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| A new summer flower - Piper. |
Some people love to read about dogs. I admit, I am one. Since summer is starting, oftentimes that can mean a "little" more free time to pick up a good book, maybe while puppy is napping or late at night or while on vacation. Maybe...? Here are some that I have enjoyed. Some I have downright loved. Favorites have a ** by them. Some you can probably check out at your local library:
Non-Fiction
To the Rescue by Elise Lufkin, 2009. This is a series of 2-3 page stories of rescue dogs that have gone on to do great things for people. It is an easy one to pick up and put down as each story takes just a few minutes to read.
** Last Dog on the Hill by Steve Duno, 2010. The best. I've read this book at least 3 times.
** Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalvan and Bret Witter, 2012. Wonderful book that helps you understand the importance of service dogs assisting wounded warriors with PTSD and other issues.
Comet's Tale by Steven Wolf and Lynette Padwa, 2012. A man rescues a greyhound, then ends up training him to be his service dog.
** Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson, 2011. So good, so inspiring. Michael and his guide dog Roselle, navigate through many dangers at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Michael's perspective on life as a blind person.
The Puppy that Came for Christmas by Megan Rix, 2011. A couple in the UK become puppy raisers. Very sweet book.
Fiction
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, 2008. Written from the dog's perspective of total devotion to his family as they go thru many struggles. Inspirational.
Dog Behavior and Training Books
The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell, PhD, 2002. Animal behaviorist and zoologist Patricia McConnell does a great job of explaining what dogs perceive and feel vs. what we think they do.
For the Love of a Dog by Patricia McConnell, PhD, 2006. Like the book above only much more detailed. Lots of science in this one.
The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller, 2008. Great book.
** The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson, 2005. I read and reread this book.
The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete, 1991. Has some basics on starting puppies that I refer to over and over.
** 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance and Chalcy, 2007. A fun book for pet or therapy dog owners. Great photos throughout. Teaching your pet tricks sharpens their obedience skills and is fun. A therapy dog that does therapy work and tricks is a big hit with residents and kids of all ages. The sillier the tricks the better...and laughter is good medicine!
Do you have any dog books you've really enjoyed? I'd love to hear your comments below.
Ohhh, I'm going to have to check some of these out! I read Until Tuesday last year - it was fabulous! I also have The Art of Raising a Puppy sitting on my shelf. To be honest, I started it and was very turned-off by some of their correction techniques. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. Maybe I'll give it another shot...
ReplyDeleteThe Art of Raising a Puppy is an older book (1991). Fortunately since, the trend in training has been to use more positive reinforcement. It's one of those books I selectively read parts of. I enjoyed the section about the litter with different personalities, how they were evaluated and how they matched the puppy to the family based on early puppy traits. (But I have even heard this debated among authorities). Also the scheduling for crate training, tho I can no way keep my puppy in a crate as long as they do! Still it has made me a believer in a strict eating/drinking/walking/napping schedule in their early months.
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