One of the few books that delivers great positive training methods for basic behaviours - but does it in a clear and well written fashion that the casual or novice dog owner will understand and hopefully accept. If you are a trainer or dog enthusiast and are having trouble recommending a solid training book to your less experienced clients or friends can actually understand and follow, this is a really good choice.

Alana's behavior modification approaches and training techniques are very gentle and are based on how animals learn and scientific principles. Alana does not use punishment, force, or negative reinforcement when working with dogs or cats to resolve behavioural problems.

Alana Stevenson is a Professional Dog and Cat Behaviuor Specialist and Dog Trainer. She has a MS in Biology, and is Certified (CDBC) by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a member of the International Institute for Applied Companion Animal Behavior.

With this visual guide, you'll quickly learn how to determine your dog's personality, customize a training plan, and speak Doglish. You'll get the scoop on training tools, everyday handling, puppy conditioning, and socialization. You'll learn how to teach basic commands and progress to fun tricks and games. Instead of pouring over boring texts, you'll get the picture and enjoy working with your soon-to-be well-trained dog!

We love this book at Lovehound! We've actually trained our dogs using Hodgson's very clear picture book. It is comprehensive, starting with puppy training all the way to tips on behavioural issues. The book also covers grooming, pet-care and other useful tips. The content organisation makes it easy to quickly skim through and read only relevant sections. If you are new to dog

The Other End of the Leash shares a revolutionary, new perspective on our relationship with dogs, focusing on our behavior in comparison with that of dogs. An applied animal behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell looks at humans as just another interesting species, and muses about why we behave the way we do around our dogs, how dogs might interpret our behavior, and how to interact with our dogs in ways that bring out the best in our four-legged friends.

After all, although humans and dogs share a remarkable relationship that is unique in the animal world, we are still two entirely different species, each shaped by our individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (like wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation.

The Other End of the Leash demonstrates how even the slightest changes in your voice and the way you stand can help your dog understand what you want. Once you start to think about your own behavior from the perspective of your dog, you'll understand why much of what appears to be doggy-disobedience is simply a case of miscommunication. Inside you will learn:

• How to use your voice so that your dog is more likely to do what you ask.
  
• Why "getting dominance" over your dog is a bad idea.
  
• Why "rough and tumble primate play" can lead to issues -- and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of trouble.
  
• How dogs and humans share personality types -- and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than "alphawannabees!"

The Other End of the Leash has single handedly changed our relationship with Hudson (Lovehound cover boy). Hudson was a very shy and anxious rescue dog a year ago (rescued late 2008). He also became very excited at the approach of bigger male dogs. We had tried many ways of building his confidence and reduce his anxiety towards other dogs. The readily accessible references that we could find advised us to show our dominant position on our dog and used techniques like the "pin-down" etc. All these methods only made Hudson more fearful and introverted.

Patricia McConnell dismisses much of the "dominance" method. First she explains the canine species versus humans and how misunderstanding may arise from our difference. Then she indicates how dogs' body language may be interpreted and what dogs like/dislike or find acceptable/unacceptable behaviour from other dogs or from humans. McConnell also provides very valuable advice on how to modify our own body language and interaction with our dogs to promote their well-being. Since we've put her techniques into practice, Hudson has become a completely different dog: more social and less anxious happy chappy. We strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs!

The City Dog is a modern-day survival guide for dogs and their pet parents living in an urban environment. For the urbanite on the market for the perfect pet, the book provides a guide to the dogs who are most compatible with city life and small living spaces. Since city dwellings can cause specific stresses for dogs, a personalized socialisation program is included to help acclimate your dog to the sights, sounds, and smells of urban living. With The City Dog learn how to empower your dog to conquer common fears so he can become a well-adjusted city resident.

Although Off-Leash Dog Play was written as a resource for pet professionals, it contains valuable information for any dog owner. Whether you operate or work in a dog-related business, or just visit the dog parks, the book will assist you in having safe, fun playtimes and doggy encounters. In addition to covering leadership, group control and body language, the book offers insight into the dogs' scent, vocal and visual communication.

You will discover how to:

•  Understand canine body language and the ever-changing dynamics that occur between dogs playing together
  
• Safely manage off-leash playgroups with the least amount of force
  
• Train your staff to effectively manage off-leash playgroups
  
• Identify dog play styles to create fun, interactive dog playgroups
  
• See early-warning signs of arousal and play escalations
  
• Minimize potential dangers and fights between dogs
  
• Support the emotional needs of puppies and dogs lacking self-confidence
  
• Correlate breed history and stages of development to off-leash playgroup management issues
  
• How to introduce dogs and determine if they are suitable playmates
  
• Learn when to allow a dog to attend an off-leash play session and when it may be unsafe to do so

Most dog owners in Australia enjoy seeing their dog run around freely at the park. Yet everyday at the park we see dogs behaving badly towards each other. We know how worrying it may be for the new dog owner to decide whether and/or when to let their pooch off-leash. We've chosen this book to give you some insight into taking off the leash responsibly.