New – more comprehensive list of recommended products and hacks are now here!
Recommended Books and Videos
A nice review of books to retain and those to weed out of any library is found in this article from the Library Journal.
Every pet owner should read | Puppies and New Dogs | Special Topics
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Don’t Shoot The Dog, by Karen Pryor This book explains how reward-based training works, and how to use it to solve all your behavior modification problems. It’s not a dog-training book; the examples from teachers and students, coaches and athletes, children and parents, bosses and employees, as well as dolphins, horses and yes dogs, too, will help you apply positive reinforcement to any need! (Available at the SJ Library) |
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Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide To Understanding Your Best Friend by Lili Chin “Dogs communicate with so much more than barks and tail wags, and misreading doggie body language makes life challenging for dogs and their humans. This small but mighty book is your perfect illustrated guide to seeing and understanding the subtle visual cues used by your beloved pup to express how they’re feeling in different situations. The more we notice and listen to what our best friends are telling us, the better chance we have of helping them feel safe and happy.” Also recommended: This little booklet is packed with eye-opening descriptions of dog body |
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Canine Body Language, A Photographic Guide, by Brenda Aloff. When you want to dig deeper into dog body language – A thorough guide, well-illustrated with photos, to show you how to read body language in dogs. |
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The Other End of the Leash, by Patricia McConnell Fascinating insight into how to better use your body language to better communicate with your dog. (Available at the SJ Library) |
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Puppy Start Right by Kenneth Martin and Debbie Martin. | |
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Social, Civil, and Savvy: Training & Socializing Puppies To Become The Best Possible Dogs, by Laura VanArendonk Baugh. “You want a dog who is confident and happy, able to immediately distinguish between friend and threat, capable of intense focus on her work, and able to relax and play with you when you need some puppy love. But these attributes are not born in our puppies; they are created through proper socialization.” | |
| The Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell and Brenda Scidmore. Just like the title says, a great book to help you prepare and set up a 6-week training program. | ||
| Puppy Culture – The Powerful First 12 Weeks DVD by Jane Killion. A guide to comprehensive socialization for a confident, well-behaved puppy | ||
| Clicker Puppy Video Great basic puppy training, mostly demonstrated with children doing the training. Great for anyone with new puppy, and any family with kids. |
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Before and After You Get Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar Fantastic resource for preparing to have the best puppy you’ve ever had! (Available at the SJ Library) |
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| Do Over Dogs – Give Your Dog A Second Chance for A First-Class Life by Pat Miller. Did you just adopt a dog who’s no longer a puppy? Here is some great advice on helping that dog succeed. | ||
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Inside of a Dog – What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz. “Containing up-to-the minute research and providing many moments of dog-behavior recognition, this lively and absorbing book helps dog owners to see their best friend’s behavior in a different and revealing light.”There is also a kids’ version. |
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The Whole Dog Journal This monthly magazine comes packed with positive training tips, product reviews, nutrition information, and alternative health care. Subscriptions, back issues and individual articles at www.whole-dog-journal.com |
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Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog by Linda Case. Canine science: What we really know about dogs and their behavior. | |
| Bow Wow Dog Training Videos and DVDs. Does your dog need to learn manners and impulse control? The very popular Bow Wow dog training video series by Virginia Broitman & Sherri Lippman now includes: Fido Refined, along with The How of Bow Wow, Take a Bow Wow and Bow Wow Take Two, and The Shape of Bow Wow: Shaping Behaviors and Adding Cues. These delightful videos use the training of fantastic tricks to demonstrate basic training methods. | ||
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The Power of Positive Dog Training, by Pat Miller Basic training information and schedule, to plan your own training for a great, well-mannered dog. Also available in audiobook format. (Book available at the SJ Library) |
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“Click-A-Trick” cards, by Karen Pryor Short “recipes” for training nine different tricks with the clicker and treats. Tricks include: Find the lost keys; come when called; sit and down on cue; greet you with a high five; fetch; play hide n’ seek, more. Fun way to start learning clicker training! |
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Click for Joy! by Melissa Alexander All your questions about Clicker Training, answered. |
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Raising Puppies and Kids, A Guide for Parents, by Pia Silvani and Lynn Eckhardt. and Living With Kids and Dogs… Without Losing Your Mind, by Colleen Pelar (also in ebook format) | |
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Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed, by Leslie McDevitt Does your dog have a hard time focusing on you around distractions? Is he easily-aroused and hard to settle down? Does he seem to have “ADD”? These concepts and techniques will support you in teaching your dog life skills and coping skills so that he is comfortable in the world, building relationships, empowering your dog, and creating a two-way system of communication between you and your dog. The earlier version, Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog, was written specifically for people who want to compete in agility, but anyone with this sort of dog would benefit from the exercises so clearly described in this book. |
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Positive Puppy Training Works, by Joel Walton Positive dog-friendly training techniques for raising a puppy. Also in ebook format. |
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The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson |
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The New Click to Calm: Solutions for All Dogs in a Challenging World, by Emma Parsons. Another guide to reducing dog aggressive behavior through positive reinforcement. | |
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Chill Out Fido! How to Calm Your Dog, by Nan Arthur. Includes Nan’s Relaxation Conditioning exercise. | |
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Dog Behavior Problem Solver, by Teoti Anderson. A recommended “resource for do-it-yourself problem solving. Teoti suggests positive solutions for dealing with the most common problems and gives great advice about when to consult a professional trainer.” |
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Plenty In Life Is Free – Reflections On Dogs, Training and Finding Grace, by Kathy Sdao. Instead of worrying about “rank” and “hierarchy”, or demanding a strict trade of performance for rewards, consider this introduction to SMART – See, Mark And Reward Training. |
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Bones Would Rain From the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs, by Suzanne Clothier. Loving, sometimes reverent essays about how dogs behave and the barriers – and doorways – to our understanding of them |
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| Positive Training For Show Dogs, by Vicki Ronchette Bringing positive, humane training techniques to the breed conformation ring. |
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When Pigs Fly by Jane Killion “Do you have an impossible dog? Does your dog come when called, heel properly when you go for a walk, and sit quietly when you ask him to? If your answer is a resounding “No!” then you may think you have an impossible dog. But think again! Most kinds of dogs that people have trouble training (typically Hounds, Terriers, and some Northern Breeds) actually have many characteristics that make them quite trainable—they are smart, are good problem solvers, and have strong drives to get what they want. The key to training success with these dogs is to figure out what they find rewarding and then use those rewards to get the behavior you want. You’ll be amazed at what your “bad” dog will do when you know how he thinks and what turns him on!” |
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Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out, by Laura VanArendonk Baugh The title says it all! This book is written very clearly and sensibly and lays out an easy-to-follow training plan. It doesn’t try to problem-solve every contingency, but as a basic book I love it. I wish I could just put it in the hands of a number of clients and have them read it then I’d hardly even need to show up! |
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The Cautious Canine, by Dr. Patricia McConnell Do you have a shy dog, or one who “doesn’t like some people” (or places, or other dogs, or events)? This wonderful book explains the importance of good socialization and gives clear step-by-step instructions on how to overcome shyness or fearfulness in your dog. |
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I’ll Be Home Soon, by Dr. Patricia McConnell Does your dog panic when you leave? If you come home to a scene of destruction, angry messages from your neighbors about howling or barking, and an upset dog, this book on treating separation anxiety will help you! (Also in ebook format) and Treating Separation in Dogs, by Malena DeMartini-Price – This book has become the new standard for dog professionals. |
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The Feisty Fido – Help for the Leash-Aggressive Dog, by Dr. Patricia McConnell “If you have a dog who is barking and lunging at other dogs while on leash, you are not alone. It’s a very common behavior problem, even if the same dog gets along well with others OFF leash. It is also a problem with a high rate of successful treatment. What you can get from this booklet is the ability to leash-walk your dog around others, whether it’s down the sidewalk or at the vet clinic, knowing that your dog will walk politely by another dog, rather than causing a scene. Methods are totally positive reinforcement.” Also available in ebook format. |
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Mine! A Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs, by Jean Donaldson If your dog gets growly over items in his possession – whether it’s a bone, your shoe, your bed, or yourself – this booklet is what you need. Also available in ebook format. |
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Fight! A Practical Guide to the treatment Dog-Dog Aggression, by Jean Donaldson andFeisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Aggressive Dog, by Patricia McConnell & Karen London If your dog bullies other dogs, or becomes fearful, defensive or snappy when other dogs approach, read these booklets to help you understand and prepare for a behavior modification program. Fight! in ebook format | Feisty Fido in ebook format. |
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The Bark Stops Here, by Terry Ryan and Barking by Turid Rugaas Dogs bark for a number of reasons, and this book will explain them all and help you control barking of all types. |
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How to be the Leader of the Pack, by Dr. Patricia McConnell, Is it your dog who decides when he’s walked, where he goes, and when he wants attention from you? Not sure who in your household is calling the shots? Have a control (or “dominance”) problem? These two little booklets will put you in charge of the household decision making, without resorting to violence, relying on physical strength, or risking a bite! |
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| Feeling Outnumbered? How to manage and enjoy a multi-dog household, by Karen London and Dr. Patricia McConnell. Use positive reinforcement methods to teach your dogs to be polite with each other as well as with you. Includes information on introducing new dogs to the household. |
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Living With Kids and Dogs… Without Losing Your Mind, by Colleen Pelar Doesn’t the title say it all? From preparing your dog for a new family member, to introducing a new puppy to your kids, this book covers all the main considerations for living with children and dogs together. |
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| Remember Me? By Eileen Anderson From Dogwise: “Remember Me? is a guidebook for owners of dogs who are losing their mental faculties as they age, and the story of a dog and owner who retained their bond through this most difficult situation. If you have an aging dog, Remember Me? will give you the information you need to weather the difficult condition and give your dog the most fulfilling life possible.” |
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What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love and Marriage, by Amy Sutherland A fascinating story about how a journalist researching clicker training applied the methods to her relationships with her husband, mother and friends. While your first thought might be “manipulation!” you might be surprised! |
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Clicker Training for Obedience, by Morgan Spector Using clicker training to achieve competition-style obedience training |
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Positive Training For Show Dogs, by Vicki Ronchette “The first book to focus on how to work with your show dog as your partner to get outstanding results in the ring by using positive reinforcement methods including clicker training and lure/reward methods. Written by a dog show person for dog show people!” |
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Dogs Are From Neptune, by Jean Donaldson Aggression, stealing things off the counter, barking, housebreaking problems, not coming when called, fearfulness – these are just some of the many topics addressed in Jean Donaldson’s book and CD-ROM, where real dog owners’ questions are answered in clear, easy-to-follow text. Also available in ebook format. |
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| Teaching Dogs Magazine edited Kay Laurence This bi-monthly magazine is filled with articles from expert clicker trainers from all over the world. “The magazine is a fascinating blend of information and discussion regarding the technology of clicker training, positive dog and puppy management, the art of canine sports from obedience to freestyle to show dog, shelter work, rescue and military. This is a feast for anyone interested in better communication with and understanding of the dogs in their lives.” |
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Shaper, by Jessie Haas. This is a “young adult” fiction book about a 14-year-old boy who meets a new neighbor, a dog trainer who hires him to help him develop a way of teaching clicker training. Along the way young Chad learns to enjoy the dog his family bought him after his beloved Shep was killed by a car, and to appreciate his family as well. An enjoyable book that will also help you (or your family members) understand the way that training works. |
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“Dragons, Unicorns, Chimeras, and Clickers: How To Train Your Fantastic Beasts” by Laura VanArendonk Baugh.
A fun introduction for kids to clicker training through a visit to a fantastical zoo. Age Range: 6 – 12 years; Grade Level: 1 – 6 |
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| “Dog-friendly Gardens and Garden-Friendly Dogs” by Cheryl Smith. If you’re interested in advice on how to keep your garden so it’s more dog-friendly (and dog-safe and dog-proof), as well as ways to help the puppy be a better guest in your garden, I recommend this book! Also available in ebook format. |
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Excellent books, videos and more available through Dogwise.com
Recommended Training Aids
| Quick-draw treat bag – snaps open with one quick motion, and can shut even more easily. For ordering this and other items online, visit SitStay GoOut Store! |
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| Carry treats in this convenient bag from Doggone Good. This bag can clip to your belt or leash. It even has a special pocket just for your clicker, so you can keep it handy for any training situation. |
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| Canine Comfort Zone, the “plug-in” device that helps calm down anxious, worried, or hyper dogs. Comfort Zone can be used to reduce or stops stress-related behavior including barking, whimpering and whining, chewing, urination and defecation. Use it for dogs who are stressed when home alone, when guests visit, when your lifestyle changes (moving, adding a family member); or for dogs who vent their excess energy in destructiveness. It is odorless and non-toxic, not a drug or tranquilizer, and does not affect humans. |
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| Coming Soon! Clicker Ring – easily wear your clicker for on-the-go training ease! See ClickerPlus.com | |
| Extra clickers | |
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| Gentle Leaders Do you have a problem controlling your dog on leash? Does your dog pull, lunge, and drag you down the street? While teaching your dog to walk politely with positive reinforcement, use a Gentle Leader head halter to save your arms and improve your relationship! The Gentle Leader works like the halter on a horse and puts all the pulling power on the dog’s nose, rather than their necks, which puts you in control. |
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Miscellaneous items
| KongTime, the automatic Kong-dispenser to keep your dog happily occupied while you’re away! VisitProActive Pet Products and be sure to use the special Wag’N’Train discount code: 0295-OAXD |  |
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| Designer dog crates from Dog Crates Online. |  |
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| Agility 5-piece starter set from ClickerTraining.com, other clicker training gear from the Karen Pryor Clicker Gear Store |
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| The Wiz Dog system creates an indoor potty area that prevents your dog from tracking urine through your house or shredding pee pads or paper |
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Training Other Species
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| Clicking with Your Rabbit eBook | |
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| TAGteach Dance CD-ROM Set – teaching humans to dance, using “TAG Teach” | |
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| You Don’t Say!, the training game for humans | |
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| Teaching Empathy – a book and accompanying CD describing an innovative intervention approach to Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs for Children and Families Exposed to Violence, and how it transforms family dynamics. | |
More supplies found at:
Schaussi’s Alpen Schatz, bringing unique handcrafted doggie accessories, such as Alpine Dog collars, sturdy European leashes, and much more to the Bay Area
SitStay GoOut Store, great items, fantastic customer service!
Dogwise – “all things dog” – mostly books and videos!
In The Company of Dogs – boutique items for upper class dogs!
Vallee Pet Training’s DogSupplies.Com.
NK Concepts, Dog Supply Training Specialist, in Quebec, Canada.
Take a Bow…Wow! video homepage. These great videos show you how to train fun and useful tricks. They’re fun and charming, and highly recommended! A new compilation of the Bow…Wow! videos is available here – repackaged to better explain basics and some advanced concepts of clicker training.
Ruff Rider canine vehicle restraint multi-use harness and doggy seat belts.
GoToob for soft food treats – baby food, yogurt, etc.
updated July 16 2024