Recommended Reading
On this page you will find a number of books which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. They are lighthearted books written by dog owners who have encountered and overcome many problems while living with them. If you feel that your dog's behaviour is bad, I suggest reading either of these books to see how bad it could be!
I've also included a book that provides a number of games and activities for you and your dog to play. I use a number of these myself when I recommend exercises for my clients.
A Dog Year By Jon Katz
When Jon Katz takes in a young troubled border collie, his calm, sedate life will never be the same again. Jon and his wife live in a New Jersey suburb with two perfectly behaved Labradors.
Then into the mix comes Devon, who creates havoc from the moment he arrives at the airport, when it takes Jon, two baggage handlers and three police officers to track him down after he escapes. Jon learns the hard way how to encourage Devon to behave.
But amongst the difficulties of their first year together, Jon discovers his life is enlivened by a creature with so much mischievousness and joie de vivre. In fact, Jon finds that he is to change as much as Devon. By turns insightful, hilarious and deeply moving, "A Dog Year" is a delightful true story of the age-old bond between man and dog.
Marley & Me By John Grogan
John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they bought home Marley, a wiggly yellow fur ball of a puppy. Life would never be the same.
Marley quickly grew into a barrelling, ninety-seven pound steamroller of a Labrador retriever, a dog like no other. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, flung drool on guests, stole women's undergarments, and ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including couches and fine jewellery.
Obedience school did no good and Marley was expelled. And yet Marley's heart was pure. Just as he joyfully refused any limits on his behaviour, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. Marley shared the couple's joy at their first pregnancy, and their heartbreak over the miscarriage.
He was there when babies finally arrived and when the screams of a seventeen-year-old stabbing victim pierced the night. The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life.
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Fetch By D. Caroline Coile
This unique book combines fun, satisfying activities for both dogs and dog owners.
From canine beauty pageants to earth dog trials, Beyond Fetch covers a wide range of pursuits.
Is your dog a lazy lassie? Have no fear, she may be the perfect pooch to make the rounds at your local nursing home, calmly bringing joy to petloving patients. Find out how to sign up your Active Archie for agility trials, then read on to discover which toys are best for you and your particular dog.
Some endeavors covered in Beyond Fetch involve little more than an old sock, while others require hitching up your dog to a cart or even cross country skis and setting out for adventure.
Whether you are looking for rainy day fun or a new social life centered on the local dog park, Beyond Fetch provides details, descriptions and how to get started. With black and white photographs throughout.
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