Training: General

The Power of Positive Dog Training (2008)
By Pat Miller. Walk away from punishment-based training methods and learn how you can reward your dog to obtain and reinforce the behaviors you could only dream about achieving! Demonstrates how you can train your dog, have fun, and build a lasting relationship at the same time. When you apply the training methods in this book and follow the unique six-week training program, your dog will learn to think and to choose proper behavior. You and your dog can become an unbeatable team, capable of addressing any challenge you may encounter.
 
The Dog Whisperer - Beginning & Intermediate Dog Training DVD (Compassionate, Nonviolent Dog Training) (2004)
Compassionate, nonviolent beginning and intermediate dog training from the author of the popular Dog Whisperer book. Step-by-step instruction, three simple steps to each of eight different behaviors. Solve problems: jumping, stealing, barking, pulling on the leash, digging, and chewing; get reliable behavior without jerking, hitting, shocking, or shaking; learn clicker training for faster results; learn how to quickly wean your dog off food treats. Includes fun tricks and games to play with your dog. "In this DVD, Paul Owens lays a key foundation for a healthy loving relationship with your dog. Become a kindred spirit with your dog through these essential training guidelines. Together, we can make the world a better place for all beings!" - Allen M. Schoen, MS, DVM Author of Kindred Spirits. The Dog Whisperer's compassionate, scientifically grounded training methods yield amazing results. This DVD will benefit millions of dogs and their humans in the decades to come."- Wendy Weicker, Ph.D., Clinical Child Psychologist.   

Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog (2004)
By Pat Miller. How can bad behavior be easily transformed into good behavior? Why does management work better than force? Which leashes and collars create behavior problems and which ones solve them? What is clicker training and how can Jane Q. Public use this powerful training tool? What is the one toy every dog owner should have? Latest info on training with treats, vaccination schedules, housetraining and problem prevention.

Don't Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training (1999)
By Karen Pryor. One of our best selling teaching and training books. Not exclusively a dog training book - author is famous as an early dolphin trainer. Outlines 8 methods for putting an end to all kinds of undesirable behavior without yelling, threats, force, punishment, guilt trips - or shooting the dog; the 10 laws of shaping behavior through affection training; how to combat your own addictions to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, overeating or whatever; how to deal with such difficult problems as a moody spouse, an impossible teen, or an aged parent; PLUS housetraining the dog, improving your tennis game, keeping the cat off the table, and much, much more! New revised edition has new chapter, "Clicker Training, A New Technique." This covers the use of clickers in dog training, why it works, and how it has caught on. There is little or no practical application here, so we recommend Karen's Clicker Training Start-up Kit or DTB622 Clicker Training for Dogs. This is the theory!  

Train Your Dog DVD (2003)
By Nicole Wilde & Laura Bourhenne. Featuring Nicole Wilde & Laura Bourhenne. Entirely based on POSITIVE, GENTLE techniques, "TRAIN YOUR DOG" reveals many of the best-kept secrets for training dog obedience and much more. You never believed in physical punishment and neither do these trainers. Learn how easy it is to have your dog listen to you, rather than obey you out of fear. Take full advantage of click-and-play DVD menus. Click on any training exercise, watch how the pros do it, then practice yourself. Let two top Los Angeles trainers guide you step by step, through simple, gentle techniques that produce amazing results. You'll learn the secrets of dog training without ever laying a hand on your DOG. Master the magic of clicker training, used for movie animals. Learn how easy it is to shape dog behavior. Discover easy fixes for common behavior problems and much, much more! This DVD makes dog training easy.  

Give them a Scalpel and they will Dissect a Kiss: Dog Training Past, Present, and Future DVD (2005)
Written by Ian Dunbar. Watch Ian Dunbar's recent lecture on the development and current state of the pet dog training profession. Whether you agree with Ian or not, his opinions (and he has them!) on the issues that face and divide dog trainers should stimulate a lot of thinking and hopefully progress for the industry. Ian discusses recent rifts that developed among trainers using different methods, the importance of testing, his philosophy that training must be efficient and effective for dog owners, and critical outstanding issues. 2 hrs. 51 min. Click here to preview a short video clip. Here is a review from Pat Renshaw, of Dogs in Canada: In the early 1990s, Ian Dunbar was the driving force in uniting dog obedience instructors. He is responsible for the formation of CAPPDT, APDT (U.S.), and APDT (U.K).

This DVD is classic Dunbar and deals with his concerns about where we are a profession and where we’re going. This isn’t a slick presentation, something carefully scripted and filmed, It is , however, controversial and thought-provoking. The introduction tends to be a bit long and rambling and Dunbar does take some time getting to the meat of his topics. Once he does, he has some interesting things to say. Pet-dog training is a relatively new endeavor and already Dunbar suggests that a lot of changes are needed. If the early ‘90s saw the organization of dog trainers to give them a concerted voice, in Dunbar’s opinion, the late ‘90s saw the “rift” – the “us” and “them.” Then came the “drift,” which Dunbar sees caused by a certain training methodology. Then the “reversal” – the trainer of yesteryear had experience apprenticing but wasn’t necessarily cognizant of learning theory, where today’s trainer has a grasp of learning theory but no solid dog-training/ apprenticing experience. He ends disc No. 1 with what he believes are five problems presently in dog training. His discussion on why and how to fix these is certainly food for thought. According to Dunbar, dogs living with humans will present common problems. The need to test-train is the basis of any training program. What are the pros and cons of accepting or rejecting any training method out of hand? Dunbar is the guru of lure/reward training and is amazed that the concept and execution are still not understood and patiently goes over them again. He jokes about ambiguous terminology and suggests that dog trainers rewrite learning theory. Disc 2 ends with three issues for future consideration and why they need to be considered. This DVD belongs in every pet-dog trainer/instructors library. For those new to this game, there is invaluable information here. To the old-timer, it’s a reminder of where we came from and how we can help insure that we get back to basics; training dogs and their owners.    

Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them
This book was written by Pamela Reid and published by James and Kenneth Publishing in February 1996. The author is an agility enthusiast, obedience competitor and a psychologist. What a great combination! A certified animal behaviorist, she operates a Toronto-based private practice for problem pets. This book has lots of scientific techniques in dog training. For example, you will learn how to let your dog train itself!
   
How to Teach A New Dog Old Tricks: A Sirius Puppy Training Manual   
This book was written by veterinarian and animal behaviorist, Ian Dunbar, and published by James & Kenneth Publishers in 1996. It features fun training with toys, treats, lures and rewards. There are easy and effective, dog-friendly techniques for teaching a new puppy old tricks (such as basic manners), or for teaching an older dog that is new to training. Dr. Ian Dunbar is Director of the Center for Applied Animal Behavior, Founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and host of the popular British TV series Dogs With Dunbar. He is also the author of many books and videos including Doctor Dunbar's Good Little Dog Book, a set of Behavior Booklets on the most common canine behavior problems, Sirius Puppy Training (video), and Dog Training For Children (video).  

The Rosetta Bone (2004)
Written by Cheryl Smith. 2004 Dog Writers Assn. of America Writing Competition Winner, Best Training & Behavior book! Far too often, we humans expect our dogs to understand what we say to them. Though we may spend a lot of time talking to them, we’re really not communicating. And without proper communication, it’s impossible to train a dog properly, let alone make your human/canine relationship a rewarding one. Packed with unique insights and gentle training advice, The Rosetta Bone provides average dog owners with the know-how they need to decipher canine meanings, communicate effectively, increase training success, and share a deeper bond. Focusing on the behavioral basis, the "silent" symbols for learning, understanding, and communicating, expert dog trainer and competitor Cheryl S. Smith reveals how you can use your own body language to send a message and even teach a dog what specific words mean. She reveals how a dog’s breed can affect his personality and explains how to decode and correct common behavior problems. With the knowledge and solutions this book provides, you will train more effectively, enjoy your dog more, and ease your own stress.  

Teach Yourself Visually Dog Training (2004)
By Lisa Roussac Kruitwagen and Adam Giles (Editor). Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer instructions that show you how to do something–and skip the long-winded explanations? The Visual Learning System here breaks down the different training tasks into graphical two-page lessons that simplify learning. Inside you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions for developing an effective training regimen for your puppy or adult dog. Full-color photographs show you how to train basic commands, socialize and housetrain your dog, and teach tricks and games. Plus, you’ll learn how to manage problem behaviors, such as excessive barking, jumping up on people, destructive chewing, and much more. Lisa Roussac Kruitwagen is the owner of Dealing with Dogs Ltd, which offers obedience classes that focus on positive training methods.  

Smoke Alarm Training for your Dog (2002)
By Anders Hallgren. A Swedish animal behaviorist introduces a new, revolutionary training technique that could save your life! Any dog, small or large, can be taught to alarm its family for smoke or fire in the home, whether they live in a house or an apartment. Simple step-by-step program and illustrative pictures show how dog owners can have a smoke alarm trained dog in just a few weeks. *This is the first thing of its kind available and should be part of any dog owner's emergency kit.  

Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right: How to Train Any Dog in Five Minutes a Day
This book was written by Krista Cantrell and published by Plume in 1998. This book takes a unique no force training approach. It shows how happy dogs learn faster and have fewer problems when training sessions feel like playtime. Fifteen exercises demonstrate how dogs learn and reveal how to change a dog's behavior. At the same time, stories, facts and step-by-step instructions make this book really easy to understand.  

Train your Dog, Change your Life (2001)
By Maureen & Gary Ross. A whole new way of thinking about training - one that is as much about you as it is about your puppy or dog. Dogs are extremely sensitive to the signals we give them; how we behave affects how they behave. If you want to raise your puppy right or put your dog on the fast track to good manners, you also need to understand your role in the process. Find out what really turns you on, making your canine companion happier and more responsive, and you'll change everything in your life for the better. Discover ways to understand and work with canine body language; the 10 Laws of shaping behavior; a practical, simple and fun way to train a puppy, week by week; the basics and benefits of play training; and how all areas of your life will improve with these principles.  

Beginning Family Dog Training (1996)
By Patricia McConnell. Designed to teach you how dogs think, how they communicate, and how they learn. Book is an introduction for beginners or a reminder of basics for those who are more experienced. Could go along with a basic household obedience class if you and your dog are enrolled, or you could work alone. If you are working alone, work on each section in depth before moving to the next, and get the entire family involved. The training technique used is lure/reward; also teaches you how to be the leader of the pack! Also an excellent hand-out book for instructors or breeders.  

An Owner's Guide to Dog Behavior (1999)
By Ian Dunbar. Explains how a dog's perceptions and desires result in its conduct. By understanding what makes your dog tick, you'll learn how to socialize and train your dog to be the companion that you want. Modifying a dog's behavior isn't hard, it's simply a question of reinforcing the behavior that you desire. By using the proven techniques described in this book, you can teach your dog to be the model companion. The better you understand your dog, the better your relationship will be.  

Training Dogs with Dunbar Video (1996)
By Ian Dunbar. If you have a good relationship with your dog, he will probably do his best to please you. To build that ideal relationship, use easy, fun lure/reward methods to train a well mannered companion!      

Training the Companion Dog Video Set
Dr. Ian Dunbar, one of the world's most popular behaviorists, provides you with all the information needed to teach your dog to be a well-mannered canine citizen. Basic training and problem-solving from his BBC (British Television) series. 60 minutes each.  

My Dog Pulls, What Do I Do? (2005)
New from Turid Rugaas! Easy-to-follow instructions that teach you a kind and effective method for encouraging dogs to walk without pulling. Quick and easy to learn, the method can be applied to any dog no matter what size, breed or age. Dogs that are easily distracted, or that encounter situations where they may lunge, bark, or give aggressive displays can be helped to walk calmly and quietly on a loose leash. City, town or country walking can all become more relaxed, reducing stress for dog and owner. Simple steps with informative full color photographs which aid understanding, includes tips on equipment to use, reasons for pulling and trouble shooting, along with case studies.  

Dog Training for Children
This is a videotape by Ian Dunbar (1996). It features Dunbar working with kids from ages 6 to 15. It includes welcoming a new pup, housetraining, lead training, sit & down, focusing attention, improving off-leash control, fast recalls, improving the stay, teaching with toys, and playing training games. There is also a part on Junior Dog Agility which features: improving control & attention, regulating speed, hitting the contact points, and speeding up the down on the pause table. This tape features only kind, patient, positive training methods, using Dunbar's wonderful "lure and reward" technique. It is in VHS format and runs 84 minutes.