Testimonials
“Laure-Anne, you are the BOOK LADY ! You provide that function BRILLIANTLY for us all. As long as you can manage the books and tell us what’s worth reading, you are worth your weight in GOLD!,” Eric Brad (author, dog trainer, Canine Nation podcast host).
“Laure-Anne, I received my holiday gift to myself of the stack of books I ordered based on your reviews! Your reviews are a great gift to the Do No Harm animal behavior community. I’m currently listening to Bad Science in my car…Great find! Thank you for all your amazing work!” Linda Michaels (MA Psychology, Dog Psychologist On-Call, Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training)
Dog book reviews
I climb a mountain of books to keep up with dog behaviour: on training, genetics, ethology, psychiatry, client coaching, you name it. The higher I climb, the farther up the top seems to get. No matter, each book consolidates my understanding and enriches my perspective.
I collect the notes I keep on each book in this review page. As the years flew by, the collection of reviews grew and authors and publishers started to send me their work for more reviews. I had to learn speed-reading just to keep up, and there are always at least five half-read books within a meter of me. Maybe one day I’ll reach the top of the mountain and will have no more books to read. I doubt it.
Here is the list of books I am dying to review right now. If you’re feeling particularly generous and want to help this modest reviewer out, you can donate one of these books. In that case, write me a mail with the name of the book you’d like to donate. See ‘Want your book reviewed’ if you are an author or publisher and would like one of your books reviewed here.
Navigation tips and a nudge
- Must-haves have an asterisk (*). Do not wait another moment before you get cracking.
- Please click on Like and leave a comment. I am a feedback addict.
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Enjoy!
Want your dog book reviewed?
Please mail me on info at canisbonus dot com, so I can send you my postal address (I only review hard copies).
Reviews are free to avoid a conflict of interest, so there is no guarantee of a raving review. If it’s good, I share it on Amazon. If it’s not, I try to keep my comments kind and fair.
I want to read each book with the attention it deserves. As there are a few in the pipeline already, we could be talking months before your review appears.
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: Modern dog training perspectives in layman’s terms. This is the best summary I can muster. There’s no way to do it justice in a few words. AUDIENCE: If you’re professional, read it now, recommend it to your customers, give it to shelter adopters! REVIEW: The Culture Clash lays out the pillars of […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011 SUMMARY: Based on a podcast series, the book gives science-based, powerful, and force-free tips on how to raise a polite and well-adjusted dog. AUDIENCE: Although pet owners are the target audience, professionals will find themselves recycling her analogies and explanations when talking to clients. REVIEW: One thing kept going through my mind […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009 SUMMARY: Ethical toolkit for dog trainers including a well-written review of the usual hot-button issues. AUDIENCE: Jargon-free, short, and smoothly written: no background in philosophy required. Will benefit professional dog trainers will benefit most. It will help them tackle the ethical challenges of our profession. REVIEW: The Ethical Dog Trainer is, as far as I […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2000 SUMMARY: Comprehensive review of every possible aspect of dogs. This book is a one-spot scientific tool kit for every aspiring (and established) behaviourist AUDIENCE: One of the most quoted body of work on dogs and behaviour, both in academic and technical circles. For the scientifically literate specialist trainer or the companion animal […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: An invaluable guide to running your own dog business: from operational to strategic advice. AUDIENCE: Definitely pick this one up it if you want to start your own dog business. REVIEW: It is jam-packed full of tips, lessons learnt and best practices. It offers you an exhaustive list of known risks and challenges, […] AUTHOR: Rise Van Fleet PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: A manual on how to spot, understand, and capitalize on the myriad resistance moments from our human clients. AUDIENCE: This book is aimed at dog training and canine behaviour therapy professionals, be they private or group instructors. REVIEW: I am a little biased reviewing this book as […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: Very thorough, yet compact and attractive visual guide to dog’s body language. AUDIENCE: If you have to choose a book about dog body language as a dog owner, pick this one. If the stuff is new to you, read it again and again, and it will transform how you understand your dog. […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009 SUMMARY: 100 common myths debunked. One by one. AUDIENCE: The book takes an extreme position on a few controversial points, which may unduly sway the layman’s view. So, not to be put in the hands of complete beginners in dog behaviour. REVIEW: This book is a little gem. It has a backyard […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: Step-by-step manual for tons of dog tricks. AUDIENCE: Owners, and dog trainers in need of inspiration for their school’s curriculum. REVIEW: Style and contents: It does what it says on the tin: 101 dog tricks that are fully illustrated and explained step-by-step, all featuring Kyra Sundance’s gorgeous partner in crime, her […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2000 SUMMARY: Succinct timeline of important milestones in psychiatry in list form. AUDIENCE: This book is written in French and has not been translated to English. As far as technical language barriers are concerned, jargon is not an issue. It will be an interesting read for anyone interested in framing major psychiatric developments […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2000 SUMMARY: Specialist dictionary/encyclopedia on ethology. AUDIENCE: A must-have for the animal behaviour student. REVIEW: Fantastic reference for in-depth, reliable, and distinct definitions of animal behaviour concepts. More book reviews Like the main page: If you like what I do, please let me know by clicking ‘like’ on the main page (not on this individual […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1995 ed. (originally published 1975) SUMMARY: A worrying review of the institutional animal abuses of the food and research industries; and a summary of the ethical arguments for granting animals equal consideration. AUDIENCE: For a book written by an academic, it is remarkably accessible and jargon-free. Any person interaction with animals would do […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: A science historian digs into the annals of animal psychiatry after her dog’s descent into mental illness. AUDIENCE: The book was written for the layman and will give solace to the owners of pets struggling with behavioural disorders. It would be a great influence to the harsher dog behaviour professionals who bother reading it; hopefully […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2002 SUMMARY: A pocket-sized review of the formal ethical framework around animal rights. AUDIENCE: You will probably give up in disgust if you don’t have at least a smidgin of formal education in philosophy/ethics, or at least formal training in animal welfare issues. It gets pretty dry. REVIEW The author: David de Grazia […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: Review of the latest research into animal cognition: feeling and thinking animals under the microscope. AUDIENCE: Written for the layman and reasonably jargon-free. Academics in need of a broad survey of the literature would also benefit from it. And animal behaviour professionals will get sweeping overview of what is now known about animal cognition out of […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009 SUMMARY: A real-life-oriented review of the contemporary body of knowledge into animal welfare and cognition, with chapters on dogs, cats, zoo animals and cows among others. AUDIENCE: Very accessible style appropriate for non-specialists as well as pros. Rigorously researched, originally approached and compellingly simplified. That perfect triangle that will make academics, laymen AND trainers love […] PUBLISHING YEAR: (last revision) 2010 SUMMARY: In-depth analysis of some common issues surrounding companion animal behaviour, including legal and welfare issues. It focuses mainly on dogs, but has some chapters on cats/rabbits. AUDIENCE: Not quite for the academic, not quite for the layman: this one falls neatly into the professional category. Read it if you want […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: A scathing and exhaustive review of the dodgy practices of the pharmaceutical industry – written by an epidemiologist. AUDIENCE: This book can be of interest to the motivated behaviour therapist who wants to take a behind-the-scenes look at (psycho)pharma. REVIEW The author: Ben Goldacre is a UK epidemiologist/columnist who wrote a popular science segment […] AUTHOR: Ben Goldacre PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008 SUMMARY: A toolbox for the critical thinker, and a scathing account of the large-scale abuses of pseudo-scientific practices: from big pharma to flower remedies. AUDIENCE: This book does not focus on dogs but if every dog trainer and behaviourist embraced its values, our unregulated profession would be rid of the […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2000 SUMMARY: A set of tips to help reduce your dog’s nuisance barking. AUDIENCE: Owners. REVIEW The author: Terry Ryan is a widely read and prolific author of short, practical dog behaviour manuals. She is a well-established reward-based trainer. Style and contents: The book focuses on the symptom (barking) and works its way back to the any […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011 SUMMARY: Exhaustive manual about Grisha Stewart’s influential BAT behaviour therapy techniques AUDIENCE: Although the book is reasonably jargon-free, it relies on much experience to make the best use of it. A reader may want to read it to understand the underlying principles, whilst being coached by a certified BAT professional on execution. Warning, the review below does make use […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 AUDIENCE: It does not make for light reading, but it will not be insurmountably dry to the motivated layman. If you’re feeling intimidated, just familiarize yourself with the high level contents, and read individual chapters as needed. SUMMARY: The book contains review articles about: Zoology: Scientific classification Evolutionary history Domestication history Breed diversity history […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: Entertaining summary of research studies on the behaviour of domestic dogs, giving the layman a great introduction to the basics of the scientific method. AUDIENCE: Non-academics, be they owners or trainers, will very much enjoy this book. It gives them the tools to evaluate claims about dog behaviour critically. In fact, this book is […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006 SUMMARY: Collection of a Dutch trainer’s thoughts and observations on how to steer dog behaviour. AUDIENCE: Peter Beekman fans or people who want to read the influential Dutch classics on dog training. REVIEW Author: Peter Beekman enjoys somewhat of a cult following in the Dutch dog training world. He is a trainer and behaviour therapist […] AUTHOR: Suzanne Clothier PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: Autobiography of author’s journey through dog training. AUDIENCE: You might enjoy this book as a professional if you want to reflect upon some aspects of our relationship with dogs. I would say that it is more squarely aimed at owners, though. It does not use technical terms. REVIEW: […] AUTHOR: Brenda Aloff PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009 SUMMARY: Dog’s body language in pictures. AUDIENCE: This is more a professional handbook than coffee table material, its style is a little dry and technical. I would not recommend it for the average dog owner. If you are a dog owner looking for a similar book, search for ‘body […] AUTHOR: James O’Heare PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010 SUMMARY: A guide to approaching behaviour change like a behaviour analysis project. AUDIENCE: O’Heare is a tough one to place, as he writes with perfect scientific vigour, but markets his books at the professional. One thing is for sure: you won’t get much out of this book unless you […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: A behind-the-scenes look at the life of Chaser, the dog with the world’s largest vocabulary of understanding human words. AUDIENCE: Smooth like honey. Everyone will enjoy reading this: any jargon is explained in a conversational way and the rest is pure charm. REVIEW The author: John Pilley is a retired and, by the […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1997 SUMMARY: Handbook of behavioural medicine for cats and dogs. AUDIENCE: This one is definitely for the professional, and more for people on the clinical/research side of behaviour therapy than pure dog training. It’s also an ideal handbook for vets who are interested in behavioural treatments. REVIEW By the time I’d finished reviewing […] AUTHOR: Leslie McDevitt PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: Technical manual for running an off-leash training class AUDIENCE: An invaluable professional manual, but not something you’ll be reading in front of the fire petting Fido’s head with the old glass of Port… REVIEW: This was a bit of an awkward read, as the style needed a little grooming. The […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: Layperson’s autobiography about her life with two large dogs; one of them attacking the other in sudden episodes of intense aggression. AUDIENCE: Written for the layman, it is a smooth and pleasant read. [Caution to untrained readers: Do not accept the theoretical and technical passages uncritically. Get confirmation from an evidence-based source before accepting these points.] Behaviourists could […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: Step-by-step guide to the Do As I Do training methods to teach your dog new behaviour by demonstrating them yourself. AUDIENCE: It is accessible to the layman, but it will help if you’re familiar with training jargon and are not averse to a spot of cognitive psychology theory. REVIEW: I […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: High-level summary of scientific knowledge on dog’s behaviour, health (some stats), and nutrition AUDIENCE: It may be more appropriate for student veterinarians who want their insight into dogs to go beyond anatomy and pathology, than for behaviourists seeking to deepen their general knowledge of the dog. REVIEW: This book is quite reminiscent of […] AUTHOR: William Campbell PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008 SUMMARY: Anecdotes about running a dog behaviour counselling practise. AUDIENCE: Wannabe small animal behaviour therapists. REVIEW: I was a little disappointed with this one. From the title, I was hoping it would give me a comprehensive tool kit on running a dog behaviourist practice (à la Nicole Wilde, with “So […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: Review of the relevant scientific research and industry facts about dog food. AUDIENCE: This book is accessible to science-curious owners – you don’t need a degree in biochemistry to follow it. And it should be compulsory reading for any dog professional before they venture an opinion about owners’ food choices. Author Linda Case, […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011 SUMMARY: Dog Sense is a giant research literature survey, written in layman’s terms, about dogs’ behaviour through: evolution, domestication, cognitive abilities, emotions, genetics, and training methods. AUDIENCE: It was tough selecting a readership stamp, as: Owner: It’s a long read, but in layman’s term. It will help you shed the clinging few old wife’s […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1996 SUMMARY: Informal collection of case studies by American veterinary behaviourist Nicholas Dodman. AUDIENCE: This book will be most useful to professional animal behaviourists but it is jargon-free so can be understood by all audiences. REVIEW The author Nicholas Dodman is a well-established British-educated/US-based veterinary behaviourist and dog behaviour researcher. Style and contents The book […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1990 SUMMARY: Interpretations (often pack theory-based) of commonly observed dog behaviour. AUDIENCE: The audience is, in theory, dog owners looking to debunk myths about dogs. Unfortunately, it disseminates the occasional myth by itself, so to be taken with a pinch of salt. So I would put it in the hands of critical readers […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012 SUMMARY: Lively essays on critical dog questions through popular science. AUDIENCE: If you are an owner struggling with inconsistencies with traditional training methods, this book has your name written all over it. It’ll be the launching platform you need to discover the fascinating world of dog fact, so you can, once […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: A scathing look at scare-mongering and ill-researched statistical claims about dog bites. AUDIENCE: The book, with its informal and entertaining style, was written to help the layman assess bite risk rationally. Every dog professional should read it too, though. REVIEW The author: Janis Bradley’s academic background (Philosophy and English) didn’t predispose her to write about epidemiology, […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: Autobiography of a family dog narrated by the family dog himself. AUDIENCE: This book was written for entertainment, not education. It is written without jargon and does not require an academic or technical background. Any owner can pick it up and enjoy it. REVIEW The author: The author, Jane Hanser, does not have […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004 SUMMARY: Observations of a scientist couple on the dog’s evolution. Also touches on training and sports. AUDIENCE: A little too technical to be read for entertainment purposes without being rigorous enough to be used quotable in mainstream academia. Perhaps the person who will enjoy it the most is the scientifically literate owner with […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011 SUMMARY: Abridged review of the behaviour research on cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, dogs and cats. AUDIENCE: Don’t pick it up unless you are well-versed in biology, psychology and zoology terminology. Or at least not without your trusty scientific dictionary. The intended readership is decidedly academic. REVIEW The author: Katherine Houpt is a huge name in […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1995 SUMMARY: A collection of significant dog-related scientific research articles. AUDIENCE: Makes for a very dry read if you are unused to scientific articles. The contents would only be useful to the layman in summarised and vulgarised form, but are completely inaccessible if you don’t have a bit of a scientific bend. For […] AUTHOR: Barry Eaton PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010 SUMMARY: List of pack theory counter-arguments (I mean, against the pack theory) AUDIENCE: For those of you who have developed a real aversion to the dominance theory, it will crystallise your arguments. For those of you who interpret every dog behaviour in terms of dominance, it might make a dent. REVIEW: Another must-read […] AUTHOR: James O’Heare PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008 SUMMARY: A gargantuan literature survey on dominance research. AUDIENCE: REVIEW James O’Heare, true to self, starts of by tidying up the house. He disentangles the relevant ethological concepts (status-rank-hierarchy, conflict, societies, etc.) for the unfamiliar reader. He then gets to the crux of the book: a detailed historical critique […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003 SUMMARY: Illustrated positive training exercises using Ian Dunbar’s now treat-prompt classic method. AUDIENCE: First-dog owners about to adopt a dog. REVIEW: Another must-read, if only for how much clout Dr Dunbar enjoys among positive trainers. Ian Dunbar has acquired a solid reputation as one of the pioneers of humane, gentle training methods. It gives […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2015 SUMMARY: Richly illustrated week-by-week guide on raising a happy, well-behaved and orthopaedically healthy pup. AUDIENCE: This books is aimed at a layman’s audience v but, in my view, will great benefit professional dog trainers in charge of giving puppy classes. The authors Martine Burgers trained as a physiotherapist (for humans) then specialised in veterinary ostheopathy. Sam […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008 SUMMARY: Collection of anecdotes and observations supporting the case for “bioanthropomorphism”, i.e. the assertion (which I share) that animals have emotions. This assertion is still disputed by hard-line scientists in the field, given the difficulty in quantifying and verifying emotions. AUDIENCE: Dog owners with an interest in animal welfare, and who […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011 SUMMARY: Background theory and implementation techniques to promote empowerment in the domestic dog. AUDIENCE: Specialist trainers with a solid scientific background and/or applied behaviourists/behaviouralists. REVIEW: I am quite conflicted about writing this review as I will not give it a lot of stars, yet I love what the author is about. His […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 (posthumously for Rudy de Meester) SUMMARY: Interviews with owners of dogs with serious behaviour problems. Collaborative work by a vet behaviourist and a historian. AUDIENCE: If you speak Dutch and have a dog with issues, this one’s for you. And it should be compulsory reading for anyone involved in helping owners with their dog’s behaviour. […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1998 SUMMARY: Series of essays by the leading experts on all matters relating to animal welfare. AUDIENCE: You will predominantly use this book to reference your academic essays/articles, or to refine and structure your understanding of a concept. It lies more in the realm of intellectual exploration than practical guidance. REVIEW: The book […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010 SUMMARY: A giant encyclopaedia of animal behaviour. And I mean ‘giant.’ AUDIENCE: Academics in search of close-to-standard, accepted definitions of animal behaviour concepts. REVIEW: 1000+ pages of essays and definitions by an army of the most respected researchers in animal behaviour. This unmissable encyclopaedia is now used in many universities as the […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1996 SUMMARY: Foundations of learning theory. Including some reference to historic scientific work. AUDIENCE: A must-read to all wannabe behaviourists and for science-curious owners. REVIEW: I very much enjoyed this book. The author’s PhD in animal behaviour gives the text the academic credence. This is not insignificant in the ever so muddled and subjective political […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2001 SUMMARY: Step-by-step guide to dealing with common behaviour problems in multi-dog households AUDIENCE: Ideal for owners who are considering a multi-dog household and want to well-researched tips on problem prevention. Too generic to add much value for the professional behaviourist. REVIEW: In the behaviourist’s caseload, multi-dog households often come hand in hand […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: Pocket-sized booklet explaining the industry’s best rehabilitation programme for dogs that are aggressive to other dogs when on-leash. AUDIENCE: If you’re an owner or trainer interested in on-leash reactivity, it’s definitely worth a read, and it will yield non-negligible results if you follow it to the letter. But please do not […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004 SUMMARY: Protocol on how to deal with dog-dog aggression. Aimed at a professional audience. AUDIENCE: Pick this one up if you are unfamiliar with the force-free protocols for dog-dog reactivity. REVIEW: This book lacked a little meat on the bone, in my opinion. Or at least it didn’t tell me anything I didn’t […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: The ins-and-outs of teaching a solid settle to serial canine over-reacters. AUDIENCE: The author primarily wrote this book for owners, but the protocols may be too demanding for that readership without the encouragement of a professional. REVIEW: In a nutshell: Another book in the recent trend of reducing prompting, and letting the dog […] AUTHORS: Brian Hare & Vanessa Woods PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: An informal journey through the research into canine cognitive abilities, with some philosophical and societal discussions. AUDIENCE: You won’t need to know scientific/technical jargon to follow the book, but it goes waaaaay beyond what a the average dog owner is looking for. So I would […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008 SUMMARY: A high-level approach to tackling dog aggression professionally AUDIENCE: Get this one if you are after a very good introductory book on the subject, but don’t expect THE exhaustive toolkit for all aggression problems. REVIEW: I was hoping for a book cataloging an exhaustive list of aggression issues, with detailed instructions […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012 SUMMARY: All-in-one rabbit care and… training guide! AUDIENCE Mainly aimed at rabbit owners, but beneficial to all amateurs of animal training. REVIEW: Bernice Muntz is a highly successful animal trainer in the Netherlands. From caiman to canary, Bernice’ training techniques have helped improve and even save the lives of countless animals whose behaviour problems […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: Instructions on how to prime your pup to training greatness. AUDIENCE: Whilst the book is aimed at owners, its vocabulary and objectives are more suitable for the dog sport hobbyist or professional trainer. REVIEW: The author, a search-and-rescue trainer, teaches your pup solid foundations that will facilitate his later training. The book approaches […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012 SUMMARY: (Non-systematic) review of the various theories behind the dog’s evolution. AUDIENCE: The book fits most comfortably in the science popularization section if you scrap the popularization part. It reads more like a textbook without peer review or citations. Try it if you’re comfortable with quite a bit of evolutionary biology jargon. […] Inside of a dog: What dogs see, smell and know AUTHOR: Alexandra Horowitz PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009 SUMMARY: A critical and exhaustive look at what we know about dogs’ mental worlds. Written by a cognition researcher, the book takes us through the research milestones on dogs’ cognitive and sensory abilities. AUDIENCE: Written for the layman, this […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: Introduction to the essentials of dog ethology and operant conditioning aimed specifically at an audience of police dog trainers/handlers. AUDIENCE: The book was written for trainers and handlers of dogs for special operations and search-and-rescue missions who have a background in traditional, coercive training. Authors Resi Gerritsen has a PhD in psychology and is […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: Suggestions for games to play with your dog AUDIENCE: Very useful if you’re after some low-tech entertainment ideas for your dog on a rainy day. Also a useful and very handy (compact) book for play therapy if you are an behaviourist/specialist trainer. REVIEW: It was very short, so nice and portable […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: Suggestions for games with your dog AUDIENCE: You’d need to speak Dutch, for starters. But once you’re over that hurdle, the book is source of low-tech entertainment games ideas for your dog. REVIEW: I love that it’s tiny and very portable, so you can bring it along to your appointments. I don’t […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009 SUMMARY: Illustrated manual of handling procedures for dogs and cats that promote calm and collaboration over struggle and panic. AUDIENCE: Mainly aimed at the veterinary clinic (technicians and vets), this book will also benefit behaviourists and shelter workers who routinely deal with aggressive dogs. The chapter on preventive behavioural health for puppies […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: Dog training guide using state-of-the-art techniques that are human- and dog-friendly. AUDIENCE: The book was intended for enthusiastic dog owners and trainers. It has the scope and specificity to add value to any professional looking to revamp his training school curriculum. REVIEW: Jolein van Weperen is one of the Netherlands’ most […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1949 SUMMARY: Auto-biographical account of Lorenz’ life with his pet dogs. AUDIENCE: As a specialist (ethologist or specialist trainer), it is quoted in so many specialist texts that you owe it to yourself to check what the fuss is about, if only out of historical interest. As an owner, you won’t find much […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: Overview of the standards and techniques of behaviour measurement in research. AUDIENCE: If you’re past your first year in Psych/Ethology, it will serve as a wonderful, concise, refresher of the fundamentals. If you’re new to the field, it’ll give you the entry point that you need to get your feet wet without […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010 SUMMARY: Tips and tricks for making your dog business sustainable. AUDIENCE: Dog professionals like dog trainers, sitters, walkers and behaviourists who have had their dog business for a while and want to fix it to make it sustainable (financially, and workload-wise). REVIEW The authors Rikke Jorgensen is a communications expert and business […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: Exhaustive manual for helping dogs on restricted exercise. AUDIENCE: Written for the layman, with well-illustrated contents and no jargon. REVIEW Style and contents: Short, richly illustrated manual on how to prepare your home and your dog for a period of confinement and restricted exercise. The gems I love that they hired a […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008 SUMMARY: ‘Dear Jean’ letters, with the typically humorous, clear, intelligent answers that Jean Donaldson has such a knack for. AUDIENCE: Dog owners after a hilariously written, but reliable, myth buster about their dog’s common behaviour. REVIEW: The format is somewhat unstructured, which is a little typical for Jean Donaldson. But it actually works […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: Observations on stress-indicating and appeasement body language in dogs by Turid Rugaas AUDIENCE: For owners, it’ll be a real eye opener if you’re not all that familiar with canine body language. For professionals, it’s a milestone of a book in the field, and you don’t want to get caught not having […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004 SUMMARY: Help for tough client communication during private training sessions. AUDIENCE: A real boon for beginning private trainers. Will save you a lot of blunders and arm you to deal with the common awkward moments in our field. REVIEW: Wouldn’t you know it, Nicole Wilde has done it again. With her usual […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: Series of dog tricks and how to teach them with excellent supporting explanations on training theory. AUDIENCE: Owners who want to learn the industry secrets in a non-intimidating volume, for practical, witty, real-life tricks. Also very useful as a trainer to spice up your classes with a ‘fun’ section. REVIEW: Despite its […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003 SUMMARY: Autobiographical account of the author’s life as a behaviourist AUDIENCE: A peak for owners who are curious about the life behind the scenes of the life of a specialist trainer/behaviourist. For specialist trainers, a nice “Am not the only one” read with charming anecdote after charming anecdote. REVIEW: Very enjoyable read. Autobiographical […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011 SUMMARY: Review of the scientific research into paranormal claims. AUDIENCE: Whilst not tackling dog-related topics specifically (bar one experiment on canine telepathy), this book will sharpen the critical thinking chops of the reader when it comes to paranormal claims. This can be useful to counter the many esoteric approaches to dog behaviour and […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: Critical investigation of public beliefs and press coverage of the latest scapegoat breed, the Pit bull; and of fatal dog attacks in general. AUDIENCE: Any dog professionals working with dog aggression or bite risk assessments needs to read this book. REVIEW The author: Karen Delise was trained as a veterinary technician. She is also a […] AUTHOR: Christina Sondermann PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006 SUMMARY: Suggested interactive games and game material to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated AUDIENCE: Pick this one up if you’re after a pleasantly illustrated (a rare boon in this type of books) book on tricks/games to play with your dog on a rainy day. Professional trainers and […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: In Possibility Dogs, Susannah Charleson sets out to find out all about he world of service dogs, with a focus on psych dogs. She also talks of her project for recruiting shelter dogs for the task. AUDIENCE: Most every one, from psych dog professionals or handlers to the wide public wanting to hear about psych dogs from […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2002 AUDIENCE: With its spotless contents and affordable price, it should be a standard handout for every puppy class client. SUMMARY: Pocket-sized booklet teaching puppy owners how to avoid and deal with common puppy problems using modern methods. REVIEW This book is not only insanely useful, it’s also insanely small. Whatever her secret […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: Fly-on-the-wall account of a French veterinary behaviourist’s practice, with the author’s reflections on the profession’s best practices. AUDIENCE: He would like the book to introduce the profession (vet behaviourist) to pet parents. Effectively, though, the book will be too high-brow for a pet parent looking for a casual read. It is […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2016 SUMMARY: Pocket guide to major concepts in Psychology. AUDIENCE: Entirely jargon-free, it can be read by non-academics no problem. REVIEW The authors Christopher Sterling and Daniel Frings are Psychology lecturers at London South Bank University. Style and contents About 125 pages, each accompanied by an illustration page. You can easily read this […] AUTHORS: Pia Silvani & Lynn Eckhardt PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: Preparation checklist and training manual for parents caring for dogs and (human) children. AUDIENCE: The book predominantly targets owners, with no jargon and basic explanations. As a pro, I found it a useful reference to prepare for those: “Help, am getting a baby and my […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004 SUMMARY: Treatment protocol for the easily frightened dog, or phobic dogs. For the layman. AUDIENCE: It sits uncomfortably between two types of audiences: too basic for the professional, and too in-depth for the dog owner. I guess the niche is the very dedicated dog owner, and for them, it very clearly breaks down the therapy protocol […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010 SUMMARY: Auto-biography of search-and-rescue dog and her trainer. AUDIENCE: Written for the layman with an interest in service dogs and particularly search-and-rescue. REVIEW: Author: The author is a US volunteer search-and-rescue dog handler, ex-pilot and no-nonsense-but-fragile hero. Style and contents: I loved it. Every single page. The author never falls into sensationalism despite the […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012 SUMMARY: A multidisciplinary look at the scientific body of knowledge on the concept of consequences. AUDIENCE: I will say ‘academic’ because it is laced with interconnected theoretical concepts that you’ll need a solid academic grounding to follow comfortably. Or many coffees and Advils and iron-clad willpower. REVIEW The author: Dr. Susan M. Schneider is a biopsychologist. She is […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1976 (original), 1989 (my edition) SUMMARY: Brick-sized treatise on the mechanics of genes on population dynamics and trait expression – in (nearly) everyday language. AUDIENCE: A classic must-read if you’re remotely interested in biology –> zoology –> understanding genes AND if you enjoy complex, subtle and far-reaching theoretical speculation into evolutionary dynamics. REVIEW: Richard […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2001 SUMMARY: Tactical and operational guide to launching your own dog training business. AUDIENCE: Wannabe dog trainers or established dog trainers after some fresh ideas on marketing, class curriculum, etc. REVIEW: A must-read. This book delivers exactly what it says on the cover: a comprehensive, detailed guide on how to set up shop as […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008 SUMMARY: Explanation about dog’s common medical issues, including cancer, vaccinations, operations, etc. AUDIENCE: Dog owners after some moral support, summary veterinary information, and communication strategies with the dog’s veterinary team when their dog’s health is hitting a snag. REVIEW: This book was somewhat of a revelation to me, at a time when I […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006 SUMMARY: A professional review of stress in dogs: its physiology, causal factors, signs and influence on the behaviour and welfare of dogs. AUDIENCE: An interesting read for professionals. REVIEW The authors: Clarissa von Reinhardt: Clarissa von Reinhardt is an old timer in dog training. She has worked with dogs for years and is a huge figure […] AUTHORS: Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson (art director Dean Stefanides) PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012 SUMMARY: Witty comments on dog behaviour and our dramatic attitudes to them. AUDIENCE: A beautifully designed, witty, cheeky little book about dog’s quirks for pretty much everybody. A coffee table book if there ever was one. Don’t pick this one up hoping […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1995 SUMMARY: Sample behaviour therapy cases with the author’s diagnoses and proposed treatments. AUDIENCE: Written for an audience of dog owners, but the book is unfortunately showing its age. This has shifted the audience from dog owners to professionals who are curious about that unmissable dog training figure. REVIEW: Given that the book was […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009 SUMMARY: Exhaustive training and management tips for owners of city dogs AUDIENCE: This book can be a precious help to first-time city dog owners, or if you are moving your rural/suburban dog to the city. REVIEW: “Training the city dog” is an unpretentious, simple, easy, non-technical read. And we need those once in a while. […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2002 SUMMARY: Witty review of the scientific body of knowledge on the domestic dog. AUDIENCE: A gem of science popularisation, owners who are curious about the scientific body of knowledge about dog’s behaviour, perception, etc. will really enjoy it. Be critical of a couple of controversial points (punishment and pack theory) that are […] AUTHOR: Lloyd Burlingame PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012 SUMMARY: ‘Auto’-biography of two guide dogs in Manhattan. AUDIENCE: Owners: no technical or academic interest. REVIEW I really wanted to like this book: I hate leaving poorer reviews. I hate it all the more when the author is elderly, and blind. So, see this as my expressway to Unpopularville, […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2001 SUMMARY: Loose coverage of one dog’s progress from severe aggression, suffused with author’s opinion on training methods. AUDIENCE: Dangerously open to literal application by beginning trainers dealing with dog aggression, I would recommend interpreting it with great caution. Experienced trainers will probably not benefit from this book given its shaky factual grounds […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 1990 SUMMARY: Notes from veterinarians on a wide variety of contemporary dog issues. AUDIENCE: Despite the title, it would take the world’s most dedicated owner to plough through this book cover to cover. I have mainly been using it as a reference when writing essays on specialist subjects in non-University programmes, where it […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006 SUMMARY: Textbook of psychotropic pharmacological compounds and their use in clinical practice, as well as their pharmacokinetics, costs, adverse effects, etc. AUDIENCE: GP vets who want to refine their pharmacological approach to pervasive behavioural complaints. REVIEW Hold on to your horses there, as I am not going to hold back on jargon in this one. The authors: […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: The Dog volume in a series of books on domestic animal welfare. A condensed review on the research literature – and discussions – on the welfare topics affecting dogs. AUDIENCE: REVIEW: ‘The Welfare of Dogs‘ looks at dog welfare through welfare science and formal ethics. It was written by animal welfare researcher (and […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: Force-free training manual for hyper excited dogs. AUDIENCE: Written for dedicated owners of hyper dogs. REVIEW: Author: Jane Killion is a big name in dog training. Her seminars sell out the world over. Her main angle is prompt-free and lure-free training. She likes to ‘capture the dog’ in the act of doing […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007 SUMMARY: List of did-you-know’s about dogs. AUDIENCE: The book is aimed at dog owners (i.e. not specifically for a professional audience), after a sensible answer to their dog’s million and one quirks. REVIEW: I very much enjoyed reading this one, to my great surprise, as I had bought it more as an airport […] PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012 SUMMARY: An informal comparison of the medical problems of animals and humans. Written by a human cardiologist and psychiatrist in layman’s terms. Main focus on behavioural and psychiatric issues. AUDIENCE: It won’t hurt the intellectually curious dog owner, but canine behaviourists will likely get the most out of it. REVIEW Author: You’d be forgiven […]* Culture clash
* Dog Trainer’s Complete Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Pet (the)
* Ethical dog trainer (the)
* Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training. I to III
* How to run a dog business
* Human half of dog training (the) – Collaborating with clients to get results
* Tail Talk
100 silliest things people say about dogs
101 Dog Tricks
500 years of psychiatry (500 ans de psychiatrie)
Animal Behavior Desk Reference, a dictionary of animal behavior, ecology and evolution
Animal liberation
Animal madness
Animal Rights
Animal Wise – How we know what animals think and feel
Animals make us human
APBC book for Companion Animal Behaviour
Bad Pharma
Bad science. Quacks, hacks, and big pharma … flacks …
BARK stops here, the
Behavior Adjustment Training: BAT for Fear, Frustration and Aggression in Dogs
Behavioral Biology of the Dog
Beware the straw man
Black box method, the (Black-boxmethode)
Bones would rain from the sky
Canine body language: a photographic guide
Changing problem behaviour. A systematic & comprehensive approach to behavior change project management
Chaser
Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals, 1e
Control Unleashed
Crazy bitch
Do As I Do
Dog (the), its behavior, nutrition and health
Dog Behavior Problems: a Counselor’s Handbook
Dog Food Logic
Dog Sense
Dog who loved too much (the)
Dog’s Mind (the)
Dogs as they are
Dogs bite: but balloons and slippers are more dangerous
Dogs don’t look both ways
Dogs: a new understanding of canine origin, behaviour and evolution
Domestic animal behavior for veterinarians and animal scientists
Domestic Dog: its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People
Dominance in dogs: fact or fiction?
Dominance theory and dogs
Dr Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book
Elke pup een goede start (A good start for every pup)
Emotional lives of animals (the)
Empowerment Training
En toch is het een lieve hond! (And still it’s a good dog)
Encyclopedia of Animal Rights and Animal Welfare
Encyclopedia of Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Excel-Erated Learning
Feeling Outnumbered? How to manage and enjoy your multi-dog household
Feisty Fido
Fight!
Fired up, Frantic and Freaked Out
Genius of dogs (the)
Getting a grip on aggression cases
High five with your rabbit
Homeschool your Puppy
How the dog became the dog
Inside of a dog: what dogs see, smell and know
K9 Behavior Basics
Let’s play with our dog
Leukste spelletjes voor uw hond (Nicest games for your dog)
Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats
Luisteren is leuk (Happy Handling)
Man Meets Dog
Measuring behaviour – an introductory guide
Minding your dog business
No walks no worries
Oh, Behave!
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
One on One
Only Dog Tricks You’ll Ever Need (the)
Other End of the Leash (the)
Paranormality
Pit bull placebo (the)
Playtime for your dog – Keep him busy throughout the day
Possibility dogs
Preventing puppy problems
Psychologie du chien – Stress, anxiété, agressivité (La)
Psychology Squared
Raising puppies and kids together
Scaredy dog – Understanding and rehabilitating your reactive dog
Scent of the missing
Science of consequences
Selfish Gene (the)
So you want to be a dog trainer
Speaking for Spot
Stress in dogs
Things your dog doesn’t want you to know
Think dog
Training the city dog
Truth about dogs (the)
Two seeing eye dogs take over Manhattan
Understanding and handling aggression
Veterinary notes for dog owners
Veterinary psychopharmacology
Welfare of Dogs (the)
When pigs fly! Training success with impossible dogs
Why dogs drink out of the toilet?
Zoobiquity
