Would you like to have a deeper understanding of your animal, their behaviour and perhaps your own?

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know – Alexandra Horowitz

This book describes the sensory world of dogs, giving an insight into how dogs see the world, each other and humans.

Interestingly, most dogs eyes are situated more laterally on their heads than ours, giving a 260 degree panoramic view of their environment. This explains why they do not see a toy right in front of their nose, but run off after a squirrel that you have only just seen. Unlike ourselves, vision plays an accessory role to olfaction (smell). Dogs are also much more attuned to body language than we are, as we rely on our use of complex speech.

Dog is Love – Dr Clive Wynne

Did you know that the heartbeats of dogs and their owners can beat in synchrony? Dr Clive Wynne explores their evolution from hunting companions, as well as the specific genetic mutations that make dogs so special. Through ground-breaking scientific experiments and eye-opening historical evidence, canine behavioural psychologist Dr Clive Wynne unlocks the secret to our unique bond with dogs.

Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behaviour & Evolution – Raymond Coppinger, Lorna Coppinger

A very convincing theory of dog evolution. This book suggests that dogs initially self domesticated themselves when man started living in settlements, scavenging off their waste, which they still do in many parts of the world. Interestingly dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, while wolves have become smaller since the last ice age, dogs have evolved enormously to suit their wide range of environments. Highly recommended read, giving an insight into understanding our canine friends.

Love Is All You Need – Jennifer Arnold

The revolutionary Bond-Based approach to educating your dog.

Jennifer Arnold is constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional thought through bond-based choice teaching which simplifies dog training. Dogs who know they are loved, feel safe enough to learn to make good choices for themselves and a desire to see the person they love happy. Dogs are naturally attuned to their owners’ needs and emotions and if owners are attuned in return, they truly become ‘man’s best friend’. Within this book Jennifer talks about how she uses this simple approach to educate service dogs and utilise their full potential way beyond what is imaginable.

Don’t Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training – Karen Pryor

…. or CAT!!

The secrets of using positive reinforcement to change behaviour in pets, children, even yourself, without yelling …. or shooting the dog!

Author Karen Pryor talks about her experiences as a behavioural biologist. She has trained chickens, dolphins and zoo animals, just to name a few, all using the principles of training with positive reinforcement. Since this book was first published in 2002, positive reinforcement has really caught on in all walks of life. One of many books by Karen Pryor.