|
Title |
Author |
Type |
Description |
|
Canine Partners |
Jane Bidder |
Training |
This book is about
the Charity Canine Partners who provide assistance dogs for the disabled. The book is
wonderful covering everything from training the dogs to how the dogs and their eventual
owners are paired up. The book really made me think much more about the relationship we
have with our dogs. It is a book I would recommend to anybody! |
|
Excel - Erated Learning |
Pamela J. Reid Ph.D. |
Behaviour |
Very interesting book
with a lot of information written in almost plain English, not stuffy like other
behaviour books can be, but you do need to concentrate when reading it.
Estelle Boudet |
Emma & I |
Sheila Hocken |
Autobiography |
The story of a blind
lady and her guide dog. Debbie Crease |
Dogs. A Startling New
Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior &
Evolution |
Ray & Laura Coppinger |
Behaviour |
Think how good a book
could be if two of the top scientists studying the development of the dog were
also gifted writers, sled dog racers and breeders of working dogs... this is it. I liked
it because it made me question received wisdom about the relationship between
dogs and people..
Iain Fraser |
|
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals |
Turid Rugaas |
Behaviour |
I like it because
although it is often underestimated it is one of the most important books ever written
about dogs. It provides an introduction into an area of which most people are unaware.
Although it is simple and short, it should help all dog owners and professionals to
understand in basic terms that their dogs can communicate feelings and emotions and that
they should take note of these and act on them. It should be the first step to
really start to understand the dog's point of view and to encourage handlers to find out
more from Turid Rugaas herself. Sheila Harper |
|
Ain't Misbehavin'** |
David Appleby & Andrew Marland |
Behaviour & training |
Written in easy to
understand style for the average dog owner and gives great insight into why dogs behave &
learn as they do. Jackie Bromwich |
Jock of the Bushveld |
Percy Fitzpatrick |
Autobiography |
Every word true (!)
it describes a life of hunting and trekking in the South African bush with a very special
dog of Staffie type, early last century. The paternalistic racial attitudes are of their
time and hard to read now, but everything else is a glorious tribute to the rewards of a
close relationship with a brave, well-trained dog. I decided very early on that I would
honour Jock for the rest of my life by giving all my dogs names that start with 'J' or
the sound of it. With only one dog at a time, I've managed it so far - Jake (a Staffie),
Geordie, Jiggs and now Jem (all Borders.) Priscilla
Barrett |
|
The Ultimate Border Collie |
Alison Hornsby |
Breed |
It is a super book
and as the title suggests it tells you everything you want to know about the Border
Collie from working sheep, doing obedience, flyball, working trials and of course
agility. Experts from all over the world have pooled resources to contribute to this
comprehensive book on Border Collies. It's not cheap at £25 ( at least that was the price
when I bought it ) but I can thoroughly recommend it. I have lots of books on Border
Collies , agility etc but this is the best. June
Ashfield |
Greyfriars Bobby |
Eleanor Atkinson |
True story |
About a little sky
terrier who showed his devotion to his master and was shown devotion by the orphaned
children of Edinburgh until he died at the age of 16. For me it is a humbling story and
has a great message for the human race, if only we would listen. I love it.
Rosemary Elliott |
|
Living with Dogs |
George Summers |
Behaviour |
Looking past the use of some compulsion in the
training of dogs used in this book, the extraordinary insight of the author into the
psychology of canine behaviour and human/canine relationships places this book way ahead
of its time. Robert Loftus |
The Culture Clash
** |
Jean Donalson |
Behaviour |
This book is about 'dogs' and what they come
'hotwired' with. This means what they are designed to do/be, why they do it and our
perception of them- often completely wrong. The reason I love it so much is it is
presented in a humorous no nonsense way, that explains all the nuts and bolts of dogs and
why they are the way they are. A must for anyone interested in dog behaviour/training.
Chris Mancini |
|
Thy Servant a Dog |
Rudyard Kipling |
Novel & poems |
The 'wonderful and dretful' story of life seen through
a dog's eyes. You will both laugh and cry as Boots the Scottie tells his story in his
unique doggy language. The innocence of the dogs is heart-wrenching in places, but their
joy in life shines through. Kipling really understood dogs.
Trisha Harding |
Dr Dog |
Babette Cole |
Humour |
Those who know will identify the culprit immediately.
Those who don't - well you've missed out so far. If I quote - 'Never scratch your bum and
suck your thumb' might give you a flavour (sic) of the level and if I tell you also
'Mummy laid an egg' is by the same author both might bring a smile into your life.
Graham Taylor |
How to Speak Dog |
Stanley Coren |
Behaviour |
A very helpful book with great insights into dog
behaviour - well and amusingly written. Have found it really useful with Lester - my
'problem' dog - have been able to sort out some of his hang-ups such as fear of children.
Got it from the library but had to have my own copy! Chris
Moodie |
Breeders |
Anita Burgh |
|
I have just read a very good dog book which made me
laugh, cry, and think 'yes that's happened to me'! Well worth reading.
Paula Triggs |
Just Say Good Dog - Teaching the Family Dog
|
Linda Goodman
with Marlene Trunnel |
Training |
It's a very positive approach to dog training.
Original book with fun and anecdotal text + hilarious illustrations. Would recommend it
especially to first time dog owners, it was my Bible when I got my WSD puppy 8 years
ago...Sandrine Farr |
|
Fluke |
James Herbert |
Novel |
It tells the story of a dog called Fluke, from the day
he is born until late into his life. It deals with all your normal doggy adventures, some
of which are very funny, as well as strange memories that keep plaguing him. It's these
memories that form the core to the story and make it more than just a 'Watership Down'
type novel. I can't really give much more away as it will spoil the plot. It is a
fantastic read that will have you laughing and crying, with an ending that may well leave
you with a few theological thoughts. Dave Cooper |
The Loop |
Nicholas Evans |
Novel |
Do wolves count? Our hounds are more like them than a
lot of people would like to believe! Essentially a love story but a lot about the natural
behaviour of the wolves and survival. Sam at Chiltern Pet
Partners |
Lassie Come Home |
Eric Knight |
Novel |
I read this as a young girl. I found it so moving and
it made me want a Rough Collie from that moment on. After years of wanting one, I
eventually got my first Rough Collie in the early 80s and have owned no other breed
since. I am a real Rough Collie fanatic and still own two now. In total I have had four
and all because of this book. I have lost count of the number of times I have read this
book over the years not to mention. how many times I have watched the video - each time
being like the first. Angie Brooks |
The Wrong Dog
and others in a series about Rachel
Alexander and Das |
Carol Lea Benjamin |
Mystery novel |
In each book in this series, Carol Lea Benjamin
tackles an issue pertinent to the dog world. As a dog trainer, she knows what she's
talking about and all the dog stuff is recognisable and delightful, not to mention
excellent mysteries. Maureen Jennings |
|
The Book of the Bitch ** |
J. M. Evans & Kay White |
Non-fiction |
The book is full of useful info regarding any feminine
what ifs and was so useful throughout my bitch's pregnancy and whelping. Every stage of
the birthing process is described so well - it definitely gets my vote.
Trudi Baird |
|
Purely Positive Training - Companion to
Competition** |
Sheila Booth |
Dog training |
This book has had the
most profound effect on how I regard and train dogs. It explains how to train dogs by
only using positive techniques. No
coercion or show of power needs to be used, just learning to read and understand how your
dog regards its life and the relationship with its owner. I have three copies of this
book as all my dog training friends keep borrowing it and the average time it takes for
them to reluctantly return the book is 12 months (Then they go out and buy a copy for
themselves!)
Sally Hopkins |
|
Think Dog
** |
John
Fisher |
Behaviour |
I love this book
because I own border collies! You have to be a dog psychologist to own collies and this
book is easy and fun to read, and extremely useful. Every collie breeder should make
sure potential owners read and understand this book before agreeing to sell them a puppy!
Lynn Sheridan |
|
The Dog Listener ** |
Jan
Fennell |
Dog training |
Terrific, meticulous
book on seeing your canine chum through the eyes of a pack member. Easily understood and
great results when put into practice! Jackie Lawer, Capable
Canines
Very informative, especially for those of us with more
than one dog, and who haven't quite worked out a pack order!!
Michelle Townsend |
Winterdance |
Gary
Paulsen |
True Story |
If anyone has a scrap
of interest in dogs outside of agility then this book has to be the one. It's about 'the
fine madness of Alaskan Dog-Racing.' It follows the training of one man and his dog team
as they get ready for the Iditarod dog race across Alaska. If anyone else has read this
please say you laughed out loud when the dogs were training, one time pulling a motorbike
and the other with a car. Brilliant book! Sarah Courtney
A true story about
the trials and tribulations of training for husky racing. This book has a very serious
side but also is a book that is guaranteed to make me laugh. How this man survived I will
never know a wonderful read. Rosemary Elliott |
Introduction to
Dog Agility |
Margaret H. Bonham |
Agility |
I love this book
because it has excellent pictures and outstanding explanations of obstacles, sequencing,
and how to get started in Dog Agility. Katlyn Tersten |
|
Nop's Trials |
Donald McCaig |
Novel |
About the tragic life
of a stolen collie dog and its will to get back to its master and work again Coz its
about passion and the bond between man and dog! Ann Harmes
Story of a stolen
collie as told by the dog. Very funny in places, sad in others. This is where I admit
that this is the only book that has made me cry. That poignant that I nearly named my dog
Nop. I have a puppy die end of May. Mmmmmmm.
Lisa Gantly |
|
Clifford
the Small Red Puppy |
Norman Bridwell |
Children's book |
It's a
children's book but mentally I am about 10 anyway. Lee |
|
Call of the Wild |
Jack
London |
Adventure novel |
A classic.
Just a good read which I still read. Alex
Fairfull |
|
The Illustrated Shepherds Life |
W. H. Hudson |
Real
life |
The book was written in 1910 and is about a shepherd's
life in the 1800' early 1900s. The insight into the shepherds life and that of his dogs
is both informative and entertaining to anybody who enjoys the countryside and has an
interest in the working collie. It is a book of real life and the dog's involvement in it
isn't romanticised but described with a refreshing accuracy that gives a clearer insight
into how adaptable and intelligent the collie is. Learning more about the life the collie
was bred to lead will certainly give you a greater understanding of their characters.
Ron Mitton |
|
Shadow the Sheepdog |
Enid Blyton |
Children's adventure |
This was my favourite and very 'dog eared' (excuse the
pun) book as a child. It epitomised all that Border Collies should be - brave, loyal,
intelligent, clever & loving. It had happy times in the book yet also a mix of harsh
reality when Shadow was nearly sold abroad and then blinded in an accident. As a child I
could absorb myself in the book and share the dog that I was never allowed in real life
to have. Mandy Bainbridge |
|
Lessons from a Stock Dog |
Bruce Fogt |
Training |
We were introduced to this book by the breeder where
we bought our Border Collie. The author owns our dog's father so that was neat for us.
This author talks about his training with livestock from his early days in 4H through
adulthood. Beth Shank |
|
A Dog Day |
Walter Emanuel |
Fun but
maybe more |
This book was first published in 1902 and I saw it as
a child XX years ago! I remember then it had me wondering what dogs and other animals
think about. An old friend gave me a copy last birthday, just after I became addicted to
agility!! Sure, it's light hearted, sugar coated even but in 101 years it may well have
had other people wondering what dogs think about. If so it's been a good book for dogs.
John Statton |
A Guide to the Weimaraner
(out of print, limited availability)
All About the Lurcher
The Complete Australian Cattle Dog |
Gillian Burgoin
Kathrine Totenham
John Holmes |
Breed |
I have three favourite dog books - all of which are
written by real 'dog people' who happen to have an interest in a particular breed. It's
the history of the breeds which really fascinates me, as all three breeds/types have been
deliberately and carefully 'produced' for a purpose: the aristocratic hunter/guard; the
silent poacher; the tough outback worker. Brenda Tenten |
|
Agility - Spaß und Sport mit Hunden |
Astrid Steiner |
Agility |
I don't think I can help you much because the book is
German but I'll tell you. I really enjoyed this book. it is easy to read. It's for
beginners as well as for profs. there are some courses in it which you can do in your
training. it was my first agility book and it was a recommendation of my trainer. well if
you want to know more about it just write back! greetings from Austria!
Alex & Bricco |
Doctor Dunbar's
Good Little Dog Book |
Ian Dunbar |
Training |
It covers basic training in very readable and common
sense way, incorporating step-by-step-pictorials of some training methods. If you are
looking for a book that will take you and your dog to the Crufts Obedience finals, then
this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book that helps you and Fido to
form a good working relationship, based on general good manners and social skills for
everyday life, then read it! Remember, with each new pup you will make mistakes. The
golden rule is not to make the same mistakes with each and every dog! Sadly, this book is
no longer in print so find a friend who already has it and borrow it! Zoë
Heritage I like the book
because it appears to always have an answer to a problem when needed. A problem shared is
a problem halved. Patrick Kightley |
Red Dog |
Louis de Bernières
(author of Captain Corelli's Mandolin) |
Real Life novel |
The real Red Dog (Tally Ho) was a kelpie, born in
Western Australia in 1971. This is the story of a dog 'who found life too interesting to
stay in one place'. Red Dog's travels and habits became so well known to the miners who
lived among the 'vast heaps of red earth and rock poking out of the never-ending bush' -
a red Martian landscape - that after he had gone they paid for a bronze statue in his
memory, still to be seen outside Dampier. He travelled mainly by hitch-hiking, hurling
himself in front of cars he recognised to force them to stop, then demanding and getting
a front seat and repaying the drivers' enforced kindness by dropping 'bombs' that had all
the windows open in seconds. Funny and totally unsentimental, this story still manages to
capture the special tenderness we feel towards the dogs that love us.
John Leslie |
|
Building
Blocks for Performance |
Bobbie Anderson with Tracy Libby |
Dog Training |
If you wish to forge a very special bond with your new
puppy, you have only a few precious weeks to engage with his most trusting and
impressionable self. Read this book and find out how to capture those sacred puppy days
and fill them with joy. Pure gold. Chris Smith |
|
All of the 'Famous Five' books |
Enid Blyton |
Children's Adventure |
I loved them as a kid because of the collie Timmy.
They were always getting themselves into serious trouble, and it was always Timmy getting
them out of it. All I wanted was a dog like him. Karen Young |
|
One Hundred Mile Walkies |
Unknown |
Travel |
The book is a diary written of a man and his dog who
walk from the North coast of Devon along the coast around Cornwall and back along the
coast to south Devon. It's a book which will make you laugh a lot and will make even the
naughtiest of agility dogs look like Angels!! Boogie the dog is taken along for company
and has many adventures along the way!! Allison Rapo |
|
Don't Shoot the Dog
** |
Karen Pryor |
Behaviour and training |
The value of this book is not in that of
training agility, but rather that of a better understanding how our dog learns and
how we can teach our dog in a kind and efficient way using positive reinforcement, which
complements in training, the fun and enjoyment we get from our sport of dog agility.
Robert Loftus |
Following
on from the BBC's celebration of books and reading, The Big Read, Agilitynet invited
everyone to share their favourite dog book. It could be fact or fiction, a children or picture
book - just as long as the topic was either agility or dogs.
