With the addition of Bella to our home, I find I have three very different animals to look after, live with, train, etc. and I need to learn how to manage the new dynamics. I have contacted a behaviorist/trainer who I'm hoping will come to our house to help me out, but thought I'd kick-start my learning with some good quality dog literature.

Today I read "On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals" by Turid Rugaas. It's very short (that's how I read it in one sitting! LOL) but has a lot of meaty information in it about how dogs communicate with each other and us, and how we can communicate with them. Two things I learned... 1. One of a dog's signals to another dog that he means no harm is to curve away from the other dog and not approach straight on. So when we leash walk our dogs and head straight at another person with a dog, we are forcing our dogs to be rude to each other, and perhaps come off as aggressive. If there's room to do so, better to step aside and make the on-coming dog feel as though you are curving away a bit. 2. Yawning is a big way dogs telegraph/communicate calm--they do it in response to stress, to defuse a situation and communicate that things are OK. The author used yawning and stretching out while not making eye contact to help a dog overcome its fear of trains passing by its house. The dog picked up on her body language and that of its owners (coached by the trainer) and within a few weeks was calm and OK when the trains passed by. I think this would be a wonderful technique to use with dogs that are phobic about fireworks or thunder.

At any rate, a worthwhile read. Next up: "The Cautious Canine" by Patricia B. McConnell, PhD.

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

Yay! I loved Turid Rugaas's book! I wished that book had other kinds of signals too... and actions.. like muzzle punch! I never see anything about muzzle punch. If anyone knows, please let me know!

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i am very very lucky to have her.

https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/th...muzzle-punches

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I really enjoyed it, but wish it included more than discussion of calming signals. I think one of my next books will be a more comprehensive presentation of dog language.

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

I just read the 'cautious canine' - Lilly is one and I loved it.

"On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals" by Turid Rugaas is on my list (from the library, too)

Lilly is submissive-aggressive to other (unknown) dogs. We just hired a private trainer and we hope to take turns around - just like you Kathleen.

All the best for you and Bella and the family!!!

Heike

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Da Turple Lili an prens

Thanks for sharing! I'm going to find these books as well!


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Thanks! That's what I needed!

I just started reading "The other end of the leash"! She is great, huh?

Another book that I always think about and tell people is "Control unleashed" from Leslie Mcdevitt. Is anyone else crazy about this book as I am?

There are so many books more to read.. It seems I can't get enough! Maybe because i am new to dogs and am fascinated about them, and want to try to understand, and provide a happy life!

Oh, also there are really good DVDs! When I am back from traveling I will add here my list!


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i am very very lucky to have her.

If you're on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaMcConnellPhD?fref=ts

She's amazing, I love her books, learned so much from reading them.

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I read THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH for the 3rd time after my younger rott attacked me on Christmas Eve and we had her put down. 3rd bite and no more. Done without warning and provocation. After reading it, I have become afraid to add another large dog to the home. I am good at reading body signals but this book scared the beejezuz out of me. I want to enjoy my dog and I felt I needed to watch every move they make. Even my sweet Gabby has me nervous.

What a coincidence! I just read the Rugaas book and a different one by Patricia McConnell, "Family Friendly Dog Training: A Six-Week Program for You and Your Dog." Both are quick, short reads, but have some very helpful tips.

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Nancy