Martina's Recommended Books List

The Amazon.com prices and shipping times below were current as of October 25, 2003. Martina Contreras makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy of shipping times, prices, or availability.

The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs
Patricia B. McConnell; Paperback; Usually ships within 24 hours; Buy New: $11.16
Both "The Other End..." and McConnell's "How to be the Leader" (below) are very easy reads, both light-hearted and educational! McConnell is both a dog trainer and an applied animal behaviorist. This book explores how dogs interpret human behavior, and how you can use that to help train your dog.
  Buy it now from Amazon.com

How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You For It.
Patricia B. McConnell; Paperback; Usually ships within 24 hours; Buy New: $3.95
Learn how to be your dog's leader in a fun, kind, non-frightening way. This 12-page booklet provides practical exercises.
  Buy it now from Amazon.com

Culture Clash
Jean Donaldson; Paperback; Usually ships within 24 hours; Buy New: $14.36
Martina describes this as "a no-nonsense approach to human/dog relationships." Her approach to dog training begins with understanding that dogs aren't just furry little people, they're a whole different species!
  Buy it now from Amazon.com

Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs
Also recommended but not listed at Amazon.
Information to help you identify and treat "resource guarding"-- dogs that become aggressive toward people or other animals around food, toys, or other valued objects.

The Power of Positive Dog Training
Pat Miller; Paperback; Usually ships within 24 hours; Buy New: $13.29
Pat Miller is another of Martina's favorite trainers and authors. This book contains training illustrations and a six-week program, complete with a diary to track progress.
  Buy it now from Amazon.com

Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog
Pat B. Miller; Paperback; Usually ships within 2 to 3 days; Buy New: $13.27
Manage your dog's behavior and prevent problems before they happen. Pat discusses clicker training, obedience, and common dog behavior problems (aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, etc.). Plus she tells you about "one toy no doggie household should be without."
  Buy it now from Amazon.com

Positive Puppy Training Works
Joel Walton; Paperback; Usually ships within 24 hours; Buy New: $11.66
According to Ian Dunbar (see his book below), "If you have or are thinking about getting a puppy, buying this book is the smartest thing you can do." A great resource for new puppy parents.
  Buy it now from Amazon.com

How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks
Ian Dunbar; Paperback; Usually ships within 24 hours; Buy New: $14.36
Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian and founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. This highly acclaimed book provides practical, positive training information for both puppies and older dogs just starting obedience work.
  Buy it now from Amazon.com

Think Dog! An Owner's Guide to Canine Psychology
John Fisher; Paperback; Usually ships within 24 hours; Buy New: $11.16
Starting from dogs' origins in the wolf pack, John Fisher explains your dog's perspective on the world. Contains detailed information on different training style, canine diets, and common dog issues.
  Buy it now from Amazon.com