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 D og 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

Gear We Love and Recommend

Front-attachment harnesses like the Freedom Harness, Balance Harness or Easy Walk 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

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