Suggested guides for training your pup
By Carolyn Tremblay
Research Librarian, Dover Public Library
Summer is a wonderful time of year to get a puppy. People often have more time to spend with their new family member, and the weather is enjoyable so spending more time outside is a pleasure. If you haven’t raised a puppy before, or need a refresher, the library has many books to help you out.
An excellent book to begin with is "Off to a Good Start: a manual for raising your new puppy," by local author Mary Thompson. The book provides positive training techniques that are easy to use. It also covers food, safe toys, grooming, housetraining, basic equipment, crate training, obedience and health.
The library has many books as well as a videotape by internationally acclaimed vet, behaviorist and trainer Dr. Ian Dunbar. Start off with "Before You Get Your Puppy" and "After You Get Your Puppy," which discuss how to select a puppy, and lessons a puppy needs to learn during critical stages of its development.
"How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks: Sirius puppy training," leads new and experienced owners through dog-friendly techniques for teaching a new puppy old tricks (such as basic manners), or for teaching an older dog that is new to training. The book offers sections on basic off-leash obedience, temperament modification, behavior troubleshooting, training theory and health care. Dunbar’s methods are fun and easy, and effective. The training is mutually enjoyable, using toys, treats, lures and rewards. This is the definitive text for lure/reward training philosophy. The library also has the "Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Sirius Puppy Training" videotape. It’s loads of fun to watch, as well as being very helpful.
And finally, if you are adopting a puppy or an older dog from a shelter, there is a book written just for you; "Choosing and Caring for a Shelter Dog," by Bob Christiansen. It covers some of the special issues that may be faced by a previously owned dog, as well as instructions on how to evaluate temperament, prevent problems, and care for your new friend.
Reproduced with permission of Dover Public Library |