at Clicker Expo several years ago after attending one of her talks. Sdao builds upon the foundations laid by her predecessors, advancing the discourse on positive reinforcement. She addresses the lingering belief within positive reinforcement training that dogs must “earn” every privilege, a concept often summarized as “Nothing in Life is Free.” Sdao deconstructs the notion that humans must maintain a dominant “leader” status, advocating instead for a cooperative approach where the needs of both humans and dogs are met. This book is a beautifully written exploration of this philosophy.
Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out – Training The Crazy Dog From Over The Top To Under Control – Laura VanArendonk Baugh
This book serves as an invaluable resource for owners of reactive dogs or anyone aiming to foster a calmer demeanor in their pets. Baugh expertly dissects the underlying causes of canine reactivity and other “out of control” behaviors, offering a straightforward mat training protocol. This method is exceptionally effective in helping dogs relax and teaching them alternative responses to stressful situations. Baugh’s writing is also exceptionally humorous, making the reading experience akin to conversing with an amusing, highly intelligent, and geeky dog trainer. This is an essential read for many dog owners seeking to equip their dogs with the coping skills necessary for navigating our often chaotic modern world.
These five books represent a curated selection that has profoundly influenced my approach to dog training and my overall relationship with dogs. The world of dog training literature is vast, and I am always eager to discover new perspectives. If you have any recommendations, please feel free to share them via email or in the comments section below.
