Links & Books

"I like to get the most of my practice time. I'm combining Flyball and Agility!" Photo by Carl Photography Boiling Springs, PA

Links  

USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association) - www.usdaa.com
NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council ) - www.nadac.com
Clean Run Productions - www.cleanrun.com
AKC (American Kennel Club) - www.akc.org
UKC (United Kennel Club) - www.ukcdogs.com/agility.html

 

Flyball:

NAFA (North American Flyball Association) - www.flyball.org

Breeder Referral:

AKC - www.akc.org/breeds/breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm

Breed Information:

AKC - www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/

UKC - www.ukcdogs.com/breeds.html

Humane Organizations:

ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) - www.aspca.org

HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) - www.hsus.org

Miscellaneous Links:

APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) -www.apdt.com
PFDC (PA Federation of Dog Clubs- PA dog-related legislation)- www.paonline.com/PFDC/
PA Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement - www.doglaw.state.pa.us/doglaw/site/default.asp
Carl Photography - family/pet portraits - www.carlphotography.com

  Suggested Reading

The Other End of the Leash by Dr. Patricia McConnell PH. D

This is a wonderful book aimed at showing us how our natural behaviors (as primates)

and our dogs' natural behviors (as canines) sometimes lead to miscommunication and

confusion.  Dr. McConnell writes in a light mood and with humor but backs up her

information with years of scientific study and applied theories.

Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor

Karen Pryor is a powerful proponent of the principles and practical uses of positive

reinforcement in teaching new behaviors.  Here are the secrets of changing behavior in pets, kids -- even yourself -- without yelling, threats, force, punishement, guilt trips...orshooting the dogs.

Dog Behavior: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet by Dr. Ian Dunbar.
Explains how a dog's perceptions and desires result in its conduct.  By understanding what makes your dog tick, you'll learn how to socialize and train your dog to be the companion you want.  Modifying a dog's behavior isn't hard; it's simply a question of reinforcing the behavior that you desire.  By using the proven techniques described in this book, you can teach your dog to be the model companion.  The better you understand your dog, the better your relationship will be.

Quick Clicks: 40 Fast and Fun Behaviors to Train with a Clicker by Mandy Book and Cheryl Smith, 2001.
A clicker training primer that includes both fun and useful behaviors, teaches the technique without technical terms, creates a dog who wants to learn, and features step-by-step instructions for beginners.  Seasoned clicker trainers will find tons of ideas for fun new behaviors, too.

Dogs Are From Neptune by Jean Donaldson, 1998
Candid answers to urgent questions about aggression and other aspects of dog Positive reinforcement methods include clickers, food, and praise.

How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Ian Dunbar.
Dr. Ian Dunbar leads new and experienced owners through a training program to PREVENT problems - "Temperament Training", SOLVE problems - "Behavior Training" and BEHAVE - "Obedience Training".  Dunbar's methods are fun and easy to apply for all family members.

Bones Would Rain from the Sky by Suzanne Clothier

From the Publisher: Akin to Monty Roberts's The Man Who Listens to Horses and going light-years beyond The Hidden Life of Dogs or any training manual, Suzanne Clothier takes a radical new direction in understanding our life with dogs...and our mutual love. Drawing on a lifetime of experience with dogs, this nationally renowned dog trainer brings us astonishing new lessons about our animals -- and ourselves.  Gently, with intelligence, humor, and unfailing patience, Suzanne Clothier guides us to truly comprehend another creature's mind and heart. You will discover how our dogs see the world from their uniquely canine perspective, how we can meet their deep need for leadership without using force or coercion, and how the "laws" of canine culture often put our dogs at odds with us and our very human world. Clothier's unparalleled insights into aggression in dogs can help prevent a tragedy, including the unnecessary destruction of a pet.