Nika
puppy
Posts: 19
|
Post by Nika on Sept 3, 2004 20:23:41 GMT -5
Hi all, I'm new to the board, and as I mentioned in another thread, am looking to get an adult rescue or shelter dog in a few months. In the meantime, I'm reading up and preparing as much as possible, and am hoping for some "essential reading" recommendations. I hope I've chosen the right forum, even though this isn't really a review... So far on my nightstand I have: Canine Good Citizen - Every Dog Can Be One Second-Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours into a First-Rate Pet Good Owners, Great Dogs Happy Dog-How Busy People Care for Their Dogs I'm sure it will take me awhile to get through these, but I'm interested in the favorites of more experienced dog owners, and especially books that address adopting and training adult dogs. Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by Brooke on Sept 3, 2004 21:07:58 GMT -5
I'm going through a more "behavioral" reading phase than training reading lately. I'm on about 3 books with not a lot of time so I'll tell you about the one I've read the most on for now.
I'm in the process of reading "If A Dog's Prayers Were Answered, Bones Would Rain from the Sky. " by Susan Clothier
It's about deepening our relationships with dogs.
This book I think is pretty good. At first I thought it was going to be a bit of a story type book but after the first or second chapter it goes more into opening up a relationship with your dog and touches just a teeny bit on training and more understanding behavior a little.
I really liked chapter 4. She goes into how focused some people are about predictability in what a dog will do in every situtation based on behavior
The thing that opened me up to this book was this chapter. That there is not one recipe in training for all dogs. She brings a little more...reality or clarity into the fact that they are living creatures with free will and while there are things that dogs will do in normal behavior they are not all hard wired the same way as some believe. At least thats what I took from it.
That if you want a dog that doesn't chew, doesn't have behavior problems or shed you should get a stuffed animal.
It's opinionitive yet, soft. Classic purely positive but you can learn a lot from this book. Her methods are a bit different from mine and I don't agree with some of her opinions on other methods aside from hers but I think it's good reading.
|
|
|
Post by Nicole on Sept 4, 2004 10:55:53 GMT -5
I'm in the process of reading "If A Dog's Prayers Were Answered, Bones Would Rain from the Sky. " by Susan Clothier I have been reading this book now for two years and I cannot get past the halfway point. It is a very good book but she gets so deep into her life and emotions outside of dogs and goes off on these tangents that I just can't go on. What I have read has changed the way I view my dog to some extent but she never tells you how she does what she does or what her method is unless that id somewhere in part two. For example someone is having a problem with their dog acting badly on a leash. Susan takes the leash walks slowly with the dog for a few seconds and connects with the dog on some metaphysic level and in a few minutes the dog is walking nicely with her. I just can't swallow some of that deep stuff!!
|
|
|
Post by amyjo on Sept 4, 2004 11:16:22 GMT -5
The first dog book I ever read (and still my all time favorite) is "How to be Your Dog's Best Friend" by the Monks of New Skete. The new version has gotten rid of the controversial "Alpha Roll"...It is a book really grounded in common sense and balanced techniques.
|
|
|
Post by Brooke on Sept 4, 2004 14:10:12 GMT -5
What I have read has changed the way I view my dog to some extent but she never tells you how she does what she does or what her method is unless that id somewhere in part two. For example someone is having a problem with their dog acting badly on a leash. Susan takes the leash walks slowly with the dog for a few seconds and connects with the dog on some metaphysic level and in a few minutes the dog is walking nicely with her. I just can't swallow some of that deep stuff!! I knew I should have put this book in it's own thread instead of here. I was going to wait to post about it till I was done reading but I actually have enjoyed the book since the 4th chapter. It's not the best book to suggest. Especially for what you are looking for Nika. I am still reading and haven't gotten through too many chapters yet. I'm only up to 7 out of 20. I know exactly what you are talking about though Nicki. I totally get that too. This book does seem more of a personal pat on the back than actually...helpful now that I think about it. While there are things that I like...that it emphasize patience so much. There are things that disappoint me on it. I almost put it down. But I have gained things from it. The "we gazed into eachothers eyes and immediately the dog was trained" kind of thing...is a bit irritating. But after reading for awhile I think it does get a little bit better. She downs pinch collars and e-collars but hasn't had any personal experience with them. She bases her opinion off of someone elses bad experience and she wasn't there. She is as purely positive as it gets. That alone can be hard to swallow. All in all it has it's bad points but...it has it's good points too. Anyway... I'm just going to shut up now because I haven't supported much of my initial opinion here which doesn't make sense. I'll finish it before I go on.
|
|
|
Post by FourPawsTwoFeet on Sept 4, 2004 14:33:04 GMT -5
Brooke, I read Bones a long time ago (started re-reading yesterday after you mentioned the book, but am only on page 45 right now) and don't remember her writing about prong collars or training equipment. Any chance you know where that is? From her other articles it does not seem like she is at all a purely positive trainer. Maybe I am missing something? www.flyingdogpress.com/artlibreg.htm
|
|
|
Post by Iluvmypup on Sept 4, 2004 15:13:11 GMT -5
I enjoyed these books: Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson---a little deeper then some owners would appreciate, but its a very good book, and I HIGHLY recommend it. The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller---AWESOME book...even if you don't agree with her reason for no longer using a prong collar, you'll still learn a lot in this book. The training is broken down into 6 weeks, but it will take longer, or shorter depending on your dog. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! The Well Mannered Dog---This was an OK book, and doesn't get 'deep' at all. Some methods I don't agree with, just because they seem 'too simple' if that makes any sense. ;D But really, its a great book for new dog owners, and anyone else who would like to have some tips to make their dog better behaved. I know there are some others I love, but I can't seem to remember. Overall, the best thing you could do would be to enter your dog into an adult dog training class. Its a lot of fun, and is a great way to socialize your dog while having a trainer there for one-on-one questions and answers. Plus, you can help other dog owners out, while they may be able to help you out as well.
|
|
|
Post by Brooke on Sept 4, 2004 15:15:16 GMT -5
She actually begins to talk about it on page 46... you're close... ;D "A dog may be motivated pleasurably or through pain, fear and deprivation. Pain is delivered in any number of ways: collar "corrections," remote-control shock collars and of course the human hand. Fear is another great motivator, and it is possible to make a dog more afraid of one thing than another." I stand corrected though. Thank you for the link. It's funny how her book (so far) is completely different from what she convey's in this website I'm a bit confused.
|
|
|
Post by FourPawsTwoFeet on Sept 4, 2004 15:29:22 GMT -5
Well, at least I'm close ;D It's good that I haven't already past it and not noticed though, then I'd have to re-re-read, which would be a little bit pathetic on my part. Thanks
|
|
|
Post by Aussienot on Sept 4, 2004 17:58:06 GMT -5
I've always said I wanted a Robo dog, never knew such a training tool actually existed. Maybe it's time to trade up from the Dogtra, since Finn still enjoys his training so much.
I ordered this book last night, with shipping and customs I expect to see it about Christmas time.
Back on topic now:
For an all purpose general training book, I am impressed by 'Dog Training For Dummies' (Jack and Wendy Volhard).
Very well grounded common sense. Motivatinal but not purely positive. There's nothing specific about adopting, but there are Chapters on Setting the Stage for Training (select a training model, be consistant, establish trust) and Understanding Your Dogs Mind (Behaviors, drives, personality, using drives) that apply to adult dogs rather than puppies.
|
|
Nika
puppy
Posts: 19
|
Post by Nika on Sept 4, 2004 22:15:57 GMT -5
Thanks, I will look into those! I think I'll wait on Bones, since I'm looking more at nuts-and-bolts type books right now. I've definitely been interested in the Monks of New Skete books, since they've always come highly recommended. I guess I should look for a health and nutrition book, too. I read Second Hand Dog in its entirety last night, and thought it was a good primer. It's a quick read, and at least a jumping off point for people who aren't likely to read a lengthy tome, much less several, about their new dog. Because of its length (only about 80 pages), it didn't go into problem behavior too much, but did stress regaining control of unruly dogs, and becoming their alpha, but was also very compassionate towards rescue dogs. I'm on to Happy Dogs now, so it'll probably be done by the end of the weekend, if I don't do too much of this: Have I mentioned I love this board's smilies?
|
|
|
Post by FourPawsTwoFeet on Dec 29, 2004 23:25:41 GMT -5
Sorry to be bringing up an old thread, but I wanted to thank amyjo for recommending the Monks of New Skete book. I got a copy from Barnes and Noble today and after reading through the section on praise I'm completely amazed. I know, the book also says it's a good idea to read the book cover to cover before starting anything but just that section completely changed the way I see and use praise. On our walk tonight I was shocked to see Cooper actually working for it. His tail was wagging and he was staring at me in hopes that he might hear a few happy words and get a pat. I've never seen him that happy to receive verbal praise and just our one walk tonight made the entire book completely worthwhile. Thank you
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Dec 30, 2004 11:56:31 GMT -5
Back in '02 we never gave treats to "reward" our dogs for doing what was right, as they do today. We always used verbal praise only. I have also used a combination of verbal praise and treats, but I have to say, that the dogs we trained with just praise and not treats were always better trained and happier workers. Dogs love to hear approval in their people's voice! That's why I liked Pat McConnell's t.v. program and seminars. Although she is a positive trainer in one sense, I have seen her use correction too, and she also uses verbal praise lavishly, which I think is sorely lacking today with most positive trainers. They are more focused on clicking and treating, then giving verbal praise, which dogs love and will work their hearts out for.
|
|
|
Post by Kona on Dec 30, 2004 13:22:33 GMT -5
I think it's time for me to re-read the Monks of New Skete. I read it back when I was first working with dogs, and I got so much great information from it, stuff I've used ever since. But now that I've had a few hundred dogs at the end of my lead, I'm ready to read it with a new perspective. Sadly, my wish list at Amazon is already over $300. Maybe I'll bump it to the top of my list.
|
|
|
Post by Willow on Dec 31, 2004 13:31:49 GMT -5
...that reminds me. I have been meaning to go find my copy and re-read it too! ;D
|
|