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Adopting a Rescue Dog

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Rescue Dog

Rescue DogCongrats! There is nothing like the feeling of bringing home a rescue dog even if you’re fostering or he’s found his forever home. 🙂

While most rescue dogs have a past, they can still learn quickly so it’s vital to be prepared. It’s time to prepare for your new arrival. Read the best dog training books for rescue dogs!

Read Before Adopting a Rescue Dog

“Successful Dog Adoption”
by Sue Sternberg

It’s so important to be paired with a dog that will fit right into your home. All dogs are individuals, just like people, so learn which dog personality fits best with your lifestyle. Trust me, I’ve seen dogs mismatched with their owners in the past. I’ve watched high energy dogs paired with sedentary family members, which is not fair to the family or the dog. High energy dogs would love a running buddy so finding a highly active home would be a match made in heaven!

Now, most adopter coordinators are pretty skilled at pairing personalities, but I’ve also seen some major blunders. Reading this book before beginning the adoption process will help narrow down which personality fits your home best. Then, you’ll learn how to locate this personality among other rescue dogs, which is the hard part.

Put the time into research now. One study has shown people put more time into researching the best DVR than a dog, which is a living entity. Bring this book with you to the shelter and reference as needed.

Best Dog Training Books

“When Pigs Fly – Training Success with Impossible Dogs”
by Jane Killion
&
“On Talking Terms with Dogs – Calming Signals (2nd Edition)”
by Turid Rugaas

“When Pigs Fly” is beautifully written with lots of tips and tricks for dogs with a past. You’ll learn how to teach your rescue dog polite behaviors using positive reinforcement and how to laugh at mistakes. This is probably one of my favorite books!

I still recommend enrolling in a dog training group class, especially within two weeks of bringing your rescue home. Group class provides plenty of learning moments with a professional dog trainer. Plus, you and your dog will develop a deeper bond as you’re both working as a team.

Prepare for a 90-day transition for your rescue dog to decompress and learn your lifestyle. You’re learning about your rescue dog’s needs and personality, making “On Talking Terms with Dogs” invaluable. Many clients have said, “If only dogs could talk.” Well this book is as close as you can get! You’ll learn what your dog is trying to tell you and how to ensure he is comfortable. Think of this book as a translator. 🙂

Best Book on Socialization

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Sue Sternberg is one of the best at interpreting dog body language, and this book explains dog to dog interactions in easy-to-read terms. Lately, I’ve noticed a huge upswing of pet parents assuming socialization means their dogs must meet other dogs. Trust me, that is not true. You will not be a bad pet parent if you don’t allow your dog to meet every dog within a 50-mile radius. That is taking socialization to the extreme. Extreme socialization is the #1 reason for dog aggression.

So what should you do if someone else walks over with his rude dog to meet your dog? Stop, stand between the dog and your dog, turn and walk the other way. As you turn away, say, “Sorry, we’re training right now,” so no one’s feeling are hurt. 🙂

It’s your turn. What dog training books do you recommend for rescue dogs?

READ ALSO: Best Dog Training Books

New Puppy

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Puppy Training Books
Read only the best dog training books for new puppies!

Puppy Training Books

New puppy pet parents must have the best dog training books for new puppies!

Time is limited, especially if you work and have a new puppy. Sprinkle in children, and basically there is no time left! So I have two puppy book recommendations and both are packed with really good information and tips.

Of course, it’s vital to enroll your puppy in a group class. Having really good books to reference when questions pop up is pretty nice too! I recommend both books to pet parents enrolled in my group classes, as both books are invaluable.

I’m pretty picky about dog training books and I only recommend the very best so both are Fanna-approved. 🙂

Must Have New Puppy Book

“Puppy Start Right – Foundation Training for the Companion Dog”
by Dr. Kenneth Martin and Debbie Martin

Dr. Kenneth Martin is a veterinarian and board certified in animal behavior. Debbie Martin is his wife and a certified vet technician with a strong background in animal behavior as well. These two are a dynamic duo in animal behavior and solve tough behavior cases daily within their practice.

Dr. and Mrs. Martin strongly encourage enrolling your puppy in a group class, as socialization funnel is open until 16 weeks of age. In their book, you’ll learn how to positively socialize your puppy, predict and solve normal puppy behaviors, puppy development, understanding body language, and how to use a clicker to teach behaviors. Each behavior is explained step-by-step with photos for further explanation.

This book is considered one of the best dog training books out there and I completely agree!

Highly Recommended Reading

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Sue Sternberg is one of the best at interpreting dog body language, and this books explains dog to dog interactions in easy-to-read terms. Lately, I’ve noticed a huge upswing of pet parents assuming socialization means your puppy must meet other dogs, but that is not true. Learn about extreme socialization and its fallouts in my article here.

If someone does walk over to your puppy with his dog, make sure to stand between your puppy and the dog and walk away.

It’s your turn. What are the best dog training books for new puppies?

READ ALSO: Dogs and Children

Bully Breeds

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Top Dog Training Books

Best Dog Training BooksAre bully breeds different than other dogs? Yes and no. If you live with a bully breed, you must read these top dog training books written specifically for bully breeds. Once you read the first two pages, you’ll understand why these breeds do things differently than most dogs.

I’m blessed to live with two bully breeds, a mini Bull Terrier and Rottweiler, and I highly recommend these books and DVDs!

What is a Bully Breed?

In general, I’m not a fan of lumping specific dogs into groups. However, I’ve noticed bully breeds do things a bit different, which can get them in trouble. “Bully” means “bull,” which means certain breeds are descended from bull dogs. But not all bully breeds come from a bull dog — some just play like a bully breed and are extremely independent. 🙂 Usually, bully breeds:

  1. Have short coats
  2. Are moderately to heavily muscled
  3. Are bred to work independently (make their own decisions)
  4. Love to play using body slams (They play rough! Most dogs are completely offended by their rough play style.)
  5. Stare at new things, such as a dog, person or really, anything. (They don’t know staring is rude and they stare because they can. It’s that simple.)
  6. Have no personal space. When meeting dogs or people, they stand 1 cm away from the other dog (It’s like they did not get the memo that personal space is required.)

If your dog fits in 3-5 categories, then these books and DVDs will be eye-opening for you!

RELATED: Best Dog Training Books

Top Dog Training Book

“When Pigs Fly – Training Success with Impossible Dogs”
by Jane Killion
&
“Bully for You: What to Expect from Bullies and What They Need” DVDs
by Trish King

“When Pigs Fly” will explain how to teach bully breeds polite manners using positive reinforcement training. Plus, you’ll understand what your dog sees from his perspective. You will laugh out loud, as Jane provides examples of independent dogs doing their own things – this hits home. 🙂 Jane Killion lives with Bull Terriers, and this breed is a hoot! They’re like a two-year-old child wrapped in a fur suit, and oh can they play rough! Trust me, Stella Mae, my mini Bull Terrier, will get so close to someone, especially if he is new to her, that she will be literally pushing against his left nostril!

“Bully for You” is a two-part DVD set and worth its weight in gold. This is an excellent visual for pet parents. It demonstrates how to interrupt rough play and keep your bully breed calm (sub-threshold) as well as another view from your dog’s perspective. Also, you’ll learn how to teach your bully breed:

  • How to look away instead of staring
  • Provide personal space

Best Book on Dog Greeting

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Contrary to what many pet parents believe, socialization does not mean your dog must meet other dogs. In fact, forcing your dog to meet every dog within a 50-mile radius is taking socialization to the extreme. Sue Sternberg is a master in dog body language and explains what to do in dog to dog interactions.

Remember, bully breeds love to stare, get too close and play rough, which is considered rude to most dogs. Never allow your dog to act rudely to other dogs, as this will cause a fight! Your bully breed is acting friendly, and it’s not his fault another dog deems him rude and starts growling. It’s your job to teach your bully breed how to greet other dogs politely.

What are the best dog training books you recommend for bully breeds? Do you have a bully breed?

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Dogs and Children

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Books on Dogs with Children

Does your family consist of dogs and children? Are you expecting and want to prepare your pooch for the baby’s arrival? Maybe you have children who love dogs just as much as you. Well, I have four recommendations for the best dog training books pertaining to children!

Best Dog Training Books

Dog Bite Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show:

  • Children are at a higher risk of being bitten by a dog than adults.
  • Boys between 5- to 9-years-old are bitten more often than girls.
  • The more dogs in your home, the higher risk of dog bites.

Now that I’ve gotten your attention, do know, I’m super picky about dog training books. They must use positive reinforcement training methods, provide real advice and be easy to read.

Sharing your Home with Children and Dogs

“Kids and Dogs – A Professional’s Guide to Helping Families”
by Colleen Pelar

Wow! This book is written for parents with children or soon-to-be parents wanting to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Many people believe dogs and children go together like peanut butter and jelly, but this is far from the truth. “Kids and Dogs” contains really good information to ensure harmony between dogs and children. Besides, all family members need to take a course on speaking dog, which this book will explain. By understanding dog body language, this will prevent dog bites and keep everyone safe and happy. I’ve witnessed every scenario described in this book. Don’t be a statistic. 🙂

Best Dog Training Books Written for Children

Children are little sponges so I could not resist including books written to protect dogs and children.

All these books are written for different age groups and provide invaluable information on proper ways to greet dogs, such as always asking, “Can I pet your dog” first. Each of these gems are packed with colorful illustrations and make great birthday or Christmas presents. 🙂

“Good Dog! Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training”
by Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie

For ages 8 and up

“Good Dog!” is a must for all children (Don’t forget teenagers too!). Not only is dog body language discussed, but also readers are taught how to teach dogs polite manners. Yes, children are excellent trainers. They’re less inhibited and can teach a new behavior within minutes!

“How to Greet a Dog and What to Avoid”
by Dr. Sophia Yin

For ages 10 and older

“Don’t Lick the Dog – Making Friends with Dogs”
by Wendy Wahman

For ages 3 to 8

VIDEO: Don’t Lick the Dog – Making Friends with Dogs

Did you and your children love these books? What was the most important lesson your family learned? Please share! 

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Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

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How to Keep Your Dog Cool

Summer Safey Tips
Eillen_1981/Deposit Photos

Summer is here, and it’s hot down here in the South. 🙂 It’s critical to be prepared so your pooch is nice and cool even in the shade!

Before we get started, I should mention dogs pant to cool themselves and can sometimes become overheated–this can happen in minutes! Lastly, keep your dog in the shade. If shade is not available, create your own shade using a pop-up tent.

Dog Supplies

I’ve tried so many dog cooling products and many have ended up in the trash. Here are my favorites!

Plastic Kiddie Pool

Sobek loves his pool! After early morning walks (in Tennessee, it’s still 85 degrees), he glides right in the cool water. He’ll lie on his side and smile. I recommend the 60-inch plastic pool for larger dogs or if several dogs will share the pool. You can purchase one at large retail stores, such as Target or Wal-Mart. Plastic pools are stored in random areas so ask a sales associate.

Cool Coat

It’s embarrassing how many I’ve tried even human versions. My favorite is Kool Koat. It works! After following directions to wet the coat, I store their coats in our ice cooler until needed. Depending on heat exposure, I may bring two Kool Koats and store the second one in our ice cooler and switch out as needed. While wearing a Kool Koat,  monitor your dog to ensure he is not overheating. Check out Overheating Signs and Treatment by Dr. Becker for overheating signs and quick treatment. Don’t forget to check, by feeling, your dog’s Kool Koat to make sure it’ s not warm. If warm, re-wet in cool water or switch to a second wet Kool Koat. Store your first one in your ice cooler and switch out as needed.

Crate Cooling Pad

Oh, these have been my obsession. I was determined to find the perfect version! This cooling crate pad works best. I bought it 10 years ago at a dog event and I’ve not found anything that works better. And it’s cheap and stays cool for days! It’s super simple to use. Fill a sink with cold water, submerge the Cooling Crate Pad, allow it to sit until the non-toxic crystals plumb up, wring out excess water and voila! One drawback is some dogs don’t like walking on it, as it feels like walking on soft mud. A trick is to place in the back of his crate or under a towel. My past Bouviers would wad it up and keep it on their tummies. Sobek will walk, sleep, snore and stand on his cooling pad. 🙂

Cold Water

Bring plenty of cool water for your dog. Bring a bowl and provide unlimited access to cool water at all times. Keep a jug of water in your cooler to refresh your dog’s water bowl as needed.

Frozen Treats

Fill Kongs with peanut butter, cream cheese, honey or applesauce, freeze overnight and toss 3-4 Kongs in the ice cooler. Provide as tasty and cool treats as needed.

This goes without saying, but I will say it anyway. During the warm or hot weather, never leave a dog a vehicle or in the back of a truck (even in a crate), walk your dog on hot asphalt (will cause paw burns), never leave your dog outside (bring them indoors), or trust a fan to keep your dog cool (pushing hot air around will not cool a dog).

Share your tips on keeping your pooch cool during the summer in the comment section below!

You may also like: Road Trips With Your Dog: What to Pack?

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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