books & dvd's

PUPPY PRIMER, 2ND EDITION - Patricia McConnell

Trainer favorite! Engaging, humorous and easy to follow, the updated Puppy Primer is packed with positive reinforcement tips and tricks, special topics and more. This updated and expanded version of our best-selling Puppy Primer is used by thousands of trainers across the U.S. New dog owners love it because it provides clear and concise information that makes training effective and fun. It's tone is upbeat and encouraging, yet it is chock full of even more useful information that every puppy owner needs.

WHEN PIGS FLY: TRAINING SUCCESS WITH IMPOSSIBLE DOGS - Jane Killion

Some breeds of dogs and mixes have a reputation as "impossible" to train. Hounds, terriers, and other breeds are often called pig-headed and even untrainable. Learn these "Pigs Fly" methods and take advantage of the natural strengths of these independent and intelligent dogs. Help your dog become a wonderful companion or a formidable canine athlete. Clicker and reward-based training that is fun to use. We recommend this great training resource for dogs of all breeds, not just those that have previously been labeled as difficult to train!

CHILL OUT FIDO! - Nan Arthur

Does your dog go bonkers when the doorbell rings or when you grab the leash to take him for a walk? Getting your dog to calm down and relax is one of the most common challenges pet parents face. This two-part book will help you first identify the factors that cause this kind of behavior in dogs, then it provides you with eleven key training exercises to teach your dog how to calm down, pay attention to you, relax, and respond to every day situations with confidence and composure.

HELP FOR YOUR FEARFUL DOG - Nicole Wilde, CPDT

This comprehensive guide to the treatment of canine anxiety, fears, and phobias is filled with information that is invaluable for trainers. Topics include causes and prevention, establishing a Firm Foundation program, body language, four essential skills to teach fearful dogs, desensitization and counterconditioning basics, behavior modification protocols to address 15 specific fears including those of people, other dogs, sounds, touch, nail-clipping, and being left alone, and quick tips and tricks. Chapters on nine complementary therapies (including pharmacological intervention), products, and their specific applications to fear issues. Chock full of photographs and illustrations and written in a down-to-earth, humorous style.

THE ONLY DOG TRICKS BOOK YOU'LL EVER NEED - Gerilyn Bielakiewicz

We agree!  Another great and affordable book from Ms. Bielakiewicz.  This little book is packed with great tips and techniques from basic obedience through advanced tricks.  Gives step-by-step instructions on how to condition a dog to the clicker, a fun and effective tool for teaching refined behaviors necessary for the best tricks. This is where Parker gets all his best tricks!

POWER OF POSITIVE DOG TRAINING - Pat Miller

Demonstrates how you can train your dog, have fun, and build a lasting relationship at the same time. Walk away from punishment-based training methods and learn how you can reward your dog to obtain and reinforce the behaviors you could only dream about achieving. When you apply the training methods in this book and follow the unique six-week training program, your dog will learn to think and to choose proper behavior. You and your dog can become an unbeatable team, capable of addressing any challenge you may encounter.

OUTWITTING DOGS - Terry Ryan

From world-renowned dog trainer Terry Ryan, with Kirsten Mortensen. Uses more brain than brawn to motivate dog behavior with positive training techniques and helps readers understand the minds of their canine friends. Focusing on problem solving and prevention with puppies as well as adult dogs, you'll find techniques to cure: the chronic chewer, the leash puller, the dog who jumps on people, the dog who hates to be left alone, the dog who won't come, the dog who barks too much, the biter, the aggressor, and more. You'll even learn how to outwit the neighbor's dog, socialize your puppy, teach your own dog tricks, outwit dogs and kids at the same time, and much more.

POSITIVE TRAINING FOR SHOW DOGS - Vicki Ronchette

Apply the latest scientific research on how dogs learn to the world of dog showing. Whether you are just getting started in the breed ring or are an experienced show dog handler, you will enjoy learning how to work with your dog as your partner. Get outstanding showing results by using positive reinforcement methods including clicker training and lure/reward methods. Written by a dog show person for dog show people!

VISITING THE DOG PARK: Having Fun, Staying Safe - Cheryl Smith

For most dogs, a visit to a dog park is a great experience filled with chances to interact with other dogs and get some exercise. But not all dogs (not to mention their owners) have a great experience every time. So what can you do increase the chance that going to the dog park will be safe and fun for your dog? This handy new book gives you detailed information so you can decide if your dog is ready for a dog park out, whether the design of the park makes for safe play, and teaches you simple things you can do to prepare for a great dog park experience.

THE LANGUAGE OF DOGS DVD  

What is your dog saying to you and to other dogs? How can you tell when play turns to aggression? How do dogs show friendliness, fear, or stress? This educational video features a presentation and extensive footage of a variety of breeds showing hundreds of examples of canine behavior and body language. Behaviorist Sarah Kalnajs teaches you how to read these signals so that you can develop a better understanding of what's really going on in the canine world. Perfect for dog owners or anyone who handles dogs or encounters them regularly while on the job. A 4Paws favorite and required viewing for our staff!

THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH - Patricia B. McConnell, PhD

When humans communicate with dogs, a lot can get lost in the translation. Focusing on human behavior, Dr. McConnell teaches readers how to retrain themselves to speak consistently in a language dogs understand and avoid sending conflicting and confusing messages. The new insights into human and dog interaction will forever alter and improve our relationship with our best friends. Combines true stories, scientific perspective and professional dog training tips.

CULTURE CLASH - Jean Donaldson

Understand the role of conditioning on a dog's intelligence & morality; predatory & social behavior; socialization, conflict resolution, fear & aggression; behavior problems & solutions. While not a "beginner's" book, this is a staple in the 4Paws University library and is a must-read for any dog owner seeking to improve their knowledge of dog training and behavior.

THE THINKING DOG - Gail Fisher

It is a joy to work with a dog who actively engages in the learning process—not blindly following orders—but actively problem-solving with you. Cooperation between human and dog will help you build a relationship that will surprise you in its depth and versatility and Thinking Dog is your roadmap! Great book for those wishing to unlearn the old methods and learn a new way to work with their dog!

PUPPY PRIMER, 2ND EDITION - Patricia McConnell

Trainer favorite! Engaging, humorous and easy to follow, the updated Puppy Primer is packed with positive reinforcement tips and tricks, special topics and more. This updated and expanded version of our best-selling Puppy Primer is used by thousands of trainers across the U.S. New dog owners love it because it provides clear and concise information that makes training effective and fun. It's tone is upbeat and encouraging, yet it is chock full of even more useful information that every puppy owner needs.

SUCCESSFUL DOG ADOPTION - Sue Sternberg

Gentle, expert guidance on how to find and adopt an exceptional canine companion. Helps potential adopters examine their reasons for adopting a dog and translates those reasons into what to look for in a particular animal. Explains the difference between canine behavior and temperament, the impact of temperament on the canine-human bond, and its importance in successful adoptions. Shows how the reader can work with shelter personnel to ensure that they have temperament-tested the potential adoptee appropriately. Learn about basic behavioral assessment and get up to speed in basic training, with special attention given to distinctions between temperament types.

DO OVER DOGS - Pat Miller

What exactly is a Do-Over Dog? It might be a shelter dog you’re working with to help her become more adoptable. Perhaps it’s the dog you’ve adopted, rescued, or even found running stray who is now yours to live with and love…forever. Or it could be the dog you’ve lived with for years but you realize he still has “issues” that make him a challenging canine companion. A Do-Over Dog is any dog that you think needs—make that deserves—a second chance in life.