Helpful Dog Training Resources
Some of our favorite resources for your dog’s care, training, and socialization with a focus on promoting positive methods, common courtesy, and responsible ownership. We clearly have a real soft spot for worried dogs.
How Dogs Communicate
- Jean Donaldson and her pals created iSpeak Dog, a ginormous reference for dog communication and so much more.
- Victoria Stilwell’s thorough and well-organized take on canine body language
- Whoa! Look at all this dog-speak info. from Eileen and Dogs. Eileen Anderson is a superstar.
- The Spectrum of Fear, Anxiety and Stress from the Fear-Free folks. Love them.
Positive Training
- Jean Donaldson on compulsion training methods- Talk Softly and Carry a Carrot, Not a Stick
- Lisa Mullinax explains some common misconceptions about positive reinforcement
- When you Catch Your Dog Doing Something Good and reward her for it, she’ll do it more often
- The magic formula you need to know about positive training right this very moment. Nailed it, Jake Buvala.
The D-Word (Our position on dominance training)
- The Association of Pet Dog Trainers’ (APDT) position statement on dominance and dog training.
- Learning Dog Training From Television? This site pulls back the curtain.
- Dr. Patricia McConnell, explains what dominance is and isn’t
Dominance and “whispering” from Dr. Sophia Yin
Stop an Approaching Off-Leash Dog
- Off-leash dog safety by those DINO folks. Love them!
- Dr. Patricia McConnell’s methods for stopping an approaching dog
- Jessica Dolce has all the answers for stopping off-leash dogs in their tracks
Dog-Dog Interactions
- Bad Rap’s Dog/Dog Tolerance levels in adult dogs
- Why not the Dog Park? by Diamonds in the Ruff
- Trail Etiquette for hiking with dogs by Nancy Tanner
Be Your Dog’s BFFF (best fur-less friend forever)
- Petting dogs and the importance of consent from Paws Abilities
- Jessica Dolce’s Stand up for your dogs. Yasss.
Dogs and Kids
- Expert support for families with dogs can be found at Family Paws Parent Education (pdfs: Dog and Baby Safety, Dog and Toddler Safety, 5 Types of Supervision, Success Stations)
- I feel lucky to have Colleen Pelar’s parenting secrets for Living with and Kids and Dogs
- The Family Dog’s Stop the 77 video. You’ll never see kids and dogs the same way again
- Keep flipping through The Family Dog channel for more educational videos (and laughs)
- Lisa Edwards has these fantastic go-to commands to teach dogs living with kids
Are You Ready for a LTR? Let’s Find Your New Best Friend!
- Dogs Out Loud on expectations of adoption I Need to Return this Dog
- Diamonds in the Ruff ask Are You Ready for a Dog in Your Life?
- How Not to Pick a Rescue Dog – an excellent article by Grisha Stewart
- Jen from DOL on the first days home So, You’ve Brought Home a New Dog
Worried, Shy, Fearful, Reactive, Anxious (still very loved) Dogs
- Dogs in Need of Space– DINOS are good dogs, they just need space
- Diamonds in the Ruff talk about Socialization, Treat & Retreat and Thresholds. So very important.
- The Myth of “Reinforcing Fear” a lecture by Suzanne Clothier with bonus links
- A helpful heap of reactive dog info called Leash Gremlins Need Love Too from Dogs Out Loud
Dog-Cat Intros (you can’t hurry love)
- What to do/not to do cat intros and dog intros from Ingrid Johnson
- Best Friends knows that when it comes to cats and dogs, slow and steady desensitization is key
- Everything about cat-dog intros from Positive Cattitudes
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) Position Statements
- Positive Vet Visit Position Statement
- Dominance Position Statement
- Punishment Position Statement
- Puppy Socialization Position Statement
- How to Choose a Trainer Handout
- Breed Specific Legislation Position Statement
- AVSAB Response Statement to Cesar 911
Gear We Love and Recommend
- Front-attachment harnesses like the Balance Harness, PetSafe 3-in-1 Harness or Freedom Harness,
- A good 6-ft leash so you can give your dog room to sniff on your walk
6-in-1 Kurgo leash for more freedom or less, as needed - Phydeaux has the best leash sleeves to nicely let folks know that you’re not down with on-leash greetings
- Squishy Face Walking Belt is great for hands-free walking and training
TRAINING AND CLASS RECOMMENDATIONS
- Puppy classes in Durham, NC
Learning to Dog Training and Enrichment
Whole Dog Institute - Puppy Classes In Chapel Hill, NC
Cheery Dogs - Separation-Related Behaviors (Separation Anxiety)
DogEvolve
Focused Fun – Home Alone and Happy