EDITOR ' S REVIEW | BOOKS , DVDs AND MORE puppy parents , and the information is relevant for adult dog owners as well .”
• Training Levels : Steps to Success by Sue Ailsby . “ Simple , straightforward training and easy to follow writing style .... Training is about effective communication and Ailsby is a master at communicating with dogs and people in ways both can understand . She breaks down the finished product ( behavior ) into small , achievable steps — lays a foundation for behavior and builds on the successes laid in that foundation .... If you only buy one dog training book it should be this one .”
• The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training : Puppy Training to Advanced Techniques by Teoti Anderson . “ This book covers all the basics with a solid foundation of how to get started and avoid issues while training . All using positive methods !”
• The Whole Dog Journal Handbook of Dog & Puppy Care and Training edited by Nancy Kearns . “ It is well researched with contributions by well-known and well-respected experts in their fields . The book is full of sensible , science -based , force free training and care advice . It is well written and has clear helpful pictures .”
Top Trainer-Recommended Books for Dog Trainers ( in alphabetical order )
• Animal Training : Successful Animal Management Through Positive Reinforcement by Ken Ramirez . “ Ken Ramirez consistently applies a relatable way of teaching training concepts that are easy to understand and then puts them into practice . The ease in which he uses analogies and metaphors coupled with citations from colleagues makes his book a must-have for professional trainers and animal caregivers .”
• Coaching People to Train Their Dogs by Terry Ryan . “ This book is a super book for new and experienced trainers . The training is force-free and it covers all you can think of needing as a trainer including setting up your business , people skills and class organization . It is well-organized and well-written with good photos and illustrations . I have recommended this book for many years .”
“ This book is a must-read for any dog trainer or aspiring dog trainer . From learning theory to lesson planning , how to run a training business and more . The people skills section and classroom management ideas are very beneficial .”
• Control Unleashed : Reactive To Relaxed by Leslie McDevitt . “ It puts so much emphasis on creating a dialogue with the dog and provides simple pattern games that are easy to teach clients .”
• The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson . “ As for trainers , my favorites are more about a general perspective about dogs and our lives with them rather than specific training techniques .”
“ Every trainer , groomer , etc ., will develop techniques for training that synthesize the techniques of their various mentors , but [ Donaldson ] provides a perspective that allows us to , to use her word , ‘ unpack ’ dog behavior and think logically about what we ’ re doing . [ Donaldson ] at once de-anthropomorphizes dogs and celebrates them for being exactly what they are , and forces readers to leave their own baggage out of training . The Culture Clash isn ’ t an instruction manual as many dog training books attempt to be ; it ’ s an essay arguing for clarity of thought and clarity of communication - two things of which she herself is absolutely the master .”
“ This one is a classic and one of the first dog training books I read . It had such a strong impact that built the foundation of my work : always considering things from the dog ’ s perspective and using humane , science-based training methods .”
• Dog Sense : How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet by John Bradshaw . “[ Bradshaw ] does a beautiful job exploring the evolution of dogs from wolves and earlier canine ancestors , as well as critiquing out of date theories of behavior and punishment / dominance-based training techniques . Training professionals are well served being informed about these topics .”
• Domestic Dog Cognition and Behavior : The Scientific Study of Canis Familiaris edited by Alexandra Horowitz . “ Horowitz has compiled a wealth of dog cognition and behavior studies from leading researchers from around the world . Any trainer
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Winter 2021 53